Andy Rose netted a goal and two assists as Sounders FC defeated Caledonia AIA, 3-1, in the opening round of group play in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League. Fredy Montero and Sammy Ochoa also scored as Seattle extended its unbeaten streak to eight games (5-0-3) across all competitions.
Seattle opened up the scoring in the 19th minute when Rose played to Ochoa in the box and the striker put the ball shot past two defenders and the keeper. It was the fourth goal across all competitions in 2012 for Ochoa, who has three goals in U.S. Open Cup play.
Montero made it 2-0 in the 30th minute after Cordell Cato made a run up the right side and touched to Rose in the box. The UCLA product then crossed to a wide-open Montero, and the Colombian tapped it past Samuel. Montero now leads the team with 23 points (eight goals, seven assists) across all competitions in 2012.
The goal also gives the striker five career in CCL play, tying Mike Fucito for the most in club history.
Seattle increased the lead to 3-0 towards the end of the half when Rose picked up his third goal of 2012 across all competitions. Montero’s hard shot from 10 yards out was saved by a diving Samuel, but Rose tracked down the rebound and knocked in the score.
The six-foot-two rookie midfielder now has three goals and four assists across all-competitions.
Caledonia’s lone goal came on a Kareem Joseph penalty kick in the 50th minute after a Caledonia player was pulled down in the box.
Andrew Weber started in goal for Sounders FC, making his first appearance since suffering an adductor strain on June 30. He finished with three saves, most notably a diving stop on a Joseph shot in the 24th minute.
With the win, Seattle takes an early lead in Group 4 of the CCL group stage. Their next matchup is an away bout against Caledonia in Trinidad on August 30.
Sounders FC returns to action this Sunday for a Western Conference matchup with the LA Galaxy. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.
Scoring Summary:
SEA – Sammy Ochoa (Andy Rose, Alex Caskey) 19′
SEA – Fredy Montero (Andy Rose, Cordell Cato) 30′
SEA – Andy Rose 42′
CAL – Kareem Joseph (PK) 50′
