Seattle Sounders FC climbed to a 3-1-1 record for the MLS 2012 season following their 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. With little opportunities on either side of the pitch, a tie seemed imminent. In a spur of timing and precision, Alex Caskey obtained his first assist on the season as Zach Scott headed in his first goal. An avalanche of offsides and fouls were committed from both teams; fortunately, no injuries occurred.
Possession switched sides more often than Mitt Romney. A flash of excitement came early when striker Fredy Montero broke free and fired a rocket on frame in the fifth minute. Rapids keeper Matt Pickens made the stop, along with several more throughout the afternoon. For those who have not attended a Seattle home game, the obscenities chanted in perfect unison for every visitor’s goal kick is a mixture of hilarity and cooperation that everyone should witness at least once. Michael Gspurning and Pickens both had great nights. Zach Scott almost scored early off of a corner, but the shot sailed just wide of an open net. He and Alex Caskey connected in the second half from a corner kick.
Notable mistakes included Leonardo Gonzalez on the majority of plays, who looked flat and panicked for most of the game. He looked cleaner and confident at the end of last season, so let’s hope it is only early season jitters. In the 29th minute, Fredy Montero (who nearly scored on at least two free kicks) and Pickens both noticed an opening in the Rapids’ defensive wall. The shot was on target and an infuriated Pickens had some mean words for his defense following the save. Sammy Ochoa came in late for Eddie Johnson. Sammy Ochoa repeatedly missed chances and took too many touches. Even though the Sounders were up a goal when he entered the match, a wasted opportunity is still a wasted opportunity.
Brian Mullan, the player who injured Steve Zakuani last season, was booed every time he came near the ball. His foul on Osvaldo Alonso sparked retaliation from Montero, earning them a pair of yellow cards.
