Sounders FC Secure Spot in CONCACAF Quarterfinals with 3-2 Win Against Marathon: A Fan's Reaction

The Seattle Sounders FC advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2012/13 CONCACAF Champions League on Sept. 19, defeating C.D. Marathon 3-2 in Honduras. With the win, the Sounders can rest their star players when the two teams meet again on Oct. 14, at CenturyLink Field. "It's tremendous," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "It's a goal we set for ourselves -- that we want to qualify tonight -- and we were able to accomplish that. It means that the last game now, which is during the last week of our season right before an important game with LA ... we can go into that game relaxed and free of mind. I was really proud." Seattle opened up the scoreboard early in the contest, when Sammy Ochoa nodded in a Mario Martinez cross into the post. Marathon got their chance to equalize towards the end of the first half, thanks to a penalty kick awarded after Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was called for a foul inside the box. Mario Berrios capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick, bringing Marathon back into the game. The Sounders started off a bit slowly in the second half, but Eddie Johnson gave them back the lead in the 62nd minute, making the most of a well-played pass from Andy Rose. However, Marathon was awarded with another penalty kick five minutes later, and Berrios converted once again. Fortunately for the Sounders, Brad Evans found the back of the post in the 78th minute, heading a Osvaldo Alonso feed past Marathon goalkeeper Jose Mendoza. Given the fact the Sounders' offense struggled during their last outing against the Portland Timbers, it's nice to see them scoring goals once again. Seattle's offense did struggle a bit in terms of creating shots, but they made the most of their opportunities, scoring on almost half of their attempts. The Sounders will now get two days off, before hosting the MLS Western Conference leading San Jose Earthquakes on Sept. 22. The Sounders currently trail the Earthquakes by nine points in the conference standings, and a win on Saturday will go a long way in their quest to finish the season with the top spot in the west.