In what has proven to be a far more open and end-to-end affair than might have been expected coming in, Fredy Montero's 8th minute headed goal has been the difference so far. The goal came from a perfectly placed ball in and Montero glanced the header past a beaten Will Hesmer. It's been back-and-forth ever since, each side having their spells of possession and creating a few dangerous chances. The Crew's best look at goal came in the 32nd minute when Robbie Rogers found himself one on one with Kasey Keller, but the veteran Seattle keeper was able to get down well and block the shot in.

Despite the relatively fluid pace of the play, it's been a physical and at times chippy affair with referee Mark Kadlecik letting a great deal go. There was a tense moment late in the half when Crew striker Emilio Renteria took exception to a challenge from Sounders midfielder Servando Carrasco with the result being a scrum of yellow and shale shirts, some finger pointing and a booking for Carrasco (likely more for his reaction to Renteria's complaints than the foul itself.)

Seattle earned their lead, but the Crew have looked dangerous on several occasions and have had their most success down the flanks on the counter. With Erik Friberg and Alvaro Fernandez providing width in the attack the full backs might need to be a bit more restrained in their forward runs, especially with a lead. Unless the flow of the game shifts dramatically it would be a surprise to see this end 1-0, and with Seattle doing little in the attack in the latter stages of the first half some adjustments might be in order if the Sounders hope to hang on to their lead.