MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC defeat Chicago Fire

Published on August 29, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE - Fredy Montero scored two goals, including the game-winning header in second-half stoppage time, as the Seattle Sounders FC beat the Chicago Fire, 2-1, and extended its unbeaten streak to seven league games on Saturday night on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Montero equalized Chicago's penalty kick with a strike in the 36th minute and then scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute before a capacity crowd of 36,386.

Sounders FC (9-8-5, 32 points) is now fourth in the MLS Western Conference and has won its last four home matches.

Chicago Fire (6-7-6, 24 points) lost its second straight game and is fourth in the East.

In the second minute of second-half stoppage time, James Riley took a quick throw-in to Nathan Sturgis who served a left-footed cross to Montero, lurking at the far post. Montero headed the ball down, past keeper Sean Johnson, for his 10th goal. It was Sturgis' first assist this season and Riley's third.

Montero's equalizer came in the 36th minute. Defender Tyson Wahl, making his first appearance since April 25, took a pass from Patrick Ianni and served a long ball to the box. Montero chased it down, touched the ball once as he beat two defenders and blasted a shot inside the near post.

Wahl recorded his first point in MLS since entering the league in 2006 and it was Ianni's first assist this season.

Chicago had taken an early lead on a penalty kick in the 27th minute. Seattle's Jeff Parke was whistled for a handball in the box when Patrick Nyarko's pass struck his arm. John Thorrington stepped up and knocked the penalty kick past Kasey Keller.

It was the first goal allowed by Seattle in MLS play since July 25, snapping the club's record 379 minute opponent scoreless streak.

Seattle celebrated its 28th consecutive sellout crowd with the largest for an MLS match. Sounders FC is above .500 for the first time since April 22.

The match marked Freddie Ljungberg's return to Qwest Field after he was traded to Chicago on July 30. Ljungberg led the Fire with two shots.

Seattle finished with a 12-9 edge in shots (4-4 on goal) and 6-4 on corner kicks and all four Montero shots were on target. He has five goals and three assists during the unbeaten run.

Sounders FC concludes its home stand on Wednesday with a U.S. Open Cup semifinal at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., against Chivas USA. First kick is 7:30 p.m. PT. Seattle travels to New England to play the Revolution on September 4 at 4:30 p.m. PT.

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