That headline seems a little meek doesn't it? Maybe because FC Dallas ruined the sheen a little bit after they beat UNAM Puams, but the thrill isn't quite as big as expected. Or maybe the feelings from the Seattle Sounders 1-nil victory over CF Monterrey Rayados aren't as huge as they should be because what we saw was a bit of a coaching clinic.
Or maybe we are all a bit too stunned to realize that the Sounders beat Monterrey at home for the first time in CONCACAF Champions League play, and the first time since early January of this year. There is a shift in North America, and it is too the North. MLS now has a winning streak in Mexico. It may only be two games, but it is a streak.
Head Coach Sigi Schmid put out a cynical lineup with what seemed like a target of getting a single goal, and maybe giving up one. He played for the counter, and in the first half the goal from Alvaro Fernandez changed the way he could approach the second half. Pat Noonan and Servando Carrasco advanced the ball, setting Alvaro up. These reserve players succeeded where so many starters have failed.
It was a masterful performance by the coach. Every replacement came more defensive. Amadou Sanyang came on, and the defensive midfielder played in space normally occupied by a withdrawn forward, except he still played like the defensive player he is. Osvaldo Alonso had some opportunities to ice the game, but failed to do so. Still he and Leo Gonzalez brought the ball into the attack quite well, and their defense was strong.
In the end Seattle beat the Champions. Seattle beat Monterrey in Monterrey, something that is quite rare. They did it while getting rest for key players with matches coming up in League play and the Open Cup.
This post doesn't have enough emotion.
Your Sounders just created a streak of wins by MLS sides in Mexico. Your Sounders just beat Monterrey. Celebrate, we'll get tactical later.