Maybe Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid knows what he’s doing after all. After fielding a team heavy on reserves for the Sounders’ CONCACAF Champions League group stage match against Monterrey, Schmid left himself ripe for second-guessing. Now, he looks like a genius as the Sounders went to Monterrey and became the second straight MLS team to win in Mexico, registering a 1-0 win.
CONCACAF Champions League, Seattle Sounders Vs. Monterrey: Make It Two Straight
The Sounders got a goal from Alvaro Fernandez off an assist from Pat Noonan in the 38th minute and packed it in from there. Goalkeeper Terry Boss hardly looked steady in goal, but came up big when he needed to, making four saves to preserve the win.
Unlike FC Dallas' win over UNAM Pumas a week ago, this came against Monterrey side that featured many of their first choice players. Among the stars who played all 90 minutes were Humberto Suazo, Aldo De Nigris, Jonathan Orozco and Jesus Zavala.
Those players were in the middle of some of the game’s key moments. De Nigris created Los Rayodos’ best chance when he was able to put heavy pressure on Boss as he tried to dribble a pass back. De Nigris got possession of the ball, but fell over Boss. He was able to maintain his footing long enough to find Suazo about eight yards out. But Suazo’s shot went just wide.
Although the Sounders wound up with just 36 percent of the possession, they did manage to create several opportunities of their own. The best chance in the second half came when Osvaldo Alonso was able to round Orozco, but his first touch was heavy and the ball went out of bounds.
The Sounders, who went 1-5-0 in last year’s group stage, are now in control Group D. They sit a 2-0-0 and have already played what was widely expected to be their toughest game.
Make sure to cruise on over to Sounder at Heart to get their reaction to this massive upset.
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