Eddie Johnson scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 89th minute, as Sounders FC defeated Chivas USA, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at CenturyLink Field. The brace gives Johnson 13 goals on the season, the best single-season scoring output in franchise history.
The Chivas scored an early goal to put pressure on the Seattle defense to remain strong and on the offense to produce points.
Johnson scored a sneaky header from a free kick at the half hour mark. Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy dove for the save, but ended up flopping around in the net like a dolphin following the goal. Credit the assist to Christian Tiffert; the goal marks Johnson’s 12th for the year. Following the quick goal from the Chivas, Seattle maintained possession and managed the ball for much of the game. They made few errors and the Chivas only had a half dozen chances.
For this season, 20 of the Seattle Sounders’ 41 goals were scored during final thirty minutes of play. In the last ten minutes of play, Fredy Montero broke down the sideline past two defenders for long enough to curl in a wondrous aerial pass to the sprinting Johnson who knocked the ball past Kennedy for his second goal on the match.
It was enough to seal the victory for the Sounders. Seattle climbs to 13-6-8 on the season while Chivas drop to 7-12-7.
After the visiting team gave up their first goal, they stepped up their aggression level. Pushing and fouling occurred whenever the referee’s eyes were distracted. Play was stopped for about five minutes during the second half while the two teams exchanged pleasantries and words. What occurred can only be described as the final scene in West Side Story or a schoolyard quarrel. Nobody was hurt; a yellow card was issued to Casey Townsend in the 77th minute.
Leo Gonzalez had a great game. His defense was on point and he has proven to be a key player on the offensive side, as well. Gonzalez began playing on the Sounders FC more frequently at the end of last season, but has become a much more familiar face this season.
The Sounders almost scored their second goal in the 58th minute: Johnson did some of his patented step overs which gave him room to chip a pass to a wide open Brad Evans who flicked the ball into the post. It was a golden opportunity wasted. Evans was subbed out soon thereafter.
Late in the second half, a cross from the sideline became a shot as it sailed towards goal and skipped over the crossbar. Michael Gspurning was positioned for a block, which turned out to be unnecessary.
Seattle looks strong heading into the the last few months of the MLS regular season. They are currently ranked third in the West. They trail the overall leader by just a few wins. Some tough games in the coming weeks include the Vancouver Whitecaps, Real Salt Lake, and the L.A. Galaxy. If they play at all like they did today, Seattle should deal some serious damage during the playoffs.
