L.A.'s Bryan Gaul battles Seattle's Fredy Montero (Getty Images)
Coming into last night's match, the Seattle Sounders had never beaten the Galaxy at Century Link Field. However, when they saw the lineup LA was fielding for the contest, their confidence must have gone up ten fold. David Beckham and Robbie Keane stayed behind in Los Angeles while Edson Buddle and Mike Magee started the match on the bench.
The experiment did not work out well for the Galaxy, at all.
It looked like it might be alright for the opening ten minutes or so, after all, L.A. did still feature Landon Donovan. The US International took a couple of shots at the Seattle goal, but missed on both occasions. Marcelo Sarvas also took a crack, but his shot was blocked.
Then Seattle turned on the juice in the 10th as Fredy Montero nearly scored his first of the season, but was bested by Galaxy 'keeper Bill Gaudette. Still, it was obvious even at that early stage that the Sounders smelled blood.
Once again, Seattle nearly took the lead in the 23rd minute. Gaudette managed a great save on a shot by Eddie Johnson. The rebound fell to Montero at close range, and he appeared poised to slam the ball into the back of the net. However, Gaudette stuck his foot out at the last second hand knocked the ball away from the goal, perhaps giving a LA a thought that they could make it through this one after all.
If the Galaxy were entertaining that thought, it came crashing down in minute 40. Mauro Rosales sent in a cross to Eddie Johnson, and the Seattle forward deftly headed in a goal to make it 1-0 to Seattle. Johnson was left pretty much alone on the play, and Gaudette had no chance on the header. The Sounders took the 1-0 lead into the half.
Landon Donovan was quoted as saying the Galaxy still thought they could get something out of the match coming out of halftime. Fredy Montero put those hopes to rest in the 48th minute. He let loose an absolute blast from about 40 yards out that rocketed into the LA goal, nowhere near the reach of Gaudette, to make it 2-0. That strike has to be a goal of the year candidate.
Eventually the Galaxy brought on both Buddle and Magee, and managed to get some possession. Donovan managed the Galaxy's only shot on frame in the 62nd, but hit it right at the 'keeper. The Galaxy never really threatened the Seattle goal and the Sounders held on for the 2-0 win.
NOTES: Bruce Arena took responsibility for the line up, saying he had to make sure he rotated his older players during the 2 match week. Donovan briefly mentioned the Seattle turf as one of the reasons why Beckham and Keane and were left at home. Both are expected to play against the New York Red Bulls this weekend. For Seattle, Montero's golazo was his first of the season. Keeper Michael Gspurning left the match at halftime with a hip injury. The Sounders host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
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