Photo by ISIphotos.com
The opening round of the 2013 Desert Diamond Cup took place on Wednesday night, and the Seattle Sounders got off to a flying start.
The Sounders defeated the New England Revolution, 2-0, to jump into first place in the tournament’s four-team table. Both goals came in the first half, with U.S. Men’s National Team players Eddie Johnson and Brad Evans each finding the back of the net against a mostly first-team Revolution side. Evans scored the winner on a penalty kick and Johnson added the insurance goal just before the break.
In the day’s other match, the New York Red Bulls rallied against Real Salt Lake to secure a 2-2 tie. Former RSL defender Jamison Olave started the two-goal comeback before Supplemental Draft pick Michael Bustamante found the equalizer on a well-worked sequence by the Red Bulls.
While the Red Bulls finished the game strongly, they started very poorly. Recent RSL acquisition Joao Plata scored 18 seconds into the match after a poor headed backpass by Connor Lade, and Jason Kreis’ men doubled their advantage when Cole Grossman buried a rebound following a shot from Plata.
What do you think of the first round of games at the Desert Diamond Cup? Liking what you’re seeing from the Sounders? Expecting Plata to have a big year with RSL?
Share your thoughts below.