Red Bulls top Sounders

  • Herald news services
  • Saturday, March 19, 2011 8:33pm
  • Sports

HARRISON, N.J. — Forward Juan Agudelo scored his first career MLS goal to give the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night in a Major League Soccer game.

The decisive goal came in the 70th minute as Agudelo ran onto a long ball from midfielder Teemu Tainio. The 18-year-old, who was called up for upcoming U.S. national team matches against Argentina and Paraguay, shrugged off Seattle defender Leo Gonzalez and booted the ball past Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

New York had a golden opportunity to take the lead nine minutes into the match. After goalkeeper Greg Sutton saved the Red Bulls, coming off his line to smother a deflected ball which fell invitingly for Seattle’s Freddy Montero in the box, the Red Bulls earned a penalty kick.

New York’s Thierry Henry fed a through ball to Agudelo behind the Seattle back line. The U.S. national team forward beat Seattle’s Jhon Kennedy Hurtado to the ball. The striker’s nifty footwork to cut the ball back drew contact from Hurtado, who clipped Agudelo for a penalty kick. However, Henry’s low shot was tipped away by Keller.

In an entertaining back-and-forth affair in the first half, Montero was the inspiration for Seattle’s most dangerous attacks, sending Alvaro Fernandez in alone on goal in the 16th minute. But the Uruguayan failed to capitalize on the opportunity, sending the ball right at Sutton. Montero again tested Sutton from long distance in the 27th minute but the Red Bulls goalie knocked the ball away.

Montero resurfaced in the 39th minute, running onto a ball from Fernandez in the box. His tight angle shot was swatted away by Sutton, who recovered to collect the loose ball from the ground while Seattle’s O’Brian White lurked for the rebound.

It was again the Fernandez-Montero combination wreaking havoc in the final minute of the first half with Montero dancing by defender Tim Ream before slamming a shot against the right post from a difficult angle.

After Agudelo’s goal in the 70th minute, second-half sub Tony Tchani nearly sealed the affair with a header in the 88th minute which was tipped by Keller over the bar.

Seattle nearly scored a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Montero’s free kick from 20 yards out was punched away by Sutton and Lamar Neagle booted the rebound over the bar.

Steve Zakuani, who carried a hip injury into the opening match last Tuesday against Los Angeles did not make the trip for Seattle, who instead started Erik Friberg at left midfield and gave draftee Servando Carrasco his first MLS start.

The Sounders host the Houston Dynamo at 7 p.m. on Friday at Qwest Field.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

Former Archbishop Murphy High School stars, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) and Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), prepare for play at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 26, 2024. Though Lucas is likely to return as a starter, Seattle's interior line needs offseason upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
The Seahawks offensive line needs work

A mix free agency and draft could lead to upgraded interior.

UW men stumble in second half, fall to Nebraska

The three-pointers that fell so frequently — and from a… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

Kraken rally to force overtime, fall in shootout

Streaking Red Wings too much for young Kraken lineup that showed some promise.

Slivertips’ Clarke Schaefer tries to maneuver around Medicine Hat’s Josh Van Mulligen during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips Week in Review: Everett splits slate in high-scoring week

The Silvertips were outscored 24-18 in four games this week, losing two to the next-best WHL teams

Everett Silvertips’ Landon DuPont during the game against the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips’ DuPont becomes first rookie D to score 50 points in 35 years

The 15-year-old star defenseman joined Scott Niedermayer in exclusive company with an assist Sunday.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto believes players like Jorge Polanco (7) will enjoy bounceback seasons in 2025. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Despite quiet Mariners offseason, Jerry Dipoto confident

With the pre-spring training luncheon and news conference no longer an annual… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.