Just seconds after Portland Timbers keeper Donovan Ricketts was removed from the game after a scary looking collision with Seattle Sounders striker Eddie Johnson, Fredy Montero welcomed his replacement Joe Bendik to the game in the rudest possible way. Montero latched on to Michael Gspurning's long punt and fired a stunning volley into the far corner to give Seattle the lead. There was little Bendik could do about the strike, but his team now has a lot to do, trailing 1-0 with just over half an hour remaining.

Montero has had something of a rough day, finding himself the focal point of a great deal of attention from the Timbers defense with Mauro Rosales and Christian Tiffert both missing due to injury, but a goal like that will go a long way towards improving his outlook on the day. Now the Sounders must make the lead stand, which will be no easy task against a Timbers side that will no doubt be pouring men forward in search of an equalizer.