The Seattle Sounders started off a crowded May in the best possible fashion, dominating the Los Angeles Galaxy in every phase of the game and cruising to a 2-0 win. With Bruce Arena opting to play a weak and inexperienced lineup, the Sounders task was made far easier and they did not disappoint; Seattle had their way with the visitors, and the scoreline likely flatters the Galaxy. Though some will question Arena's tactical and personnel decisions, those are things that are out of the Sounders control; it's pretty difficult to beat guys that decided to stay in Los Angeles when the game is being played in Seattle.
Seattle threatened consistently in the first half, but it wasn't until the 40th minute that they would get on the board. Eddie Johnson-who continues to improve and had his best game as a Sounder yet again-headed a Mauro Rosales cross past keeper Bill Gaudette. It wasn't the flashiest goal, but it counts all the same and it gave Sounders fans yet another glimpse at the positional awareness that makes Johnson such a threat. Though the teams went to the break 1-0 it could have quite easily been more lopsided in Seattle's favor if not for a stunning one-footed save by Gaudette on what should have been a sitter for Fredy Montero.
Bryan Meredith replaced Michael Gspurning at halftime due to a hip injury, but with the Sounders dominance carrying over into the second 45 minutes the young keeper would have very little to do. The real fireworks were provided by Montero in the 48th minute with the striker ending his six-game goalless drought with an absolutely stunning goal, a rocket into the far top corner from 35 yards out. Seattle would come close on a few more occasions, but 2-0 would be the way it would end, giving the Sounders a 5-1-1 record, a pace of 2.29 points per game. The defense has not allowed a goal during the run of play since the season opened against Toronto, and the total of three goals against is equal with Sporting Kansas City for the best mark in the league.
The Sounders franchise-best start continues to roll along, and what's going to be a very tough couple of months have gotten off to a very promising start. It's still very early of course, but Seattle has done nothing to discredit the idea that they are one of the league's best. With a very poor Philadelphia Union side coming to town on Saturday, the most important thing now is to ensure that the momentum is not derailed.