In close matches, it’s usually one or two moments that can swing the outcome of a game.
The Seattle Sounders learned that lesson the hard way Saturday, after playing Al Ahly even or better for nearly 90 minutes in their historic FIFA Club World Cup opener. With the match looking destined for a 30-minute extra time, the Sounders fell victim to a bad pass, a failed clearance and a desperately unlucky deflection.
As a result, their stay in Morocco will be a short one.
While the Sounders can take some solace in a solid performance — particularly defensively — the concession of a goal in the dying moments of the match will leave a bitter taste in their mouths on the long flight home.