Sounders shut out Union in MLS Opener

If the first 90 minutes of the Seattle Sounders season is any indication of their level of play for the rest of the year, the rest of the teams in the Western Conference should prepare themselves for a long, long season. The Sounders came out brilliantly, putting the plucky Philadelphia Union on their heels with precise passing and fluid ball movement. Sounder midfielders Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani controlled the midfield and crossed the ball into the box, while forwards Freddie Ljungberg and Fredy Montero were dangerous up front. In the 12th minute, Zackuani telegraphed a cross to Brad Evans who put a blistering low shot past keeper Chris Seitz. The Sounders almost doubled their lead in the 16th minute when Levesque pushed a wide open shot high above the cross bar. The Union were resilient, battling through the messy northwest rain, but they couldn't keep up with the Sounders' ball movement. LeToux almost had a goal in the 38th minute but was whistled offside. Philadelphia's Tony Stahl was sent off in the 40th minute after a rough foul on Montero, making the Union's comeback more difficult. Seattle might have very well finished the Union off in the 43rd minute when Montero headed in an Alonso shot. The second half saw some good chances from both teams, but no game-changing action. Overall, the Sounders appear to be firing on all cylinders already. They did well to spread the field and used smooth ball movement to get past the Union defense. Although the Union's first official match as a franchise resulted in a loss, they still have several things to feel good about. Sebastian Le Toux and Torres looked promising and it might just take a little time for the team to come together.