On the back of a hat-trick from Blaise Nkufo, the Seattle Sounders beat Columbus Crew 4-0 to record their first away win since July 31. This night provides quite a list of firsts for the Sounders:
The first time the Sounders have converted a penalty
The first time Nate Sturgis has scored in Major League Soccer
The first time Blaise Nkufo has scored for Seattle
The first hat trick—by Nkufo—for Seattle
The first time the club has scored four times in a single match
What a night. What a thrilling match for Seattle. While the Crew dominated possession in the first half, and even had their fair share in the second, they made a mess of most of many chances, sending them wide or so high that they were laughable. For the shots they did have on target, however, Kasey Keller was right there, providing an impenetrable wall in front of the Sounders goal.
But the story of the night was undoubtedly Nkufo, who proved his worth to every Sounders supporter by finding the net three times. Fredy Montero, Zach Scott and Steve Zakuani all had a hand in creating goals, while Osvaldo Alonso was an utter beast in midfield, doing his best to shut down runs and win the ball.
Go celebrate, Sounders fans. This is the victory we’ve been waiting for. Keep those scarves up!