SEATTLE — The Seattle Sounders’ 1-0 Western Conference Knockout Round win over Sporting Kansas City was nothing if not physical.
The ill-temperament began in the 32nd minute when referee Ismail Elfath issued Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso a yellow card for a foul on Roger Espinoza. Alonso came in hard on the tackle and left Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes fuming.
“That was a red card all year long,” Vermes said. “The fact he doesn’t get that there is an absolute travesty.”
If Alonso’s yellow card on Espinoza drew the ire of Vermes, Alonso’s challenge on playmaker Benny Feilhaber in the 67th minute could not have helped.