It looked like a formation and strategy set-up to absorb the New York Red Bulls attack early and then start to pounce. Head coach Brian Schmetzer ran the Seattle Sounders out in a 5-4-1 with a midfield that, in its proper state, should be able to pass through the Red Bulls press. They failed at that and the defense, especially the left side, failed to absorb. Seattle went into halftime fortunate to not be down three or four goals.
At the half Schmetzer started to deploy his attacking talent. Clint Dempsey entered at for Tony Alfaro.