Seattle gutted out a 2-1 victory Saturday against the Dynamo to move into sole possession of second place in the Western Conference.
Coming into Saturday's midday match against the Houston Dynamo, the Sounders sat in third place in the Western Conference, six points behind the Dynamo and two points behind Chivas USA.
Seattle needed two goals, a controversial Montero shot that may not have crossed the goal plane and an unexpected bicycle kick from defender Patrick Ianni, to move into second place after Chivas dropped their match later that day.
To Continue...
Houston's defense proved as good as advertised despite being so shorthanded due to injuries, suspensions and international absences. 'Keeper Pat Onstad, who holds the MLS records for consecutive shutout minutes, made two world class saves of the four he had to make, including a diving save to barely get a hand on the ball in front of the open net.
Seattle needed a little creativity and perhaps a little luck. Patrick Ianni's bicycle kick was good enough to win the game. After the goal, he didn't even realize he was the one who had knocked it in.
Looking ahead to the next MLS match, Seattle faces another tough division leader in the Chicago Fire. The last time the two teams met, midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco put on a clinic. Seattle happily came away with a 2-2 road draw but will undoubtedly be looking for more as they strive to make it back atop of the standings.
Seattle has been on a hot streak lately, led by Montero's five goals in five games. His goal last Saturday puts him one behind the league's lead of 10 on the season. The team hasn't lost in five games and has won three of those.
The next MLS match is July 25 at Qwest Field.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Posts
