It didn't take long for the Seattle Sounders to grab yet another lead against the Columbus Crew. Lamar Neagle scored a 4th minute goal to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead. In each of the teams' past five meetings, the Sounders have led at one point in the match.
Seattle Sounders Vs. Columbus Crew: Lamar Neagle Strikes Early
Neagle's goal highlighted what promised to be the Crew's biggest weakness heading into the match. Josh Gardner, who had spent most of his career before this year in the USL, is the team's starting left back and Rich Balchan, a rookie who has mostly played in the midfield, got the start at center back.
The Crew defense showed some more cracks just a few minutes later when Mike Fucito, Fredy Montero and Mauro Rosales worked a little give-and-go inside the penalty area, but Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer was able to make the save on Rosales' shot. Montero again had an open look just a few minutes later, but his shot just went wide.
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