Fredy Montero and The Sounders FC Crush Red Bulls 3-0

After watching Seattle Sounders thrash the NY Red Bulls 3-0, one has to wonder who was drinking the Red Bull before the game. Seattle Sounders FC, MLS debutantes playing their first game, came out of the blocks with energy, passion and a clear concept of organization. The Red Bulls, finalists in last year’s MLS cup, looked like an uninterested, unmotivated, listless bunch of Sunday afternoon posers out for a leisurely kick around in the park.

The Sounders and their supporters, looking every bit the part of a real football club, took the game to the Red Bulls from the start. Fredy Montero, their young Colombian striker, continued to be the danger man he has been the throughout the pre season. He calmly slotted the ball home after the Frenchman Le Toux found him alone on the right side of the box. The finish, though well placed, was partly the fault of Danny Cepero, the Red Bulls young keeper, who tonight proved once again that he is a paradox, capable of being both great and terrible. The second goal, this time supplied by a crafty pass from Montero, was scored by Brad Evans after he darted past a cement footed Pietravallo into the box, turned and hit a weak shot between Cepero’s legs. New York escaped the first half only down 2-0, a fairly generous score considering they rarely strung more than three passes together. In fact, Osario, the Red Bulls coach, was forced to substitute for Andrew Boyens only twenty seven minutes into the first half, for what can only be characterized as a mercy killing.

The second half, though not as one sided, at least demonstrated that New York wasn’t entirely asleep. They did force Keller into making some quality saves, but true to form made as Petke made a terrible error coughing up the ball to Montero, giving him a free run at Cepero. Montero slotted his second goal of the night after undressing Cepero with a fake and calmly striking the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Seattle continued to create quality chances and were unlucky not to collect a fourth after first year player Steve Zakuani was denied by Cepero at the near post. The final whistle couldn’t have blown faster for New York as Seattle celebrated their first victory in front of thirty two thousand satisfied green sea of supporters.

Ten Observations:

1) Montero, Montero, Montero…. Forget old European players who are either injured or unwilling to stay the full length of their contract. This type of player is what MLS fans crave. Montero’s skill level, finishing ability, youth and clear passion are what we want. Were the other fourteen MLS teams sleeping as this guy was lighting up the Columbian league with 43 goals. Note to all MLS general managers… go south and steal the talent.
2) Angel was terrible tonight - Usually I am a big supporter of the clinician from Columbia, but tonight he wasn’t good. His touches in the box were clumsy and his decision making slow. He better get better fast or it may be a long season for the Red Bulls.
3) LeToux, Nyassi, Montero, Jaqua and Alonso... to say that I was impressed is an understatement. For the first game of the year they were a very coherent as an attacking unit. This is not to say that they were perfect, but that they have the potential to be a good attacking side. One has to wonder where Freddy L. is going to fit in.
4) Kasey Keller punts for a reason. John Harkes, commentating for ESPN 2 remarked that Keller doesn’t put the ball on turf and drive it with his laces. No kidding John, did you see Keller’s first attempts at goal kicks? I guess forty year old legs can only manage half the field.
5) Did the NY Red Bulls play with central midfielders? I couldn’t spot them on the pitch.
6) Danny Cepero does not belong in the MLS. This type of goal keeping is going to cost the Red Bulls more games than it is going to win them. He had one good game against Houston last year and scored a seventy five yard goal. Good for him. If I was Red Bull fan I would be mighty depressed knowing that Cepero was my keeper.
7) Toronto FC supporters, it’s on. Seattle Sounders FC has arrived and their supporters are every bit as passionate as you. Too bad the cities are 3,000 miles apart.
8) Don Garber said half a season with Beckham is better than no season with Beckham. I could care less. Give me more players like Montero.
9) Sebastian Le Toux hits a wicked swerving ball into the box.
10) I guess Portland is will get the next MLS franchise….big surprise ESPN. Who do you think is watching your games, soccer moms?


Man of the Match: Fredy Montero

Worst Man on the Pitch: Any of the Red Bull players