A defense that includes Bryan Gaul, David Junior Lopes and a still-not-100% Omar Gonzalez probably isn't going to fare so well in MLS play and certainly won't against Mauro Rosales, Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero with the way that trio of playing. So naturally, when the LA Galaxy trotted those three out in the starting defense, the faces of the Seattle Sounders lit up and those smiles lasted for a full 90 minutes as the Sounders demolished the Galaxy, 4-0, on Sunday night.
Seattle Sounders Vs. LA Galaxy, 2012 MLS: Sounders Thrash Galaxy, 4-0
The Sounders gave the Galaxy a preview of what was coming all night when they forced Josh Saunders into a great double save just four minutes into the contest. They got in behind the LA defense and forced one save, then another on the rebound.
But two minutes later, Saunders could do nothing to stop Eddie Johnson as Seattle exposed LA’s lack of pace in defense again. Gaul looked every bit the part of left back converted from striker when he allowed the Sounders space on the left, which resulted in Mauro Rosales getting plenty of time to get a cross away. It was a pinpoint cross, too, finding Johnson, who outran Gonzalez and snapped perfect header into the side netting for the opening tally.
The Galaxy managed to keep the Sounders off of the scoreboard for the rest of the half as they got more of the ball and chipped the ball long, doing everything in their power to avoid Osvaldo Alonso. It was a good tactic and would have been effective if not for their deficiencies at the back, but those deficiencies were there and when the Sounders found their groove in the second half LA got exposed.
In the 51st minute, Seattle got in behind the LA defense again and while Saunders came rushing off his line to make a great save, but the rebound found Montero. The Colombian hit a great first time shot that beat a scrambling Saunders and the Sounders were 2-0 up.
Not even 10 minutes later, the Sounders added to their lead. Johnson left Lopes in his dust and got in alone on Saunders. The LA goalkeeper did well once again to knock the ball away, but he was well off of his line and it only made it as far as Alex Caskey, who was 35 yards out. Looking nothing like a player without a goal to his name, Caskey hit a great chip over Saunders for his first career goal and the rout was on.
In the 88th minute, Andy Rose capped Seattle's dominating performance with one more goal to give the match its final scoreline that was very indicative of the 90 minutes at CenturyLink Field. The LA defense was in shambles and Seattle was all too happy to take advantage, torching the Galaxy with fine play en route to a great three points.
See More:
