By BRYAN ROBISON
Whether it is off the bench or after being introduced in the starting lineup, Fredy Montero is having quite an impact during August. That continued on Saturday night, as the Colombian netted his first career hat trick at Home Depot Center against Chivas USA. He also added an assist on the night, in a game never in doubt, as Seattle dominated Chivas to the tune of a 6-2 victory.
The win gives Seattle their fourth in five matches, scoring three or more goals in three of those wins. The three points tonight evens them up with Real Salt Lake for second place in the Western Conference, with two games in hand.
Seattle did not take long to take control of the match, opening up the scoring ten minutes in with a Brad Evans goal. Then Montero took over, as he scored the next two for the Sounders. While Montero has Mauro Rosales to thank, as the Argentine assisted on all three of his goals, Montero impressed with each one, befuddling Dan Kennedy all night.
With three more goals tonight, Montero brings his season total to eleven. He now has at least one goal in his last four matches, and seven in his last six matches total.
Not wanting to be left out of the spotlight, Samuel Ochoa also joined in on the fun for Seattle, adding his own tally in the second half.
There were bright spots for Chivas on the night, as Juan Agudelo converted a 38th minute penalty kick, which brought the score to 3-1. While it did not do much in regards to threatening Seattle, it was Agudelo's second goal on the season, and first since May 26th, his first game as a Goat.
Up next for Seattle is a return to CONCACAF Champions League play, as they will travel to Trinidad to take on Caledonia AIA. They return to MLS play next Sunday against FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Chivas USA will begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday night, traveling to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Revolution.
Here are the match highlights:
Can Seattle catch up to San Jose in the Supporters' Shield standings? Will this be what Juan Agudelo needs to turn his season around?
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