CONCACAF Champions League, Seattle Sounders Vs. Monterrey: Highlights, Quotes, Statistics

Well, that was pretty awesome, wasn't it? When you go to Mexico and beat a team as good as Monterrey, who happens to be using a lot of their starters, there's really no point in worrying too much about how it actually happened. The Seattle Sounders are 2-0-0 in CONCACAF Champions League group stage play and are suddenly looking pretty good.

For the record, though, we like to provide the highlights, statistics and quotes to further preserve the moment and we may as well go through those now. The Sounders were out shot 17-7 and surrendered seven corner kicks, while earning just one. They were out-possessed 68-32 and Monterrey made 653 passes to the Sounders' 308. All of this feels pretty accurate based on the way the game felt in live action. 

The second half, in particular, essentially featured the Sounders holding on for dear life. There was nothing pretty about, but that's OK. There are no extra style points and a win like this does not come with an asterisk.

In fact, I'd argue that the Sounders' newfound ability to win ugly is a hugely positive development. This was exactly the thing we were complaining about last year, as well as earlier this year. The win over Monterrey is their third time in four games in which they yielded the possession battle and found a way to win. The Sounders have developed an ability to play different styles, and that can only bode well for future results.

 All Statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial

SOUNDERS FC QUOTES - Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Sigi Schmid - Sounders FC Head Coach

(General comments...) "We think Monterrey is the best team in Mexico, even though they are not in first place right now. For us, we have played a lot of difficult games in a lot of warm weather in the last two weeks so for us it was difficult. We played a little more defensive than we normally play. Our defending was good because they are a dangerous team."

(On Sounders FC defense...) "It was very important for us today. Last time we played here [Humberto] Suazo destroyed us. We wanted to make sure we didn't give him too much space. [...] We were happy with that defensively and we wanted to try some counterattacks. I thought we had a couple counterattacks, scored a goal on one."

(On difference from last year...) "The last time we were here we scored two goals but we needed three. It was important for us to play to zero tonight because we felt it would give us a better chance. I think the difference for us was that we have grown up a little bit as a team. We are more mature now. With the experience we had last year we know what to expect and we didn't make silly mistakes because we have grown up a little bit."

(On what win means to Sounders FC...) "It means an awful lot for us because last after two games we had zero points. This year after two games we have six points. To come into Monterrey and win gives our team confidence as we go into games in the future. Obviously we left some very important players on our team at home because of the amount of games that we play. So to win with the team we had we are very, very pleased."

(On being in first place of Group D...) "Being in first place obviously will be a challenge for us as well. That's the next challenge as we grow as a team being able to play as a favorite. Sometimes it's easier to play when you're not favored to win. But you also have to play well when you are the favorite team. That's what we have to learn next."

(On Sounders FC goals for CCL...) "Our goal going into the tournament this year was that we wanted to get into the next stage. We wanted to finish either first or second in the group and right now with six points we are much closer to our goals than we were last year at any point. We felt last year was a learning experience and we didn't do show our best and we wanted to make up for that."

Servando Carrasco - Sounders FC Midfielder

(On the game...) "It was a great experience. I think we stuck to our tactic very well. There were moments in the game where we absorbed pressure. We knew that was going to happen but we caught them in the break on the first half on a counterattack. Great play by Pat Noonan and a fantastic goal by Flaco."

(On the goal...) "It was either going to be [counterattack] or set pieces. We talked about it during the game and before the game and luckily we got a goal on the break."

 (On team defense...) "I think as a team we had a great shape. Half of the battle is mental. The weather was very hot and they can run for days but I think we kept a good shape and that's what got us the victory."

Alvaro Fernandez - Sounders FC Midfielder

(On importance of victory...) "Last year we were very close to achieving the win but we couldn't make it. This year that we did it is very important for us and it's also very good for MLS and great for the team."

(On the defense...) "They were very good in all the lines, very solid. The defense had a very good game."

Brad Evans - Sounders FC Midfielder

(On the win...) "It's tremendous. It's a great win for us. It's one that will go in the history for our club. We are now the second team to win in Mexico so for us it's special. Our locker room is happy. That will be the best team we play all year, easily. Heads above everybody else we play so I'm just happy."

(On the character of Sounders FC...) "Bottom line that's what championship teams are made of. You win when it's tough. You win when it's easy. You win when you're not supposed to. It's momentum. It's the confidence we have in each other no matter who steps on the field. We said it last week when we played in Dallas. We had different guys on the field and now we have a different lineup and we get out with a win. Top to bottom just a great feeling."

(On Monterrey...) "Their spirits were never broken. They want to win no matter what. They don't want to disappoint these fans, that's the first and foremost thing. Maybe it opened up a little bit but we were so gassed we didn't get any chances to capitalize other than maybe one or two. For us if we can win in these situations that's great."

Pat Noonan - Sounders FC Forward

(On the goal...) "I believe it was Tyson [Wahl] who played me a ball kind of towards midfield. I was able to turn and found Nate [Jaqua] checking in who did a good job of laying the ball off - it was great build-up - laid it off to Brad [Evans]. He crossed to Servando [Carrasco] and kind of played it through to me. I think Flaco made a good behind run and I was able to spot him between two defenders. His first touch was great. That enabled him to get that shot off and he finished it very well."

(O "I had a lot of time and space and up to that point we weren't getting a lot of time and space. It was a very good build-up for us. I just kind of saw Flaco making a through run and I thought maybe if I can squeeze this through we get a chance on goal. We hadn't had many chances on goal and it worked out for us. He finished it very well and it put us in a position to win the game, which we did."