There was great football played at Qwest field last night, and every bit of it was played by the Sounders. Yet another road MLS side that didn't even bother to show up: Toronto FC. If I was TFC I'd be embarrassed as hell, it was like they didn't even care for large parts of the match.
Seattle was looking for a pick-me-up after huge injuries to Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White. I wondered in my MLS preview: Who will score the goals? Well, turns out Seattle didn't have an issue with that tonight. Uruguay International Alvaro Fernandez had an outstanding match, and his impact was felt in the 9th minute. Brad Evans put a lovely ball in that found the head of Fernandez, and Frei, who actually played pretty well, didn't have a chance. 1-0 to Seattle.
We sat back and waited to see if TFC would respond, and they didn't. Instead it all just became one way traffic for Seattle. Montero had a couple of looks in the 15th and 26th minutes, but both were off target. He looks like he still needs a little discipline. Finally, in the 29th minute, TFC got a chance. Martina broke down the pitch on the counter, but the Seattle defense did a great job and forced his shot wide. Nothing went right for TFC the rest of the half either. They had two nice set piece chances late, but nothing came of either of them, and honestly it just looked like TFC was bumming around the pitch. Seattle led 1-0 at the break.
Frei was tested hard after the half as Seattle came out on fire, looking to finish off the match. Montero finally got on target in the 47th, and slammed one in in the 49th, but Frei saved both. Seattle wasn't done though, and in the 52nd Brad Evans nailed a gorgeous shot into the top corner to make it 2-0 and send the fans into a craze.
The rest of the match reads as if Frei were facing a firing squad, which he was. Evans and Alonso got more shots off, and Nate Jaqua had couple of great looks. You could feel another goal coming and TFC just looked lost. Then it the fan in the 74th as Sounders were awarded a PK. Evans hit a nice penalty and gave Seattle a 3-0 lead, which was the full time result. The PK was the first time Seattle had scored an MLS penalty kick at home.
TFC is obviously in some trouble, they're playing like crap. Aron Winter has to be frustrated. They did have Gordon back in, but he had no effect. As @TotalMLS tweeted me during the match, it's a good thing that TFC can't get relegated, cause, damn.
It was surely an inspirational win for Seattle, and they showed great character. The fans all held up papers with the number 11 after the 11th minute in tribute to Steve Zakuani, and it was very moving. I love my comrades at the RioT, but I really think Seattle fans have a leg up on everyone in MLS. A big three points for them puts them right in the thick of things in the West.
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