MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Johnson Helps Sounders FC Top Chivas USA 2-1

Published on September 8, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE, Wash. - Eddie Johnson scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 89th minute, as Sounders FC (13-6-8, 47 points) defeated Chivas USA (7-12-7, 28 points), 2-1, Saturday afternoon on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. The brace gives Johnson 13 goals on the season, the best single-season scoring output in franchise history.

The win moves Seattle into second place in the Western Conference with 47 points, six points back of league-leading San Jose.

Chivas got on the board first in the eighth minute when Shalrie Joseph found Nick LaBrocca inside the box with some space, and LaBrocca rolled a shot past Michael Gspurning inside the far post.

The goal ended a 389-minute home shutout streak for Gspurning, who hadn't allowed a goal at CenturyLink Field since a San Jose penalty kick on March 31.

Seattle equalized in the 29th minute when Christian Tiffert's free kick from the corner found Johnson, who skied above the crowd and headed in the equalizer. The free kick was the result of a foul on Steve Zakuani after a strong run up the left side.

It was the second assist for Tiffert, who assisted Brad Evans' goal in the last Chivas matchup.

The game did not see another goal until the 89th minute. Alex Caskey played to Montero up the left sideline, and with two defenders marking him, Montero crossed into the box and hit Johnson in stride for a header past Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy.

The goal gave Johnson 13 goals in 2012, breaking Montero's franchise record of 12 set in 2009 and 2011. Johnson leads MLS with nine headed goals, three more than any other player.

Montero is second on the club with six assists.

Sounders FC has lost just once (5-1-4) in their last 10 MLS games and is 9-2-2 in their last 13 across all competitions. The team has won their past six home games across all competitions.

Today marked the first win (1-6-4) of the season for Seattle when conceding the first goal.

It was the first home start for Zakuani since April 9, 2011, when he scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Chicago. In the 55th minute, he received a ball from Montero on the run, but his right-footed shot in the box was saved by Kennedy.

Seattle outshot Chivas, 13-7 (5-4 on goal), and earned six more corner kicks.

The Rave Green nearly scored in the 59th minute when Brad Evans hit the post. Johnson got into the box on a run after a ball from Zakuani. After a couple moves, he chipped a short cross to an open Evans at the far post, but his shot went off the woodwork.

Sounders FC visits the Portland Timbers next Saturday in a nationally televised Cascadia Cup game on NBC. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT at JELD-WEN Field.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 8, 2012


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