Seattle ease past Philadelphia in MLS opener

(GSM) – A pair of first-half goals from Brad Evans and Fredy Montero gave Seattle Sounders a 2-0, opening-day victory over league debutants Philadelphia Union on Thursday night.

The MLS awarded Philadelphia a top-flight franchise in 2008, and they become the 16th team in the league for this season.

But their youth and inexperienced showed early against a lively Seattle side, who took the lead fairly early.

Montero had his hand in the opening goal on 12 minutes when he put Steve Zakuani through into the area with a deft flick. Zakuani then centered for Evans, who hit a nice left-footed drive beyond Chris Seitz for a 1-0 lead.

Matters got worse for Philadelphia in the 40th minute when Finnish defender Toni Stahl picked up a second booking for hauling down Montero in center of the pitch.

Seattle pressed forward and went 2-0 in front three minutes later when a long bouncing ball from Osvaldo Alonso found Montero at the back post for an easy finish.

There were shouts for offside by Seitz, but replays showed it was the keeper himself that was keeping the striker onside.

The rain picked up in the second half, which slowed the pace of the game despite Seattle controlling nearly all of the possession.