The Seattle Sounders looked for redemption Sunday, as they traveled to LA in hopes of showing that an earlier 4-0 loss to the league-leading Galaxy was a fluke. However, by the end of the match on a sunny 4th of July at the Home Depot Center, the Sounders found themselves walking away without any points to show for. The star-studded Galaxy made easy work of Seattle in what ended in a 3-1 victory for LA.
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The newly returned US-National team stars of Landon Donavan and Edson Buddle were strong forces in an always dangerous Galaxy attack. They showed their abilities early, when in the 19th minute, Buddle scored off a header from a Donovan corner kick; a beautiful goal that put the Sounders down early.
Much of the first half was spent with Seattle on their heels defensively. With an attacking Galaxy, Seattle showed very little signs of offensive life. By the half-time intermission, LA had outshot Seattle 12-3.
The second half saw some offensive changes for Seattle, as Nate Jaqua was inserted for Pat Noonan, and later seeing Michael Seamon inserted in the game for Pat Vagenas in the 51st minute.
The Galaxy came out with the same intensity in the second half and doubled their lead with a 32-foot strike by Juninho in the 48th minute. At this point, many fans watching the match were reminded of the dismal performance on the Qwest Field pitch where the Sounders lost 4-0 months ago.
However, Seattle began a more offensive movement after the Seamon substitution, and saw this capitalize in the 66th minute. The Sounders marched downfield and Fredy Montero rolled a ball to Steve Zakuani on the left side. Zakuani then took it into his hands, and weaved through the Galaxy defense and fired a shot past the LA keeper for his fifth goal of the season. The lead had been cut in half and Seattle had momentum.
This momentum was soon shattered by an unfortunate defensive play by the typically solid James Riley in the 77th minute. With the Galaxy driving down the field, a cross was sent toward the Seattle goal with Donovan lying in wait, but Riley was there. Unfortunately, Riley had chose to challenge the ball with a slide, but his miscalculation saw the ball deflect off his leg and into the Sounders net just past Kasey Keller. This own goal by the Sounders effectively ended any threat of tying the game.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid simply said afterwards, “LA was better than us.” This may have been true Sunday evening, but the Sounders will have another crack at the Galaxy this coming Wednesday in a US Open Cup match. This match will be played at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila and will kick off at 7 pm. Good luck Sounders!
Reach Kyle Fosnes at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
