Twice in 2010 the Los Angeles Galaxy had pummeled the Seattle Sounders into submission, first at Qwest Field in May, then at Home Depot Center on Sunday.
But a third victory over the second-year MLS club was not in the plans.
Just three days after beating Seattle soundly in Carson, the Galaxy fell 2-0 to the Sounders in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match in Tukwila, Wash on Wednesday. The loss eliminated the Galaxy from the Open Cup and - just as importantly for Seattle - may have served as a bit of redemption.
The way the Sounders played, LA defender Omar Gonzalez said, it was evident they did not want to lose yet again.
“The Sounders fans came out today and they were really loud, and I think the Sounders just came out with a lot of energy,” Gonzalez said. “They didn’t want to lose to us a third time.”
Seattle got a pair of goals from Nate Jaqua, as the ex-Galaxy forward broke open a scoreless match early in the second half.
Playing at the Starfire Sports Complex, which normally serves as Seattle’s training grounds, the Galaxy were in a bit of an intimate setting. The match was a sellout at 4,512 fans.
“The game was very fast-paced, the field was small,” Gonzalez said. “It was a hard battle but they just came out with a little bit more energy than we did.”
Even though Seattle was scrambling for opportunities from the start of the match, the Galaxy came close on several occasions in the first half. Alan Gordon saw an attempt go wide of the goal early, while Chris Klein hit the post on another attempt.
Had the Galaxy been able to get an early goal, things may have been different, Gonzalez said.
“We actually had a chance to score a goal early in the first half, and I think if we would have scored that goal we would have maybe came out with a win,” Gonzalez said. “But it just doesn’t work out sometimes.”
The Galaxy’s loss means no chance of a SuperClasico matchup in the Open Cup. Seattle will play Chivas USA on Sept. 1 in an Open Cup semifinal.
“Losing is always tough,” Gonzalez said, “but I think this team has a good head on its shoulders and so we’re just going to have to put this behind us and just look forward to Champions League and MLS Cup.”
