In Seattle’s first game of the season, they took on a strong Santos Laguna side that are already in full flow with their season, on the newly laid pitch at CenturyLink field. This was a tough test for the Sounders, heading out of pre season unbeaten and heading into the first leg of the quarterfinal against a strong opposition.
With this in mind, Seattle was probably hoping to keep the game close and not let the Mexican side become a dominant force. Up stepped David Estrada for his first professional goal to give the Sounders an early 1-0 lead. The goal came from a Freddy Montero cross which found its way to the back post for the waiting Estrada to head home from close range.
Seattle then went close to adding to the score line with headers from Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Freddy Montero but they were unable to capitalize on the chance.
And they were made to pay with the equalizing goal coming just after the hour mark, with Santos striker Herculez Gomez slotting the ball past Sounders Michael Gspurning from close range. Gomez’s diagonal darting run across the box was met with a lovely lobed ball, with which he turned sharply to shake off Leo Gonzalez and score past the diving keeper.
But Seattle were given the chance to retake the lead minutes later when Mauro Rosales’ free kick was met by the run of Brad Evans to score from just outside the 6 yard box.
Evans’ run was perfectly timed to meet the cross before the oncoming Santos defender and the 50-50 header was tucked away nicely into the top corner, giving Seattle the lead once again.
With the lead regained, Sounders saw out the match in a pretty much comfortable manner, limiting Santos Laguna’s chances to get back into the game.
With Seattle taking the early lead in the tie, they are surely in control, but with only a 1 goal advantage there is everything still to play for. With both teams showing quality football in the first leg, it offers to be a great second leg in Torreon in a week’s time. Needless to say, with Seattle having what could be one of the toughest draws heading into the quarterfinals, they are in control of their own fate.
Here’s hoping for the Sounders progression through to the semi finals of the CONCACAF Champions league.
(image courtesy of Corky Trewin/Seattle Sounders FC)
