Lamar Neagle scored the game-winner as Seattle Sounders FC (13-8-4, 43 points) defeated Chivas USA (5-15-7, 22 points), 1-0, Wednesday night on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. With three straight wins, Seattle now moves into a tie for second place with the LA Galaxy in the Western Conference.
In the 24th minute, Marc Burch’s long free kick from the right side found Neagle in the six-yard box, who settled the ball and fired a shot past Kennedy. The goal gave Neagle a career-high six goals on the season, one shy of the team lead. It was the second assist on the season for Burch.
Michael Gspurning made one save en route to his third consecutive shutout and ninth of the season, eclipsing last year’s total of eight. The Austrian keeper came up big late, breaking up a dangerous chance from an Edgar Mejia free kick in the box, then making another stop on a set piece in the 76th. With three consecutive clean sheets, Gspurning is currently on a 286-minute shutout streak.
In the 21st minute, Bryan de la Fuente gathered a high ball and rocketed a 35-yard shot on frame that was saved by Gspurning. Chivas’ goal leader Erick Torres managed just two shots, including a pair of headers from the center of the box that missed the frame.
Seattle came out firing early with Neagle firing a long-range shot over the crossbar after a Rosales lay-off. Minutes after the goal, Burch found Neagle again with a cross from deep in the left corner, but the header was saved.
In the 57th minute, Neagle and Rosales connected again but Neagle’s shot from outside of the box was saved by Dan Kennedy. Neagle finished the match with a game-high four shots, including two on goal.
Sounders FC returns to action on Saturday with a home matchup against the Chicago Fire. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.
Scoring Summary:
SEA – Lamar Neagle (Marc Burch) 24′
