The Seattle Sounders controlled a great deal of the play in the first half but San Francisco's defense prevented them from getting a whole lot of solid looks at goal. The Sounders defense, conversely, seemed intent on creating opportunities for the home side and while they got away with several big mistakes in the early going, a poor clearance by Jeff Parke gave San Francisco the opportunity to mount the attack that led to the first half's only goal.
Parke slipped in the box and San Francisco was awarded a penalty after the ball was kicked into his hand; an exceedingly soft penalty to be sure, but had it not been for the Sounders shambolic defending it wouldn't have been an issue. San Francisco, already playing a counter-attacking style, have withdrawn from the attack even further since taking the lead, well aware of the advantage they will have should Seattle begin the home leg without an away goal.
Still, the Sounders have been able to put together some promising attacks and with some dangerous weapons still on the bench it's far too early for despair on the part of the visitors. As has been the case often for Seattle this season it's been the final ball that's been missing, and if Sigi Schmid is able to make the right tactical adjustments at the half the Sounders should feel like they have a goal in them before the night is out.