Sounders Down DC, 1-0
Many Sounders fans were excited today with the hopes of seeing Blaise Nkufo for the first time in Rave Green. In the waning minutes of regulation their spirits were crushed when Sigi Schmid used Seattle’s third substitute with Sanna Nyassi.
However, 1 minute later, Roger Levesque energized Sounders fans across the coast when he headed home the game’s lone goal at the 89th minute off a beautiful cross from Fredy Montero.
The win is Seattle’s first in the last 5 league matches, and second in the last 8. It also improves the Sounders record to 5-8-4 (19 pts).
Kasey Keller, put in a heroic effort in goal saving a number of dangerous DC United opportunities; a few of them after he suffered a mid-foot sprain on a challenge on Andy Najar in the 65th minute.
Quick Notes: Nate Jaqua was a late scratch due to a “Groin Strain”. Jeff Parke was substituted for due to Abdominal Cramps.
Scoring Summary:
SEA – Levesque (Montero, Nyassi) 89
Seattle Sounders — Kasey Keller, James Riley, Patrick Ianni, Jeff Parke (Tyrone Marshall 62), Leo Gonzalez, Pat Noonan (Sanna Nyassi 87), Nathan Sturgis, Michael Seamon (Osvaldo Alonso 72), Steve Zakuani, Fredy Montero, Roger Levesque.
Substitutes Not Used: Terry Boss, Zach Scott, Peter Vagenas, Blaise Nkufo.
TOTAL SHOTS: 15 (Fredy Montero 6); SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (2 players with 2); FOULS: 12 (James Riley 3); OFFSIDES: 1 (Pat Noonan 1); CORNER KICKS: 11; SAVES: 5 (Kasey Keller 5)
Misconduct Summary:
DC – Julius James (caution; Reckless Tackle) 54
SEA – Leo Gonzalez (caution; Tactical Foul) 85
Referee: Alex Prus
Referee’s Assistants: Cyril Madukanya; Brian Poeschel
4th Official: Michael Kennedy
Attendance: 13,716
Time of Game: 1:50
Weather: Cloudy and 89 degrees
