Sounders FC wins third straight

TORONTO — Somebody, or some people, on Sounders FC really likes hip-hop from the 1990s. The Notorious B.I.G. and Paperboy, to be more specific. Someone else likes to sing Christmas carols with a twist.

That was the scene in a festive visiting-team locker room at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday, moments after Sounders FC's 2-0 victory over Toronto FC for Seattle's first road victory in Major League Soccer, and third in a row.

The team came up with new words to the song "Jingle Bells," while minority owner Drew Carey beamed and shook hands with players and staff. There was plenty to be happy about, especially for Freddie Ljungberg and Steve Zakuani, a pair of Sounders FC players who each scored his first MLS goal. The team continued its fast start to its first year in existence, having scored seven goals without allowing one in becoming the first MLS expansion team to open its first season 3-0.

"It shows a lot about character and our team personality," Zakuani said. "To come here to probably the most challenging venue in the whole league and to win 2-0, keep a shutout, I think that probably lets guys know that we can play in any situation and any venue and get a win."

Two decisive home wins and a city going bananas for Sounders FC was one thing. The true test of the team's mettle came Saturday on the road in a place with an atmosphere that rivals only that of Qwest Field.

Sounders FC passed that test with flying colors — red and white streamers, flags and scarves, to be more accurate — and spoiled the party at Toronto FC's 2009 home opener. It did so without the league's leading scorer, forward Fredy Montero, who didn't make the trip, and before a noisy sellout crowd of 20,658 along with high winds and the temperature at 39 degrees.

One Fredy gave way to a Freddie — Ljungberg, Sounders FC's designated player. A natural center midfielder, Ljungberg moved into Montero's starting striker spot and made an immediate impact playing a mixture of the two. His goal came in the 15th minute on a play he created by dribbling down the middle and into the box, passing off to forward Nate Jaqua and getting the ball back from Jaqua for a clear shot.

"We tried to get me to turn so we could hurt the defense a little bit," Ljungberg said. "I found Nate on a 1-2, and [the goalkeeper] couldn't react."

With one blow to the home team, the crowd was stunned. With Sounders FC's second goal, the faithful all but went silent. Save for a few cuss words from some frustrated folks.

Zakuani collected the rebound off a Jaqua shot that was blocked by TFC goalkeeper Greg Sutton, then pounded home the goal in the 45th minute just before halftime. Sounders FC tried to play ball possession in the second half and matched TFC's aggressive play as it preserved the clean sheet.

The win was no fluke, nor is Sounders FC's season. Seattle won in much the same fashion it did last Saturday — finishing enough scoring chances and getting enough defense and good goalkeeping from Kasey Keller.

"Our guys did exactly what we did at home," said Keller, who had three saves. "We work extremely hard. We fight like hell to stop teams from scoring. We put our bodies on the line."

Ljungberg went down hard on his left knee in the 73rd minute and had to go to the sideline momentarily, but continued to play until Sanna Nyassi replaced him in the 78th minute. Ljungberg more than doubled his minutes from last week and had ice over the knee after the game, but didn't seem to be badly hurt.

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid was asked if he thought the team would start so well.

"In my dreams I was hoping we'd be 3-0," he said.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

Sounders FC 2, Toronto FC 0

Seattle	2 0 — 2
Toronto FC	0 0 — 0

Scoring — 1, Seattle, Ljungberg 1 (Jaqua) 15'; 2, Seattle, Zakuani 1 (unassisted) 45'. Total shots — Seattle 8 (Ljungberg 3), Toronto FC 9 (Guevara 3). Shots on goal — Seattle 3, Toronto FC 3. Saves — Seattle (Keller) 3, Toronto FC (Sutton) 1. Corner kicks — Seattle 1, Toronto FC 4. Fouls — Seattle 6, Toronto FC 10. Offsides — Seattle 2, Toronto FC 3. Cautions — Hurtado, Seattle, 29'; Brennan, Toronto FC, 44'; Cronin, Toronto FC, 51'; Riley, Seattle, 61'; Scott, Seattle, 86'. A — 20,658.

Lineups

Seattle Sounders FC — Kasey Keller; James Riley, Tyrone Marshall, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Zach Scott; Sebastien Le Toux, Brad Evans, Osvaldo Alonso, Steve Zakuani (Nathan Sturgis 79'); Freddie Ljungberg (Sanna Nyassi 78'), Nate Jaqua.

Toronto FC — Greg Sutton; Jim Brennan, Adrian Serioux, Marvell Wynne, Kevin Harmse; Dwayne DeRosario, Amado Guevara, Rohan Ricketts (Sam Cronin 45'), Carl Robinson; Chad Barrett (Danny Dichio 65'), Pablo Vitti (Joahnn Smith 85').