In the first leg of the group stages of the CONCACAF tournament, Mike Fucito led the Seattle Sounders to an impressive 4-1 victory over Comunicaciones. Fucito, who normally struggles to produce goals, had two left footed goals and an assist to Brad Evans on the night. The Sounders starters were not the norm for this match, but it did not seem to make a difference. Seattle’s victory becomes even more remarkable when one considers that they were down a man for twenty-five minutes, following a red card to Neagle in the 55th.
An early goal from Comunicaciones made Terry Boss (playing for Keller) looked novice and hesitant. The goal, a low, aerial corner kick to the far post, was misjudged by Boss, who missed the block off of the header.
There were several handballs on the evening. One on Alvaro Fernandez, one for Comunicaciones, along with several other missed handballs along the way. Sitting in the press box, a hundred yards further away than the refs, it’s a wonder how they were able to miss them.
Seattle was finally able to retaliate after a corner from Fucito was struck powerfully and with purpose by Evans in the 35th minute. The score was then tied at 1-1.
A minute before the half, Montero brought down a great pass at the top of the 18 yard line. He trapped and unloaded, missing the goal by mere inches.
The second half started with a bang. A yellow card was issued to Castrillo in the 50’, and Neagle was issued a red in the 55’, leaving the Sounders a man short for a half hour. An early free kick for Seattle narrowly avoided the net. Juan Paredes, the keeper for Comunicaciones, had many diving saves. If it were not for his many saves, the score would have been much more lopsided.
Seattle scored again in the 61st. Fucito pulled down a great through ball, had time to set up, and blasted the ball past Paredes! Credit for the assist went to Fredy Montero. Fucito has had five goals and one assist in the last five matches.
In the 68th minute, Fucito was the recipient of another fantastic through ball. His one touch set up and left footed strike found the back of the net, yet again. The assist went to both Fernandez and Evans. Fernandez would tally two assists on the night.
The 80th saw a near goal for the Guatemalanside. Boss made a diving save, pushing the ball to open space where some strikers were awaiting the rebound. The Seattle defense stayed strong and were able to clear it out. The replay may lead you to believe a goal was scored by Comunicaciones, but the people in charge saw it differently.
If Comunicaciones weren’t feeling down already, the own goal in the 88th minute from Rigoberto Gomez hammered the final nail into their coffin.
Seattle Starting XI -Terry Boss, James Riley, Patrick Ianni, Jhon Hurtado Kennedy, Leo Gonzalez, Lamar Neagle, Servando Carrasco, Brad Evans, Alvaro Fernandez, Fredy Montero, Mike Fucito
Comunicaciones Starting XI -Juan Paredes, Edgard Martinez, Erwin Morales, Carlos Castrillo, Adolfo Machado, Juan Marquez, Fredy Thompson, Bryan Ordonez, Carlos Ramirez, Transito Montepeque, Jairo Arreola
