It has been a frustrating evening for the Seattle Sounders, who have dominated play but still found themselves trailing early in the second half. But the tide may have turned.
After Clint Dempsey drew a yellow on Pedro Morales by bursting into the box, he deferred to Andreas Ivanschitz on the free kick from about 20 yards out.
It was the first time Ivanschitz had been allowed to take a free kick within shooting range.