SOUNDERS FC: Red Bulls: 1 Sounders: 0

The Sounders failed to score for the second straight match in a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Head Coach Sigi Schmid was forced to alter the lineup slightly to account for the injured Steve Zakuani, who did not make the trip.

Erik Friberg moved to the outside, leaving a spot for the Sounders first round pick, Servando Carrasco, to make his first start.

This match, much like Tuesday's, was evenly played. The first half the Red Bulls seemed to control the game better, but the Sounders still managed to create scoring chances. It looked like the Red Bulls would take an early lead when in the 8th minute, Agudelo was brought down in the box and the Red Bulls were awarded a penalty. Thierry Henry sent the kick low and to the left, but Keller dove to his right and managed to glove the ball out, keeping the Red Bulls off the board. It was Keller’s second penalty save in his MLS career. The first one recorded on September 9, 2010 against Real Salt Lake.
To Continue... In the 27th minute O’brian White wasn’t able to capitalize on a Freddy Montero shot that bounced off of Red Bulls keeper, Greg Sutton. The score remained even at the half.

As the second half got underway it was the same story for the Sounders that failed them, the counter attack. In the 70th minute, after Montero lost possession, Teemu Tainio went long and found the foot of Agudelo who managed to get behind the Sounders defense to drive home the lone goal of the match. It was Agudelo’s first career goal, and I have a feeling it will most certainly not be his last. Agudelo seemed to give the Sounders trouble all night. His touch, combined with his speed was deadly.

It looked as if the Sounders might get their first goal of the year when Sutton deflected a Montero shot right to Lamar Neagle. From about five yards out, Neagle took the deflection and sailed a kick over the cross bar.

Overall, it was another frustrating game for the Sounders, who for the most part played even with the Red Bulls. Once again, not finding a way to put the ball in the net.

“When we play two of the better teams in the league and show that we can play them pretty even … now we just have to make sure that we come out with the results,” Schmid said. “We have to move on.”

The Sounders will get their chance to put this match behind them next Friday. They will host the Houston Dynamo at Qwest at 7 p.m.

Reach Ryan Kinney at rkinney20@gmail.com