Not a game for the ages, but tonight we saw some world class players show how effortless this game can be. We also saw the difference between victory and loss can be wafer thin.
This was the last game of the champions League group stage, Seattle were already through and Monterrey (the defending champions in this competition) came loaded and needed a result to ensure qualification for the knockout stages next spring.
Among the talent on show tonight (and Monterrey has plenty of it) was Humberto Suazo, a top class player who spent last season with Real Zaragoza in the Spanish top flight. He looked like he was going to do something special every time he got the ball. Add Argentinian Cesar Delgardo, Mexican Luis Perez and the rest of the international and this was an excellent team Seattle took on tonight.
Seattle fielded a side with seven changes from the squad that started Saturday against San Jose. This included Brian Meridith making his first start for the club in goal.
Monterrey needed a win tonight and opened the scoring three minutes in when Dario Carrena got onto the end of a lofted through ball from Suazo. A defensive breakdown when no one pressed the Suazo. It was a nicely taken ball and the keeper never really had much of a chance.
Montero leveled it with a terrific dipping freekick just before half time. That gives him ten goals in the last ten games; his form is peaking just in time for the playoffs. After the restart he showed a wonderful piece of skill to take the ball with his back against goal, deft touch, turn and take the shot on the half volley. It went just wide of the far post, but the skill was superb.
Monterreys second goal, and the game winner was another defensive blunder and again it’s difficult to blame the keeper. A pass deflected by Zack Scott fell just right to Cesar Delgado, it was a simple shot to put Monterrey through to join Seattle the last eight in the (awkwardly named) CONCACAF Champions League.
It was worth every penny to watch the talent on show tonight, while obviously I’d have preferred a different result, Seattle were already through to the knock out round in the competition and the real business at hand starts in a couple of weeks when the playoffs get under way. There were no injuries tonight, a few of the reserves got a good run out and the 16,000 on hand got great value for their $15.
This is a special season, and sharing it tonight with friends who appreciate how special it is was a lot of fun.