DC United 1 : 2 Sounders FC

A Fredy Montero winner six minutes from time secured all three points for Seattle in a game that appeared to be petering out into a draw. In doing so, the visitors secured an important and impressive victory by defeating DC United on their home patch for the second time in ten days. The last game brought them a trophy, this game brought something arguably less tangible but perhaps as important, as it went an enormous way to securing that all important playoff spot the the Seattle side.

Not only do the three points catapult Sounders temporarily into 5th place, but they deprive DC United of points and go a long way to ensure that it will be difficult for DC United to finish above the Sounders. Sounders are now just a point ahead of DC, but have five games left as opposed to DC’s four, and their fate is now very much in their hands.

With these two victories the Seattle side have stormed the citadel that was RFK and secured themselves both a trophy and marched a long way toward the post-season. Sounders can now look forward to a full week’s break before the visit of Chivas USA, who have already beaten Seattle twice at the Home Depot Center. That is still a crucial game for Sounders’ playoff hopes, but is considerably less crucial as a result of this unexpected victory.

Table After Saturday Matches

For DC United, their season is in danger of collapsing. Ten days ago United were unbeaten at home in domestic competition and RFK appeared as a fortress. They must now prepare themselves for the trip to Port of Spain to face San Juan Jabloteh in the CONCACAF Champions League before entertaining CD Marathon at RFK in the same competition. They have already lost both group stage games played, to Marathon and Toluca (the only other visiting side to win at RFK), and need to revitalise their campaign with maximum points against the group minnows. They don’t return to MLS action until they entertain San Jose Earthquakes on September 27th. One bright spot for them is that three of their last four MLS matches are at home. On a side note, Kasey Keller is now undefeated in ELEVEN visits to RFK.

Without Freddie Ljungberg, Sigi Schmid relied heavily on a midfield of Peter Vagenas, Seb Le Toux and Steve Zakuani for offensive capability, with Osvaldo Alonso playing in front of the back four. Pat Ianni was selected ahead of the injured Tyrone Marshall who sat on the bench as back-up centre half .

Any nerves the Sounders may have had in a hostile atmosphere were settled in the 4th minute when the Sounders took the lead. Jaqua passed to Vagenas who then sent the ball into Zakuani’s path allowing him to slot home the goal, astonishingly with his left foot, his fourth goal of the season.

Sounders were soon called upon to defend their lead surviving a minor scare in the 10th minute when Emilio misdirected a free header when left unattended in the box.

In the 20th minute Keller saved again from Emilio as the Sounders withstood the home side’s attempt to equalise. However it was the Sounders who threatened next, 7 minutes later, but goal scorer Steve Zakuani passed up the chance after Rodney Wallace had cleared Zakuani’s initial shot, when a subsequent header went over the crossbar.

Nine minutes before halftime Sounders blew a golden chance to double their lead when Seb Le Toux was clear through on Josh Wicks. The much maligned DC keeper bravely threw himself at the Frenchman’s feet and but the ball rebounded out to Fredy Montero who’s drive sailed sadly over the bar.

Fredy, I Don't Think He Said Kiss My Grass

The last opportunity of the first half fell to the visitors when Costa Rican Leo Gonzalez showed he is not afraid to go forward when the occasion demands. He teamed up superbly with Zakuani, but his final shot was deflected by DC defender Julius James.

At the 52nd minute, Fred found himself substituted against the Sounders again,  Chris Pontius coming on for him. It was to pay an almost immediate dividend for DC. Two minutes later, the Sounders were undone when James Riley’s clearance cum tackle went horizontally across the Seattle penalty area and landed perfectly at the feet of a grateful Rodney Wallace who then fired in a shot for DC’s leveler.

Seven minutes after that, Schmid made the change bringing on Brad Evans for Peter Vagenas, who had had an influential game. Steve Zakuani was clean through in the 68th minute but the ball went wide and landed into the side netting. Seconds later Montero followed up with rebound but again the shot was wide as Sounders continued to create chances in a game that was pulsating  and even, though lacking any distinct pattern.

There were several tense moments when Kasey Keller saved Seattle in the 71st minute on a hard drive from Ben Olsen. Then in the 73rd minute Luciano Emilio was able to run past Jhon Hurtado and fire a shot past Kasey Keller but his efforts came to nothing as his shot lacked direction. The match was swinging in DC’s direction and at this stage, they looked the likelier winners, but Fredy Montero seemed determined to torture the club further.

In the 79th minute the little Colombian fired the ball from 30 yards but it landed safely in Josh Wicks hands. Eight minutes from regulation time Ben Olsen nearly got on the end of a Jaime Moreno through ball, but his outstretched leg just failed to divert the ball allowing a grateful Kasey Keller to collect.

DC used their final substitutions in an attempt to take the much needed points, Christian Gomez and Andrew Jacobsen coming on for Ben Olsen and Jaime Moreno in minute 83, but to no avail as the defining moment was about to arrive.

Our choice for Man of the Match, James Riley passed the ball to Fredy Montero inside the penalty box, but seemingly in an innocuous position.  Montero turned and shot  ferociously past Josh Wicks’ outstretched hand for not only Sounders winner on the night, but a goal that will possibly change their season. The look on Josh Wicks face said it all, as the opponent  he had encountered such trouble for assaulting in the Cup Final beat him again.

DC’s last chance to equalise came on the stroke of the final whistle when Rodney Wallace had a dig, but it sailed over the bar. Sounders managed to hold on to their lead through three minutes of stoppage time to win a victory that may be the one that propels them to the post-season.

DC United: Josh Wicks, Bryan Namoff, Avery John, Julius James, Rodney Wallace; Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms, Fred (Chris Pontius 53), Ben Olsen (Andrew Jacobson 83); Luciano Emilio, Jaime Moreno (Christian Gomez 83)

Substitutes not used: Devon McTavish, Milos Kocic, David Habarugira, Tiyiselani Shipalane.

Sounders FC: Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Leo Gonzalez; Sebastien Le Toux, Peter Vagenas (Brad Evans 62), Osvaldo Alonso, Steve Zakuani (Tyrone Marshall 86); Nate Jaqua (Roger Levesque 77), Fredy Montero.

Substitutes not used: Nathan Sturgis, Tyson Wahl, Terry Boss, Zach Scott.

Also see:

Listen to Radio Sounders DC v Sounders Wrap up Show

Western Conference – A Preview of What’s To Come

Former Sounder fails to Rescue Houston

DC United 1 : 2 Sounders – The Most Important Result in the World

Vote for Your Sounders Man of the Match

US Open Cup Final DC United 1 : 2 Sounders FC (Result)

US Open Cup Final Celebration Podcast