Impact lose 2-0 to the Sounders, lose home opener

Conceding two goals is not favorable to winning games. Conceding two goals at home, to a MLS powerhouse like the Seattle Sounders, is a recipe for disaster. Without Clint Dempsey (suspension) and Brad Evans (injury), Sigi Schmid fielded a competitive squad, showcasing the Sounders' deep squad.

In front of 27,207 fans at the Olympic Stadium, the Montreal Impact was dangerous early in the game. But it was the visiting team that drew first blood and it did so early. Lamar Neagle's header, off a free kick, found the back of the net after it hit bar and ricochet off Troy Perkins' back into the net.

The free-kick was courtesy of Mexican international, Gonzalo Pineda, who joined the Sounders during preseason.

Seattle continued to push and could have scored two more goals before the half-time whistle. Neagle saw his long range shot hit the crossbar, at the 32nd minute. Neagle, ex-Impact player, was shining throughout the game as he combined very well with Obafemi Martins.

The Nigerian international doubled Seattle's lead as he scored off a header at the 58th minute. Kenny Cooper ran down the right side and crossed the ball across the box to a streaking Martins. The small striker leaped above the Impact defenders and delivered a strong header that Perkins managed to touch on its way into the net.

Having registered quite a few attempted shots (25) throughout the game,  the Bleu, Blanc,Noir produced mostly half-chances. Andrew Wenger told TSN690 at half-time that the club did not create any chances.

After going down 2-0, the home team had a boost of confidence, fueled by desperation.

Blake Smith almost cut the lead to one goal, at the 84th minute. The left-footed midfielder saw his strong low shot cleared off the line by Djimi Traore. The chance came after a scramble in Seattle's 18-yard box.

Eric Miller, who had a good game, also had a chance to score when he dribbled his way into the box. He delivered a strong shot that almost beat Stefen Frei but his effort hit the post.

After winning its first 3 games of the season in 2013, the Impact start the 2014 season with 3 consecutive losses under Frank Klopas.

The Montreal Impact is currently 9th in the standings, in the Eastern Conference. Its next opponent will be the Philadelphia Union, next weekend at PPL Park.

Lineups

MTL - GK-Troy Perkins; D-Jeb Brovsky (Heath Pearce 69'), Hassoun Camara, Matteo Ferrari, Eric Miller; M-Hernan Bernardello (Santiago Gonzalez 78'), Patrice Bernier (Blake Smith 70'), Justin Mapp, Felipe, Collen Warner; F-Andrew Wenger

Subs not used: GK-Maxime Crépeau; D-Wandrille Lefèvre, Karl W. Ouimette; M-Calum Mallace

SEA- GK-Stefan Frei; D-DeAndre Yedlin, Chad Marshall, Djimi Traore, Dulan Remick; M-Andy Rose, Osvaldo Alonso, Gonzalo Pineda; F-Kenny Cooper (Michael Azira 66'), Obafemi Martins (Cam Weaver 86'), Lamar Neagle (Leo Gonzalez 73')

Subs not used: GK-Marcus Hahnemann; D-Jalil Anibaba; M-Marco Pappa; F-Sean Okoli

Goals

SEA -Own goal 8'
SEA - Martins (Cooper) 58'

Caution

MTL - Camara 45+1'