A largely reserve Sounders starting eleven have so far played as one might expect from a largely reserve side but poor finishing by the Revolution and a hustling, opportunistic goal from Fredy Montero has the honors even at the break. Seattle's back line has been extremely poor with Roger Levesque (in his first MLS start at right back) being especially off the pace. The Sounders have also been rather sloppy in midfield, and that's got to be a worry for Sigi Schmid as David Estrada is the only non-regular in the second band and the youngster has in many ways been the best player in rave green on the field.
New England's goal was scored by 16-year-old Diego Fagundez, making his first professional start. Fagundez (who it should be noted is listed 5'4" and is as much 5'8" as Mike Fucito is 5'7") was left unmarked in the box on a corner and headed past Kasey Keller. The Revolution's lead wouldn't last long; less than two minutes later some very sloppy passing at the back allowed the ball to drift into open space, which Fredy Montero very quickly filled. Montero then fired home a left-footed strike past keeper Matt Reis who was well off his line. It was some redemption for Montero, who earlier in the first half picked up a yellow for persistent infringement and will miss the Sounders next league game next Saturday against the Philadelphia Union.
The scoreline probably flatters the Sounders, but New England hasn't been able to do much to make them pay for their sloppiness. With a bit of tightening up at the back and less sloppiness in midfield, Seattle could very well escape with a result. Given the team on the pitch and the performance put on display in the first half, the Sounders and their fans would likely be more than pleased with such an outcome.