So I expected to feel more mixed emotions the first time my Sounders beat my Galaxy. Now I'm thinking, "Galaxy who?"
(Just kidding, Galaxy fans.) Still, though, a 3-1 does feel pretty nice.
Also? We're special. LA's not giving its fans a starting lineup (because it was a "closed game," or probably just because they became incredibly secretive when Beckham came and it hasn't worn off yet), but we get one thanks to the Seattle Times blog.
First starting lineup and uniform numbers: Forwards Montero (17) and Jaqua (21). Midfielders Zakuani (19), Evans (3), Alonso (6), Le Toux (9). Defenders Riley (7), Wahl (5), Sturgis (12) and Graham (26). Goalkeeper Keller (18).
First formation: 4-4-2
Those who didn't play but will today, expectedly: King, Oliveira, Kirk, Clark, Guppy, Dragavon, Ianni, Neagle, Schmid, West.
I really like that starting lineup, and I also like the 4-4-2. It seems like all my favorite teams are going to some version of 4-3-3 with a lone striker, and it's driving me insane. I think I just like the mathematical symmetry of 4-4-2. Well, that plus having two strikers on the field at once, especially when we have good strikers. Which it's looking like we might.
Except that it was the second-halfers who won the game this time around. Not sure what to make of this, except that Roger Levesque is now the USL Sounder I'm crossing my fingers for. (For all the good it did with Treschuk and Alcarez-Cuellar. Let's hoping I haven't just given Roger the kiss of death by publicly showing my support.)
There's apparently a full match report in today's Times -- I'll look for it later. The LA blog did have a great recap up, but I apparently didn't save it in time -- they've now switched to this one at MLSnet.
Sounds like we started a little slow but finished strong. LA scored first, but then...
The Sounders answered 14 minutes later when Montero scored from the penalty spot. Showing a flash of why he was taken with the top pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Steve Zakuani used his speed to get behind the defense, only to be pulled down in the box by A.J. DeLaGarza leading to a penalty kick. Montero calmly placed the ball to the right of Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, tying the score at 1-1.
Ricketts, an offseason signing for the Galaxy, made two quality saves to keep Seattle from taking the lead. At the other end of the field, LA nearly regained the lead midway through the first half, but an Alan Gordon header that appeared to be going in bounced off the crossbar.
Each club made wholesale changes at the half, bringing on 11 new players. The changes resulted in an evenly played half with neither team creating many chances until the final 10 minutes when Seattle scored twice.
In the 80th minute Nyassi broke free down the right flank and sent a cross into the box which Levesque was able to finish, giving his side a 2-1 lead. Ten minutes later, Nyassi provided the final touch after Ryan Pore's cross from the left found the young Gambian midfielder alone in the box to tap home for the final 3-1 scoreline.
Scoring Summary:
LA - Eddie Lewis (Kyle Patterson) 3'
SEA - Fredy Montero (Penalty Kick) 17'
SEA - Roger Levesque (Sanna Nyassi) 80'
SEA - Sanna Nyassi (Ryan Pore) 91+
A couple of good photos over at the official Galaxy blog.