Seattle Sounders End Real Salt Lake Undefeated Streak 2-1

For a team that hasn't had many breaks go their way the Seattle Sounders got a few tonight, but at first it didn't seem like that. Prior to the match starting Alvaro Fernandez had a tweaked hamstring, but insisted that he could play effectively. He could not and Sigi Schmid had to use a sub prior to the 20th minute, and then the weather got worse. Any fan would think that Real Salt Lake was going to continue its impressive home undefeated streak as the breaks were not going to go the Rave Green's way.

Instead things opened up for Seattle. Lamar Neagle had a few early opportunities. Kasey Keller and the defense got a lucky break on a series of corners and rebounds. Later, Mike Fucito out-bodied Jamison Olave often enough that on a break away Olave's only option was to pull him down. That red card changed everything.

Ten Man Salt Lake couldn't defend a corner when Tyson Wahl lofted a solid ball to the far post. Nate Jaqua won the duel knocked it low to Fredy Montero (on for Fucito) who gave a slight redirect and Patrick Ianni put the easy ball into the net. Seattle did not stop attacking though. At times this would prove frustrating as RSL had a possession advantage despite the man advantage.

Federal Way/Tacoma/Auburn's Neagle struck a goal to the upper right corner that would prove the attack to be one of worth as he put Seattle up two-nil. The Utah based side would attempt a come back and earned a goal late in the match, but it would not be enough for them to make their unbeaten streak hit 30. They were stopped.

The Sounders had long stretches where a loss would have been accepted. A certain amount of luck was needed. A fair, but unexpected refereeing decision went their way. Some times the breaks go your way. For a fan-base that hasn't felt like it has gotten one in some time this victory doesn't just feel good.

It feels like history.