The Seattle Sounders FC won their third straight game after crushing the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. Seattle looked the stronger team early on with a handful of shots and close calls in the first ten minutes. In front of 38,880 spectators, Seattle climbed to 3-3-3 on the season.
In the 24th minute, defender Brad Evans floated a pass into the box and midfielder Mauro Rosales barely missed the net with a wild, diving header. Just before the one third mark, Eddie Johnson crossed to Rosales in the middle who fumbled it and struggled to control. Meanwhile, striker Lamar Neagle came flying down the middle and essentially stole the ball from his teammate as he smashed the ball right at San Jose keeper Jon Busch and into the back of the net.
At the end of the half, Evans was fouled within free kick range by opposing player Rafael Baca, who was issued the first caution of the match. Seattle captain Rosales curled the free kick over the wall of defenders and hit the inside of the near post as it gently settled in the goal. The goalie never stood a chance as the kick was one of the nicest this spectator has witnessed in some time.
Alan Gordon looked to be the strongest player for the Earthquakes. In the 37th, a well-taken free kick set him up for a strike on goal which went just over the bar. San Jose mainly played with little aggression and pace. Their left midfield and attacking unit did not communicate effectively and continually made bad passes. The non verbal communication from midfielder Walter Martinez made it clear that San Jose was frustrated with their own decision making.
In the second half, Neagle received a ball in open field from Servando Carrasco and juked two San Jose defenders before going near post to beat the keeper. Neagle, a young player, is one of those guys whom when they are in the zone will make other teams pay for errors. Neagle finished with two goals. The match marked his first time scoring since his hat trick in August of 2011, which is exactly why he deserves the designation as the Subside Sports Man of the Match.
Eddie Johnson, the top scorer for Seattle last year, had a particularly flat performance. He missed a handful of shots, could not keep down passes, had poor vision and appeared lazy. The three or so chances he had on goal were poorly struck and his best chance during the game was forfeited for a pass to the far post where no one was waiting. Johnson also needs to work on his attitude problem as he and Chris Wondolowski were issued cations for their last minute scuffling and shoving.
The match ended with more excitement when Obafemi Martins collected a lame clearance from San Jose and easily scored the fourth goal for Seattle.
