Sounders FC and Chelsea FC combined for six first-half goals in a 4-2 win for the Blues in the opening match of the 2012 Herbalife World Football Challenge. Fredy Montero scored a brace for Seattle in front of 53,309 on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.
Chelsea went up 2-0 early on goals from Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. In the third minute, Lukaku got behind the defense on a ball from Josh McEachran for a one-on-one with the keeper and finished past Bryan Meredith. To enjoy some great Football games online, why not try out the popular ‘Penalty Shootout’ and ‘Football Rules’ over at www.betfaircasino.com
In the 11th, Eden Hazard got behind the defense on the left side, cut middle and finished inside the far post to extend the lead to 2-0.
Montero then tied the game with goals in the 14th and 32nd minutes. First, he intercepted a ball in the final third, dribbled into the box and curved a low ball around Chelsea keeper Henrique Hilario.
The Colombian’s next goal started with a Brad Evans sliding recovery that played to Mauro Rosales, who then sent a long cross to Montero at the opposite corner of the box. Montero cut across his defender and finished inside the far post to even the game 2-2.
The Blues then extended their lead with two quick goals before the half. In the 40th minute, Marko Marin crossed a ball into the box that deflected off a Sounders defender and into the goal.
In the 44th minute, Lukaku again got behind the defense on a ball from Marin, dribbled down close to the end line and beat Meredith inside the far post.
Roger Levesque made his final appearance for Sounders FC when he came on for Eddie Johnson in the 65th minute. Levesque, who retired following tonight’s match, has spent the past nine seasons playing for the Sounders at the USL and MLS levels.
Seattle was outshot 17-18, 4-9 on goal, and held a 8-1 advantage on corner kicks.
Sounders FC has a bye this weekend and will return to MLS action on July 28 at Colorado Rapids.
Scoring Summary:
CFC – Romelu Lukaku (Josh McEachran) 3′
CFC – Eden Hazard (Mikel John Obi) 11′
SEA – Fredy Montero 14′
SEA – Fredy Montero (Mauro Rosales) 32′
CFC – Marko Marin (Josh McEachran) 40′
CFC – Romelu Lukaku (Marko Marin) 44′
