Score: Sounders FC 3 vs. Chicago Fire 2
Site: Toyota Park
Records: Sounders FC (10-3-2, 32 points); Chicago Fire (2-4-8, 14 points)
Man of the Match: Marco Pappa drew some inspiration playing at Toyota Park for the first time as a visitor. He nearly set up two first-half goals, then almost scored one of his own (more on that later), before ultimately setting up Lamar Neagle for the third goal of the match. In the 78th minute, Pappa sent a ball into the box for Kenny Cooper that he nodded through to Neagle, who settled it before rifling a right-footed shot into the net.
Telling Stat: Seattle extended its unbeaten streak to nine matches against the Fire in MLS play and 10 overall, including the 2011 U.S. Open Cup final. Sounders FC is 6-0-3 in MLS play against Chicago and 7-0-3 overall.
What You Missed: Pappa nearly put on a replay of his Olympico goal that he scored against Seattle at Toyota Park in 2012, winding a corner kick in from the right side that missed just over the crossbar. Chicago's defense was preparing to mark Seattle players on the 57th minute dead-ball effort and Pappa snuck a quick-strike toward the near post, but narrowly missed.
So What: Sounders FC goes into the World Cup break leading the MLS Supporters' Shield standings with a 10-3-2 record, seven points clear of Real Salt Lake entering RSL's match with the Portland Timbers on Saturday night. Now with three weeks before the next MLS fixture, Seattle will have time to rest before facing D.C. United. However, they will do so without the services of Obafemi Martins after the forward was shown a red card in the first half against Chicago, in addition to Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin who are away with the U.S. National Team at the World Cup.
