Photo credit: Rick Bowmer, AP
If you haven’t seen Sounders FC’s game-winning goal Thursday from Mario Martinez — or even if it’s been a few minutes — you should watch it again. Here’s a direct link or jump to the 4:45 mark in the highlights posted below.
Arguably the greatest goal in franchise history, and that’s even if you don’t consider the context.
Here’s what the Sounders were saying about it afterward:
“A moment of brilliance.” — Adrian Hanauer, general manager and part owner.
“An unbelievable goal, and that’s what it was going to take in this series. As I said before the game, it was probably going to be a one-goal kind of thing.” — Head coach Sigi Schmid.
“It was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. You see those one or twice a year — that’s it. … It came at a perfect time.” — Midfielder Brad Evans.
“Amazing. I’m very happy for him because he had a tough time. He’s a national team player and he didn’t get quite a lot of time, but it’s also a good sign for how much quality we have on the team.” — Goalkeeper Michael Gspurning.
“That was one of the most important ones. I have scored some that will always be in my mind.” — Martinez through a translator on if this was the best goal in his career.
“We felt Mario, in terms of fitness, was a guy who had close to 90 minutes in him because of the 90 minutes he played with Honduras. We also knew that his passing could help us. We felt that his ability on set pieces — we wanted to hit some in-swinging corners — could help us, as well. Obviously he delivered for us with a great goal.” — Schmid on the decision to start Martinez.
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