Sounders 2-0 Dynamo

For the first time in Sounders history, the team has won four matches in a row. The Sounders are level at .500, and have taken fourth in the West. Seattle is now fifth overall—remember the top eight go to the playoffs.

An assist from Kasey Keller allows Montero to flip around Eddie Robinson and punch the ball into the net. Montero proceeds to kiss his badge.

Montero then shoots a perfect ball through to Alvaro Fernandez. Although Fernandez managed to trip over the ball, or possibly his feet, he steadies himself enough to beat Tally Hall and calmly flick the ball in. Immediately he gives Montero the credit, and they both do a fun dancing love-fest, complete with a big kiss.

Fredy Montero loves Seattle. There’s no more talk about him heading off to Europe. Sign him, Sounders. Sign him now.

Then an assist

Seattle 2-0 Dynamo

Alvaro Fernandez scores on an assist by Fredy Montero. Fernandez, after just scoring his first MLS goal, gives all the credit to Montero, who embraced him and gave him a big wet kiss. All together now: awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Just as I say Fernandez had been looking unsettled, too. El Flaco beat Tally Hall and calmly put the ball in the back of the net.

Mike Seamon In, Sanna Nyassi Off. Blaise Nkufo Off, Nate Jaqua On.

Nyassi found himself on the end of quite a bit of physical play tonight. He gave it right back, but usually ended up injuring himself in the process.

Seamon is typically a central midfielder, but now he’s playing on the right. And Fernandez, who is usually a center but favors the right side, is over on the left. Time to straighten out the midfield, Seattle. Fernandez seems unsettled tonight.

Nkufo-for-Jaqua is straightforward forward for forward.

Alvaro Fernandez On, Steve Zakuani Off

Fernandez is ready to be another star in the Sounder firmament. I can’t wait until he is a regular starter.

Fredy Montero Scores, Sounders 1-0 Dynamo

Fredy Montero does a backbend over Houston Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson to receive the goal kick from Kasey Keller. He traps the ball, sends it to his favored right foot and puts the ball in the back of the net.

Kasey Keller earns an assist on that goal.

Fredy Montero now has a goal or an assist in the last nine games. Sounders front office—Fredy is kissing his badge. Get your third DP ducks in a line, pay the money, and give this man a decent contract.

Brian Mullan On, Awarded A Yellow

Barely 30 seconds on the pitch and Brian Mullan is awarded a yellow for taking down Nyassi. Michael Chabala was also booked. 30 more seconds and Mullan takes down Nyassi again.

Also, the Dynamo scored a goal but were called offside. Whew.

Halftime: Sounders 0-0 Dynamo

Sounders supporters had clearly been hoping for a continued run of the great play we’d been seeing over the last few games, but the extreme physical play of the Dynamo have been restricting much of their movement.

While Seattle has had more of the possession, Dynamo have been pressing forward well and putting through some nerve-wracking chances. Fredy Montero had a fantastic free kick in the 17th minute, but the keeper pushed it just wide. It’s clear Montero wants to keep his streak (a goal or assist in the last eight games) going.

This game needs to be stretched out. The wingers need to take it wider. And for goodness sake, Alvaro Fernandez needs to take to the field. There’s no reason Nathan Sturgis should still be in midfield. Bring on El Flaco.

The Match Is Not Going Well For The Sounders

The play is scrappy and physical.

Sounders have had a few shots on goal, but Tally Hall has kept a clean sheet so far for the Dynamo.

Seattle have had 5 corners, but considering they have scored once on a corner this season, it seems a more prudent strategy would be to keep the ball in play.

Seattle Sounders Vs Houston Dynamo

Seattle Sounders, sitting semi-pretty in fifth place in the West and having a chance to move up to fifth in overall points, are riding a crazy wave of momentum going into this match against the Houston Dynamo.

The Dynamo, on the other hand, started the season strong and have fizzled out a bit. They're currently seventh in the West and in danger of losing out on the playoffs.

The Sounders certainly have the potential to take three points from this match. Fredy Montero has been absolutely on fire recently. Blaise Nkufo is really solidifying the front. Having Osvaldo Alonso in midfield helps to keep a bit of pressure off the defense. And the newest face, Alvaro Fernandez, made a huge impact last week when he scored the goal against Metapan that allowed the Sounders through to the group stages of the Champions League. Although it sounds like Fernandez will once again be a later-game substitution, he'll likely get at least a few moments tonight.

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