Nate Jaqua put the Sounders up 1-0 in the 4th minute against LA. (Chris Coulter photo)

Goals by Nate Jaqua, Fredy Montero, and Lamar Neagle bolstered a Sounders Attack on Wednesday night that defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 in the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Jaqua, the 2010 Player of the USOC struck early putting a left-footed shot past LA goalkeeper Josh Saunders. The strike was Jaqua’s 8th career USOC goal.

After Montero’s goal put Seattle up 2-0, LA cut the lead in half just before halftime.

Local Boy Neagle but the icing on the cake in the 74th when a deft pass from Alvaro Fernandez found Neagle in the box for the shot inside the 6-yard box.

With the win Seattle advances to the US Open Cup Semifinals against FC Dallas. The match will be held at Starfire on either August 30th or 31st.

The Rave Green next face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at 1p in MLS League Action.

QUOTE BELOW THE STATS

Scoring Summary:
SEA — Nate Jaqua (Pat Noonan) 4
SEA — Fredy Montero (Nate Jaqua) 25
LA — Adam Cristman (Chris Birchall) 40
SEA — Lamar Neagle (Alvaro Fernandez) 74

LA Galaxy– Josh Saunders, Bryan Jordan, A.J. DeLaGarza, Gregg Berhalter, Todd Dunivant, Chris Birchall, Michael Stephens, Juninho (Jovan Kirovski 78), Landon Donovan (Hector Jimenez 75), Paolo Cardozo (Miguel Lopez 64), Adam Cristman.

Substitutes Not Used: Juan Pablo Angel, Kyle Davies, Brian Perk.

TOTAL SHOTS: 13 (Chris Birchall 3); SHOTS ON GOAL: 7 (Juninho 2); FOULS: 10 (Gregg Berhalter 4); OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 7 (Landon Donovan 6); SAVES: 8 (Josh Saunders 8.)

Seattle Sounders — Terry Boss, Zach Scott, Jeff Parke, Patrick Ianni, Leo Gonzalez, Pat Noonan (Erik Friberg 64), Osvaldo Alonso, Alvaro Fernandez, Lamar Neagle, Nate Jaqua (Roger Levesque 71), Fredy Montero (Mike Fucito 79).

Substitutes Not Used: Servando Carrasco, James Riley, Mauro Rosales, Kasey Keller.

TOTAL SHOTS: 23 (Lamar Neagle 6); SHOTS ON GOAL: 11 (Lamar Neagle 3); FOULS: 17 (Fredy Montero 4); OFFSIDES: 3 (Mike Fucito 2); CORNER KICKS: 3 (Pat Noonan 2); SAVES: 5 (Terry Boss 5)

Misconduct Summary:
SEA — Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Tactical Foul) 22
SEA — Fredy Montero (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 54
SEA — Jeff Parke (caution; Tactical Foul) 55
LA — Paolo Cardozo (caution; Reckless Tackle) 59
SEA — Mike Fucito (caution; Delaying a Restart) 90

Referee: Kevin Stott
Referee’s Assistants:-Corey Rockwell; Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Levi Rippy
Attendance: 4,322
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-71-degrees

POSTGAME QUOTES: Sounders FC vs. L.A. Galaxy
Sigi Schmid – Sounders FC Head Coach
(On the play of Nate Jaqua) “We’re going to have to name him ‘Mr. Open Cup’ pretty soon. He was unlucky – the header he had early went off the post. Then he finally got a goal and I think he’d like to have a couple of the other chances back. He could have finished with three or four goals tonight, for sure. But it was good to see him get a goal. I think it was very important for him, as well as our team, obviously in tonight’s game, but I’m very happy that Nate got a goal tonight.”

(On being one step closer to being three-time U.S. Open Cup champions) “We always take it seriously. We’ve got Dallas in the next round and we’re at home, so that’s a good thing for us. Our guys really respond to the fans and the intimate atmosphere here, I think it’s tremendous and it gives the fans a chance to see it up close and personal. But we’ve got a tough semifinal game. Dallas is a good team. Our goal is always whatever we enter, we’re going to try to win.”

(On L.A.’s lineup) “I thought both teams put out a mixed lineup, but I thought they put out a mixed lineup. They had some guys with injuries that they weren’t going to take chances on and we certainly took some players out of the lineup and tried to rest some people as well. So it was good. We’re not going to apologize. They’re not going to apologize. Both teams came here to compete. I think there’s only really been one team that said we’re not going to compete in the Open Cup, and that happened last night. But outside of that I think every team has come in to compete and try to play well and put their best team on the field that makes sense based upon the rhythm of games you play.”

(On Lamar Neagle’s performance) “Lamar has done well. There’s times where he drifts out of the game a little bit, but he always comes up with a big play or two. The third goal was certainly a very important play for us, a sealing goal. He had an assist on a goal when we played the Galaxy reserve team, so I’m sure he wouldn’t mind playing the Galaxy a few more times and getting on the field. But Lamar has done well. He’s still a young player, he made a lot of growth last year by going to Charleston. And he’s been back and continued to make that growth. As we give him minutes he responds to them.”

(On Terry Boss) “Terry did well. I thought he made a couple of good saves, a couple of big saves early in the first half as well, that kept us in the game, like you said. But I was really pleased with Terry’s confidence. He was composed. You could tell he was in control of his goal box, which is very important for a goalkeeper to be. He wasn’t rattled and he comes up with a big save. So I was very pleased with what he did tonight.”

Nate Jaqua – Sounders FC Forward
(On the match) “I was able to get that first one early and I had a couple of other ones I would have liked to put away, but that’s how it goes sometimes. The bottom line is that we got the win and we’re moving on to the next round.”

(On how exciting it is to have made it this far in the U.S. Open Cup with the Seattle Sounders FC in each of his seasons with the team) “Yeah, it’s great. We’ve got a good opportunity now. I think we have the game here at home again. It’s fun playing here. I love it. I love the fans that come out. I’m looking forward to it.”

(On how much today’s match can help to build confidence going forward) “I think we have a lot of confidence going forward. I think that’s why we’re playing well right now. It’s just something if you can keep using that momentum going forward. For myself, it was nice to get a goal. Usually when you get that one (goal), then (more) start to follow. I had a couple of other chances I would have liked to put away, but that’s how it goes sometimes. But I’ll use that as good momentum for myself and we’re moving forward.”

(On if it means more that the L.A. Galaxy brought out some of their first string talent this match) “I think around this stage guys start realizing that if you win a couple of games then you’re in the final. And everybody wants to be in the final, so why not? It’s a great opportunity. They had a good team, a good squad out there. They put the pressure on us that first half, especially after they got that first goal and it was 2-1 at halftime. But we were able to come back in the second half, fought hard, and Lamar (Neagle) got a great third goal and we were able to put it away.”

Lamar Neagle – Sounders FC Midfielder
(On his goal) “Flaco (Alvaro Fernandez) played a great ball, I ran across the back line to kind of keep an eye on a guy. He played a great ball and I just got a flick on it and it went in the side netting.”

(On how important it is to get this win) “It’s important just to keep our momentum going. No matter what were playing – reserve game, regular season, or Open Cup – we want to win. We definitely have the squad to do it. We definitely have the depth on the team to perform and every single person is playing.”

(On the Galaxy) “They’re definitely ones to take it seriously, too. It’s Open Cup, everybody in the U.S. is playing in it. We’re the defending champs and we want to keep it going, so we’re definitely not going to take it lightly.”

(On playing at Starfire) “It’s crazy. We have more fans here than some teams do at regular season games. It’s an amazing atmosphere and it’s great for the game.”

(On Seattle Sounders FC still being undefeated in U.S. Open Cup competition) “Yeah, you can see how seriously the Sounders take it. We’re doing the same thing this year. We want to come out and we want to win it again.”

Terry Boss – Sounders FC Goalkeeper
(On the match) “I think the guys did a good job. We came out and everyone was real sharp. From the opening kickoff I think it was evident to everybody how bad we wanted to win and how important this U.S. Open Cup is not only to us, but the city and to the organization.”

(On facing several set pieces today) “It was one of those things that was like, we wish we didn’t have to face as many as we did, but we ended up doing a good job. Guys did a good job battling in there and we took care of them. I think we were really fortunate not to give up a goal on set pieces with as many as we took, but it was definitely nice to get out of there without giving one up.”

(On if it is good to see other teams starting to take the Open Cup seriously) “Yeah, I think L.A.’s team was great, their roster. You could tell it was important to them, too. I think this tournament does mean a lot to a lot of teams and there is a momentum around the league in how valuable it is throughout their organizations as well. So I think that ups the ante a little bit and makes this win a little bit more sweet.”

(On the Seattle defense) “I think our whole team did a great job, but especially the back line–Jeff Parke and Patrick Inane and Zach Scott–and Leo (Gonzalez) is such a good one-on-one defender, he did a great job for us. We didn’t break down that many times, so it was nice to walk away giving up only one goal.”

(On the play of Pat Noonan) “Pat’s a great player. He has such a great soccer IQ. You can just see that when he has the ball people are running and he’s finding people. He’s definitely one of those players that needs to be accounted for at all times. And the way he delivers the ball he makes players around him so much better. It was definitely nice to see him on the field and be so effective for 60 minutes.”

Adam Cristman – L.A. Galaxy Forward
(On scoring a goal for the LA Galaxy…) “Obviously the chance to start…It was an okay performance by myself. Getting the goals, that’s my job as a forward, to score. So that’s a positive. But at the end of the day, we didn’t so enough to win and we had other chances we could have put away. So it’s disappointing.”

(On being eliminated from the US Open Cup…) “It’s disappointing. We were all the way to the round of 16 our first game, and this was the quarterfinal. It’s the only type of tournament where you can win a championship and it’s only four games. It allows you to focus on it. I think we could have done better tonight and so it’s disappointing. We feel like we could have done well in this tournament. We didn’t have it tonight and that’s the result. We’ll move on and focus on the rest of our games and tournaments for the rest of the year.”

Landon Donovan – L.A. Galaxy Midfielder
(On playing at Starfire…) “I guess kind of a typical early round Open Cup game. It was a good atmosphere, it was a good environment. The turf actually played okay. And [the Sounders] were good tonight. They deserved to win.”

(On the loss…) “We were a little naïve. I think we tried to play a little bit too much early. We made a few mistakes and they made us pay. They had a few other good chances too. We got back in the game and had some chances at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half to even the game. We didn’t and then we make an error and that’s pretty much the game.”

(On the early pressure from Sounders FC…) “We knew that was coming. We didn’t do a good enough job of relieving the pressure. We gave away too many balls in the bad parts of the field and they took advantage of it and that was pretty much the game. The first 20 minutes really decided the game.”

Bruce Arena – L.A. Galaxy Head Coach
(On his overall impression of the game…) “I thought Seattle’s start of the game was excellent, our reaction was poor and we were dominated in the first 25 minutes of the game. We got our feet under ourselves in the last 15 minutes of the first half. I thought we ended the half playing well. Two-one, given what we saw in the early going, was a pretty good position to be in. We came out in the second half and did all right, then obviously the third goal broke our backs but I thought if you take away the first 25 minutes-which might be a pretty stupid statement-it got better. Obviously at 3-1 we dug ourselves a hole. That’s the way it is. ”

(On Starfire Sports Stadium…) “The field and all of that is tough, but you know, both teams play on it. It’s fine. It’s all part of it. What are you going to do? We didn’t react real well to it technically or tactically and the better team won the game.”

Nate Jaqua scored two goals against LA in the 2010 USOC Quarterfinals (Chris Coulter Photo)

It’s a quick 3-day rest period, but the Sounders return to action on Wednesday night in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup taking on the LA Galaxy at Starfire.

Seattle has advanced to the Quarterfinals by defeating the PDL’s Kitsap Pumas, 2-1 thanks to two goals from Mike Fucito. The Galaxy, who lead MLS in points, played the Los Angeles Blues and found themselves down 0-1 in the 75th minute, but came back to defeat the USL Pro side, 2-1.

The Sounders are looking to advance to the Semifinals against FC Dallas- which would be hosted by Seattle, but a club that has given Rave Green fits in MLS play, stands in the way. LA & Seattle have faced off twice in 2011 already including a 0-1 First Kick loss at Qwest and a scoreless draw in LA on the Fourth of July.

These two teams met last year in the USOC Quarterfinals as well; Last year, two second-half goals from Nate Jaqua sent Seattle into the Semifinals. That has been Seattle’s only victory over LA in the past 7 matches.

Although Sounders FC is looking to become the first 3-peat champions of the USOC in the Professional Era, LA has a solid history in the USOC. The Galaxy raised the Cup in  2001 and 2005 and made it to the finals in 2006 & ’06.

Kickoff is slated for 7p. A video stream should be available on SoundersFC.com.

Roger Levesque in action (Chris Coulter photo)

The Sounders traveled to Southern California for an Independence Day match with the Conference Leading Galaxy but walked out of the Home Depot Center with 1 point thanks to a scoreless draw.

Seattle had the best chance of the night in the 17th minute when Fredy Montero’s attempted bicycle kick struck an LA defender and sent Montero to take a Penalty Kick. LA’s backup-backup goalkeeper made the save.

The draw moves the Sounders to an 8-4-8 record (32pts) and improve their recent form to being unbeaten in their last 7 league matches. Seattle next plays Portland in the Rose City on Saturday.

Full Story from Sounders PR

Kasey Keller got the shutout in his 75th straight start as Seattle Sounders FC extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches with a scoreless draw against the league-leading L.A. Galaxy in front of 27,000 fans and a national television audience on Independence Day at The Home Depot Center.

Keller made two saves to pick-up his 27th career shutout as Sounders FC (8-4-8, 32 points) earn a tough road-point and move to 3-2-5 away from CenturyLink Field this season, including the last five unbeaten.

Third-string goalkeeper Brian Perk recorded two saves, including a penalty kick stop of Fredy Montero in the 18th minute, as the Galaxy (9-2-9, 36 points) move to 4-0-5 at home and extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches.

With Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts out to injury and back-up Josh Saunders serving a suspension, Perk made his MLS debut for the Galaxy.

In the 17th minute, Seattle’s Mauro Rosales moved the ball to Roger Levesque inside the box, who found Montero in front of the goal. Montero took one touch and attempted an overhead kick with Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez on his back. Gonzalez knocked down Montero’s attempt with his hand for a penalty kick.

Montero took the ensuing penalty kick in the 18th minute. Perk stayed low and dove to his right to make the save.

The 21-year-old Perk became just the second goalkeeper in MLS history to record his first career save off of a penalty kick (Matt Napoleon, 1998).

After the early penalty kick, chances were limited for Sounders FC, as they managed 14 shots, but just three on goal throughout the night.

In the third minute, Seattle’s Rosales got free from two defenders along the right side and got the ball to Montero, who sent in a low cross to the feet of Levesque, whose shot skied high over the cross bar for a goal kick.

In the 20th minute, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado got a clean look at a corner kick sent into the box by Tyson Wahl, but his shot missed outside the far post for a goal kick.

After a Seattle throw in the 65th minute, Erik Friberg hit a side-winding shot from the middle of the box, but his attempt missed outside the left post for a goal kick.

In the 73rd minute, Brad Evans knocked a long-distance shot while trying to catch Galaxy goalkeeper Perk off guard, but his attempt missed high for a goal kick.

The Galaxy’s offense failed to find any consistency as well, totaling nine shots with just two on goal.

In the 68th minute, Juan Pablo Angel got some space on the left side of the box as he received a ball from Landon Donovan. After a couple of touches Angel blasted a shot off the fingertips of Keller, hitting the far post before rolling out of bounds for a Galaxy corner kick.

A long ball found its way through the Seattle defense to Donovan in the 50th minute, but Donovan could not gather enough force behind his header, as it fell softly into the hands of Keller for the save.

In the 28th minute, Donovan sent in an accurate ball to Mike Magee at the left post, but Magee failed to land a good touch on the ball and his attempt missed wide of the far post for a goal kick.

Sounders FC will next meet arch-rival Portland Timbers on July 10 for a showdown at JELD-WEN Field. First kick is at 1 p.m. and will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

Seattle Sounders FC at L.A. Galaxy
July 4, 2011 – The Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif.

L.A. Galaxy – Brian Perk, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez (Bryan Jordan 80), A.J. DeLaGarza (Gregg Berhalter 24), Todd Dunivant, Landon Donovan, Mike Magee (David Beckham 69), Chris Birchall, Juninho, Juan Pablo Angel, Chad Barrett Substitutes Not Used: Kevin Guppy, Paolo Cardozo, Jordan Kirovski, Miguel Lopez TOTAL SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 14; OFFSIDES: 3; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 2. Seattle Sounders FC – Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Jeff Parke, Tyson Wahl, Mauro Rosales (Lamar Neagle 90+), Osvaldo Alonso, Erik Friberg, Alvaro Fernandez (Pat Noonan 71), Fredy Montero (Brad Evans 61), Roger Levesque Substitutes Not Used: Terry Boss, Patrick Ianni, Zach Scott, Lamar Neagle, Nate Jaqua TOTAL SHOTS: 14; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 13; OFFSIDES: 6; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 2.

Misconduct Summary:
SEA – Erik Friberg (caution, Reckless Foul) 56
L.A. – Landon Donovan (caution, Reckless Foul) 90+

Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Referee’s Assistants: Peter Manikowski; Colin Arblaster
4th Official: Alejandro Mariscal
Attendance: 27,000

Sammy Ochoa, a former forward on the US U-20 National Team, scored the Sounders’ lone goal in Monday’s Reserve Match against the LA Galaxy. Ochoa, is currently under contract with Estudiantes Tecos in Mexico and made 3 appearances with the club in their most recent season.

The win moves the Seattle Reserve side to 6-0-0.

According to the club, Ochoa’s goal was set up when “Erik Friberg slotted the ball in front of the goal and Ochoa hit it first time from 6 yards. Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk initially blocked the shot but the rebound was bundled over the line by Ochoa.”

The Sounders Reserves next play at Los Angeles on July 5th.

Scoring Summary:
SEA – Sammy Ochoa (Erik Friberg) 82

L.A. Galaxy: 24-Brian Perk; 6-Frankie Hejduk, 3-Gregg Berhalter, 15-Dan Keat, 28-Ryan Thomas; 27-Ryan Jordan (43-Riley Wolfe 90), 16-Hector Jimenez, 18-Mike Magee, 30-Paolo Cardozo (29-Kyle Davies 75); 7-Jovan Kirovski, 17-Adam Cristman

Substitutes Not Used: 21-Dustin McCarty, 35-Vince Paldino (GK), 79-Grady Howe

Seattle Sounders FC: 28-Terry Boss; 24-Roger Levesque, 20-Zach Scott, 4-Patrick Ianni (32-Miguel Montano 46), 12-Leo Gonzalez; 16-David Estrada (36-Myron Samuel 73), 22-Michael Seamon, 8-Erik Friberg, 14-Michael Tetteh; 25-Pat Noonan (38-Sammy Ochoa 62), 21-Nate Jaqua (40-Cillian Sheridan 46)

Substitutes Not Used:29-Josh Ford (GK), 35-Sean Okoli, 39-Brandon Brockway

Misconduct Summary:
SEA – Roger Levesque (unsporting behavior) 47
SEA – Leo Gonzalez (unsporting behavior) 52

Referee: Levi Rippy
Referee’s Assistants: Mike Rottersman, William Niccolls
4th Official: Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Attendance: 696
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Partly cloudy and 57 degrees

O'Brian White puts a header on goal against LA (Chris Coulter Photo)

First thing: You know what really, really pisses me off about the whole Blaise Nkufo situation?

Sounders could have spent the entire preseason training someone else to be The Target Forward. Someone like, say, O’Brian White? Someone who, if he had been thus trained in the preseason, might now have the self-confidence and chemistry and experience to, hmm…I don’t know…maybe take a shot that goes somewhere other than directly to Josh Saunders’ (the BACKUP goalkeeper’s) chest?

Yeah.

O’Brian, sweetie, we love you. Love your speed, love your energy, love your potential, and love the fact that, unlike a certain other target forward this year, you look like you want it. And we don’t blame you for tonight, because the team played well and you were far from the only one to miss chances.

But before the next game, can you and your teammates memorize a little math for me?

1. Goal = 24 feet wide
2. Goalkeeper’s chest = max 2 feet wide
3. Ratio of goal-width occupied by goalkeeper’s chest to goal-width NOT thus occupied? 1:12

So really, the odds ARE in your favor. All you have to do is aim for those other 22 feet. Could you do that for me?

(Fine, yes, I know it’s not that simple. But next time can you at least make him work for it?)

Just a couple more thoughts about the game:

1. Ozzie Alonso is a god. Seriously, I’m thinking about selling pre-packaged Alonso altars. Purchase to include: candles, incense, holy cards, plus photos of Beckham and Donovan making shocked and/or pouty faces after being Ozhumiliated. (Ozmiliated?)

2. Speaking of, isn’t Landon Donovan a whiny little bitch when he’s not wearing the red, white and blue?

3. Why does #2 continue to shock me?

4. Beckham is SO overrated.

5. See #3, but substitute “4″ for “2.” Except that I’m far less shocked by Beckham because he was never in MLS for anything other than the money. (See: Whore: noun \ˈhȯr, ˈhu̇r\)

6. Anybody know why, when we were shopping in the off-season, we didn’t invest in somebody who could actually deliver (or drive home) a decent corner kick? It’s not like it was a secret that this was something we were missing last year. Maybe we can do that with the post-Nkufo salary cap money?

5. Our defense gets way too complacent when they play a defensive, counter-attacking side.

6. Despite the loss, there is some serious good chemistry in this team this year. Some of the interchanges and passing sequences took my breath away. The puzzle pieces are mostly there; I have to believe it’s just a matter of time before they’re all put together. And wouldn’t it be great to have that completed picture puzzle showing Sounders knocking the Galaxy out of the post-season?

(Because there has to be SOME reason that we keep getting put through this.)

*Sigh*

[Show as slideshow]

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© Chris Coulter and SoundersPhotos.com

The Sounders Were Frustrated Against LA (Chris Coulter Photo)

A 58th minute goal by Brazilian Juninho was the difference in the 2011 MLS Opener as the defenders Supporter Shield, LA Galaxy defeated Sounders FC 1-0.

LA’s goal came off of an errant pass by Erik Friberg which led to the quick counter that resulted in Juninho’s score. The Swede played positively throughout the balance of the game and provided Sounders Fans hope for strong replacement for Brad Evans in the central midfield along with Osvaldo Alonso.

The Sounders had their opportunities. O’Brian White who was starting in place of the now-departed Blaise Nkufo had the best chance in the 43rd minute when the ball fell at his feet 8yards out in front of the net. White had another strong chanceat he 71:45 mark when he connected on a cross by Steve Zakuani and just missed the left post by inches.

LA had a chance to go up 2-0. Landon Donovan got behind the Seattle defense in the 65th, but his shot 20 yards out from the right flank got by Kasey Keller and hit the crossbar.

The opportunities continued as in the 84th as Fredy Montero drove a low shot to the Galaxy’s Josh Saunders right that the goalkeeper needed to parry away.

Although the crowd of 36,433 was excited to see the Rave Green back in action, a recurring undertone of being unable to finish scoring opportunities has raised its head in the club’s third season again.

In a game that was played in rain with temperatures in the high 30s both teams lacked a touch on the ball and were unable to connect passes.

Scoring Summary:
LA — Juninho (Todd Dunivant) 58

Los Angeles Galaxy – Josh Saunders, Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Todd Dunivant, David Beckham, Chris Birchall, Juninho, Landon Donovan, Mike Magee (Michael Stephens 76), Chad Barrett (Jovan Kirovski 79).

Substitutes Not Used: Paolo Cardozo, Frankie Hejduk, Bryan Jordan, Miguel Lopez, Brian Perk.

TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (Juninho 3); SHOTS ON GOAL: 2 (Chris Birchall 1, Juninho 1); FOULS: 12 (A.J. DeLaGarza 3); OFFSIDES: 2 (David Beckham 1, Mike Magee 1); CORNER KICKS: 4 (David Beckham 4); SAVES: 6 (Saunders 6)

Seattle Sounders — Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Leo Gonzalez, Alvaro Fernandez (Roger Levesque 63), Osvaldo Alonso, Erik Friberg, Steve Zakuani (Miguel Montano 84), Fredy Montero, O’Brian White (Lamar Neagle 79).

Substitutes Not Used: Servando Carrasco, Patrick Ianni, Zach Scott, Terry Boss.

TOTAL SHOTS: 11 (O’Brian White 4); SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 (Fredy Montero 3); FOULS: 10 (Leo Gonzalez 4); OFFSIDES: 4 (O’Brian White 2); CORNER KICKS: 4 (Osvaldo Alonso 4); SAVES: 1 (Kasey Keller 1)

Misconduct Summary:
LA — Chris Birchall (caution; Reckless Tackle) 24
SEA — Erik Friberg (caution; Reckless Foul) 44
SEA — Leo Gonzalez (caution; Reckless Tackle) 46+
LA — David Beckham (caution; Reckless Tackle) 93+

Referee: Alex Prus
Referee’s Assistants: -Greg Barkey, Paul Scott
4th Official: Mark Kadlecik
Attendance: 36,433
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Cloudy and 44 degrees

Seattle and LA met in the 2010 MLS Playoffs (Chris Coulter Photo)

The 2011 MLS Season kicks off on Tuesday night as Sounders FC hosts the defending Supporter Shield winner, LA Galaxy. It is the third consecutive year that the First Kick of the MLS season is hosted in Seattle.

In six meetings between the two clubs, the Sounders have 1 win (at LA in 2009), 1 draw, and 4 losses.

Landon Donovan and David Beckham are back for the Galaxy. LA also welcomes Juan Pablo Angel as its newest designated player. Chad Barrett is also a new addition to the club in his move from Toronto FC. Bruce Arena’s club did lose Edson Buddle, the US Men’s National Teamer who played on the World Cup team and scored 17 goals last year.

The Sounders lost Nate Sturgis and Sanna Nyassi in the Expansion Draft, but have added Swedish Midfielder, Erik Friberg and Jamaican Forward, O’Brian White. Friberg sure’d up the midfield throughout the pre-season and could find himself in the Starting XI as Brad Evans has sustained a strained muscle in his right hamstring. White showed his ability to finish around the net.

Seattle also signed Fredy Montero to a Designated Player contract in the off season and the club is looking for the Colombian to increase his 2010 scoring outputs. Montero will join fellow designated player and Swiss International Blaise Nkufo up front as the main scoring threats.

Getting the ball to these targets and supporting the scoring will be the job of Seattle’s midfield. Alvaro Fernandez, a Uruguayan international and Designated Player should find himself on the right flank and Steve Zakuani who tied for the team lead in goals scored last season, looks to use his speed on the left to befuddle opposing defenses. Holding Midfield stalwart Osvaldo Alonso has been signed through 2014 and looks to remain a fan favorite due to his work effort and seemingly presence everywhere on the field breaking up opponents’ threats.

The return of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado from an ACL injury in 2010 is also exciting for Sounders Fans. Hurtado was a finalist for Defender of the Year in 2009 whose season was cut short in 2010. He is back, and in full condition in 2011 and is expected to pair with Jeff Parke to provide Seattle with one of the best Centerback duos in the league.

Kickoff is slated for 630p and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Injury Report
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – OUT: FW Mike Fucito (R adductor strain); FW Nate Jaqua (hip surgery recovery); FW Michael Seamon (R leg neuritis); QUESTIONABLE: MF Steve Zakuani (hip injury); PROBABLE: MF Brad Evans (R hamstring strain)

Major League Soccer announced the schedule for First Kick 2011- their opening slate of Home Matches for the 2011 Season.

For the third year in a row, the Major League Soccer season will begin at Seattle’s Qwest Field in front of a nationally televised crowd as Sounders FC hosts the 2010 Supporters Shield Champions, LA Galaxy, on March 15, 2011. Kickoff is slated for 630p PT and will be aired on ESPN.

The Rave Green will then immediately head cross country to play New York on Saturday March 19th in the opener at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff for that match is slated for 430p PT.

“Our team looks forward to playing the two division champions, Los Angeles and New York, in our first two games,” said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. “It’s a difficult task but we relish the opportunity.”

Montero and Zakuani will take on LA to start the 2011 Campaign (Chris Coulter foto)

Thanks to SoundersPhotos.com for the image.

Starting the final 90 minutes down 0-1, Sounders FC found hope noticing that the other 3 Playoff winners were the lower seed. An early goal by the Rave Green would level the playing the field, but it was the Galaxy who went up early and never looked back.

Thanks to two assists by David Beckham off of set pieces, Los Angeles scored in the 19th minute, when Edson Buddle headed the ball past Kasey Keller off of a Beckham free kick.

8 minutes later, Beckham’s free kick found an unmarked Omar Gonzalez streaking to head ball the second goal of the match.

Seattle did find the back of the net in the 86th, when Steve Zakuani placed a left-footed shot past LA goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts.

The Galaxy will now take on FC Dallas in the Western Conference Championship next weekend. San Jose and Colorado will battle it out for the Eastern Conference Championship.

Scoring Summary
LA – Edson Buddle (David Beckham) 19
LA – Omar Gonzalez (David Beckham) 27
SEA – Steve Zakuani (Nate Jaqua) 86

Los Angeles Galaxy — Donovan Ricketts, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Eddie Lewis, David Beckham, Juninho, Dema Kovalenko (Chris Birchall 74), Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle (Tristan Bowen 71), Mike Magee (Todd Dunivant 79).

Substitutes Not Used: Jovan Kirovski, Gregg Berhalter, Alex Cazumba, Josh Saunders.

TOTAL SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 12; OFFSIDES: 3; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 3.

Seattle Sounders FC — Kasey Keller, James Riley, Patrick Ianni (Nate Jaqua 77), Tyrone Marshall, Leo Gonzalez, Sanna Nyassi (Alvaro Fernandez 46), Osvaldo Alonso, Nathan Sturgis (Mike Fucito 64), Steve Zakuani, Blaise Nkufo, Fredy Montero.

Substitutes Not Used: Tyson Wahl, Roger Levesque, Taylor Graham, Terry Boss.

TOTAL SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 13; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 2.

Misconduct Summary
LA – David Beckham (caution; Reckless Tackle) 8
SEA – Patrick Ianni (caution; Tactical Foul) 65

Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: C.J. Morgante; Craig Lowry
4th Official: Kevin Stott
Attendance: 27,000
Time of Game: 1:50
Weather: Cloudy and 66 degrees