Riley celebrates the shutout.
Aaron Weinberg / NSS
The biggest surprise about the Sounders' 3-0 victory over New York on Thursday was not the goal-scoring exploits of Fredy Montero. Nor was it Seattle’s ability to win the ball possession battle, 57 percent to 43 percent, over a more experienced Red Bulls side.
Instead, the most encouraging aspect of the Sounders' opening night victory was the clean sheet provided by Kasey Keller and Seattle’s defense.
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The question going into the game appeared to be whether the Sounders offense could counteract a defensive unit that was expected to have trouble containing a team coming off a second place finish in the MLS Cup and the dangerous Juan Pablo Angel.
With a back four containing a 34 year-old, a Colombian who speaks little English, and a former USL player, the Sounders defense seemed suspect coming into the game against New York. Only James Riley, 26, and with four years experience in the league, had MLS experience and youth on his side.
The offense, behind Fredy Montero and Brad Evans, proved they were up to the task. More surprisingly however, the defense established a season-opening performance that rivaled the offensive one, even if it didn’t get nearly as much publicity for it.
Tyrone Marshall and company answered their critics by holding the Red Bulls to six total shots, with only two of them requiring a save from Kasey Keller in goal. Seattle held New York to exactly zero shots on goal and two total shots in the first half, carving a two-goal lead thanks as much to their defensive proficiency as their offensive firepower.
Keller walks off the field after the first half.
Aaron Weinberg / NSS
Kasey Keller, who was not forced to make a save in the first half, was encouraged by the defensive effort.
“I was so proud of the guys in front of me because the first half I was a spectator,” Keller said. “That’s the way I like it. If I only have to make a save here and there, and organize, then we’re going to win a lot of games.”
While the defense deserves praise for their performance against New York, the questions will not simply cease after one good game.
In the second half, the Red Bulls looked much more like scoring than the Sounders did, and came close twice. Jhon Hurtado and Marshall supplied last second tackles on several occasions, barely stopping New York’s runs.
Starting in his first MLS game, Zach Scott was impressive, not getting rattled by the increased level of competition. However, he also made a few mistakes by getting caught slightly out of position which allowed a couple dangerous crosses into the box from the left side that could have cost Seattle had New York been playing in mid-season form.
Luckily for Seattle, the depth is looking good at defense for the season. With Nathan Sturgis, Patrick Ianni, and Tyson Wahl all unused substitutes, Sigi Schmid will be able to tinker with his lineup should any of the starting four begin to struggle in upcoming games. Add Taylor Graham to the mix, and the defensive strength should be deep enough for the Sounders to continue their good defensive form.
Though the detractors will not be silenced by one good performance, Seattle’s defense proved something on Thursday. Even though Fredy Montero, Sebastian Le Toux, and Freddie Ljungberg may end up with the majority of the credit should the Sounders make the playoffs, the defense’s ability to keep opposing teams off the scoresheet will likely be the key factor in actually qualifying for them.
Reach Alden Walcon at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
