SEATTLE – “Electricity” had Fox Soccer Channel spectators all across the country adjusting their television’s contrast settings Wednesday night. In a friendly against Boca Juniors, Sounders FC donned their new Electricity yellow jersey—an audacious color choice that makes Seattle’s Rave Green uniforms look downright drab.
Fortunately for the fans who came out on Wednesday night, the game itself was played at a high-energy tempo that complemented the jerseys. They also saw the best of the mercurial Fredy Montero, who looked sensational against the storied South American club, winning 3-0.
Roger Levesque, Pat Noonan and Michael Seamon notched the goals for the home side, but it was Montero who set the tone early.
Showing the most energy he has displayed thus far into the 2010 season, the tireless Colombian pestered the Argentine club’s defense in his 45 minutes of action. He also triggered the first goal of the game, coming inches away from a sublime free kick goal before Levesque ushered in the rebound off his midsection.
After a long scoring drought in Qwest Field, Levesque’s goal set off disproportionately delirious celebrations amongst the strong crowd of 40,122. The 1-0 halftime lead was a commendable result against a Boca Juniors team that fielded several starters among its starting 11, including capped players Leandro Aguirre and Fabián Monzón in the starting back line.
Montero left at halftime, and for a moment it looked like he took the Sounders attack with him. With Freddie Ljungberg not dressing for the match, the departure of the Colombian led to some comically bad finishing.
Brad Evans will be hearing about his egregious miss on an empty net for the foreseeable future. Not to be outdone, Levesque skied a shot over the Boca goal seconds later with a better-positioned Miguel Montano getting ready to take the strike.
However, the Keystone Kops routine ended thanks to Noonan’s left-footed goal in the 64th minute. Taking a pass from David Estrada, Noonan calmly put the ball away after cutting back on his marker.
Minutes later, Seamon put a strong right-footed blast inside the right post. Having recently rejoined the team after finishing his degree at Villanova, the graduation present to himself was greeted with cheers from the Seattle bench.
Boca Juniors now head to Portland to take on the Timbers in the final match of their three-game US tour on Saturday at PGE Park.
Scoring Summary:
SEA -- Roger Levesque (unassisted) 42
SEA -- Pat Noonan (unassisted) 64
SEA -- Michael Seamon (Patrick Ianni) 70
Misconduct Summary:
BCJ -- Cristian Erbes (caution; Reckless Tackle) 41
SEA -- Patrick Ianni (caution; Reckless Foul) 83
Lineups:
Boca Juniors -- Javier García, Leandro Aguirre, Hugo Ibarra, Ezequiel Muñoz, Fabién Monzón (Matías Giménez 76), Gastón Sauro, Jesús Méndez (Leandro Marín 59), Gastón Rossi (Sergio Araujo 67), Cristian Erbes, Lucas Viatri (Nicolás Blandi 77), Pablo Mouche.
Seattle Sounders -- Kasey Keller (Terry Boss 46), Zach Scott, Jeff Parke (Pat Noonan 46), Tyson Wahl, Taylor Graham, Sanna Nyassi (James Riley 46), Nathan Sturgis (Patrick Ianni 66), Osvaldo Alonso (Brad Evans 19) (Michael Seamon 66), Steve Zakuani (Miguel Montano 46), Roger Levesque, Fredy Montero (David Estrada 46).
Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Referee's Assistants: Colin Arblaster; Michael Kampmenet
4th Official: Mike Rottersman
Attendance: 40,122
Time of Game: 1:51
Weather: Cloudy, 56 degrees
