The Seattle Sounders didn't take much time getting over their CONCACAF Champions League elimination, returning to CenturyLink Field to open the 2012 MLS season in stylish fashion.
Sounders forward David Estrada not only scored his first career MLS goal, he notched a hat-trick in the process, to lead Seattle to a commanding 3-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night.
Just three days after an embarrassing 6-1 loss to Santos Laguna in the Champions League quarterfinals, the Sounders looked every bit like the team expected to challenge for the league title.
Estrada used his hustle to open the scoring when he ran onto an Alvaro Fernandez pass before out-working three TFC players to the ball in front of goal and converting in the 17th minute. Toronto's defense suffered a major blow just 24 minutes into the match when German defender Torsten Frings left the match with an injury.
Marc Burch played provider for Estrada's second goal by springing him with a long pass as Estrada raced behind the Toronto defense. Estrada cooly slotted his shot past Milos Kocic to make the score 2-0.
TFC fought back courtesy of a beautiful Ryan Johnson goal, but Seattle responded immediately as Estrada completed his hat trick with another combination play with Fernandez, working a give-and-go wih the Uruguayan before finishing perfectly to seal the victory.
Here are the match highlights:
What did you think of the match? Surprised to see Estrada make such a big impact? Think Toronto FC can recover and post results without Frings?
Share your thoughts below.
They were missing 4 starters at the beginning and a fifth when Frings went down. That’s nearly half the team. If Seattle is a top team in MLS, MLS has a long way to go still. Sorry, but they don’t look as good as Seattle fans think they are.
Good to see the blind can post comments these days.
Montero is HORRIBLE!!!!!
Why did Seattle give him DP money? Estrada looks mighty good tho
Did you just seriously say “B” team for Toronto. Wow thats just hilarious and down right false.
I just realized Estrada was born in Morelia Mexico, I thought he was born in the states
Yep, Santos is going to destroy TFC….
Nice try with the excuse, oh don’t forget they had to travel from LA to Seattle.
Seattle looked good with two different starters on D, and traveling farther. This sounder team has a lot of depth for an mls team. It will only get deeper when zak returns.
Without Frings I think TFC season is done if he doesnt come back. He has been an absolute beast since he arrived. Toronto will bleed 3 to 4 goals a game without him in there. He stops so many opponent scoring opportunities. Also a fantastic passer of the ball. Best tackler and best defensive player in all of MLS.
El Flaco Fernandez and Estrada combined well. Alsonso was very strong. Montero not showing much so far.
What game were you watching? Other than Johnson’s fantastic strike, Toronto didn’t have much going all evening. Also, Seattle could have easily had one or two more (especially with the missed PK call).
Toronto largely played a B team last night. Didn’t think Seattle looked all that good that considering that. The game was tighter than the scoreline suggests. I’d like to see what TFC could have done if they played their starting 11.
Good bounce back by Seattle. Great opening night win!!!! Looking fwd to watching this team all season. Settle and RSL class of MLS.
Not too excited about my Dynamo facing this squad next week in Seattle. They’ve eked out two ugly 1-0 wins so far. Hopefully Camargo will join them for this one and help make it a match.
Ponch? your thinking of Johansson, Estrada go’s by CHIP’s.
Magical night for Ponch.. Houston is next.. Huge game
His right thigh was wrapped when he walked into the locker rooms. My guess is a strained hammy.
Is there an update on Frings? That guy is solid and one of the key players for TFC, hopefully he will be back soon.
It was sad watching Frings go down. It was a great tackle that stopped another opportunity for Estrada, but it’s never fun to see someone go down like that. Especially when TFC looks like it might finally be a decent side.
I like the way Estrada scores his goals. Not hard shots, nothing fancy… just clinical, period.
Bushido Boys!
Estrada’s been a beast. He created problems in both Santos matches and was the top scorer in pre-season.
I don’t know who declared Eddie Johnson the starter, but apparently somebody missed the memo.