SEATTLE — Seattle Sounders FC (1-3-0, 3 points) notched their first win of the year on Clint Dempsey’s 79th minute header for a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact (2-2-0, 6 points).

In a match featuring few open scoring opportunities and tight marking, the Sounders had the better looks to break the scoring deadlock. Montreal appeared content to play a defensive game and a draw for a single road point.

 

Seattle forward Nelson Valdez had an early chance to score in the opening 30 seconds of play. He struck a right-footed volley to the far post. Midfielder Aaron Kovar, who was facing away from the goal, failed to see Valdez’s shot. The ball struck Kovar’s left leg and rebounded away from the nets.

Outside of Valdez’s early chance in the first 45 minutes of play, neither side had a clear opportunity to score. The Sounders outshot Montreal 7-5 and had a 59-41% possession advantage in the first half.

Both head coaches emptied their respective benches in the second half in an attempt to secure a win. Seattle manager Sigi Schmid replaced starters Kovar, Valdez and Dylan Remick with Jordan Morris, Oalex Anderson and Joevin Jones, respectively.

Montreal’s head man Mauro Biello responded by taking out Dominic Oduro, Harry Shipp and Lucas Ontivero, and sent in Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Patrice Bernier and Johan Venegas, respectively.

In the 64th minute, Montreal defender Hassoun Camara was issued a yellow card for taking down Dempsey 10 yards outside the box. On the subsequent free kick, goalkeeper Evan Bush rose high into the air to send Dempsey’s shot over the crossbar.

The Sounders scored the game winner on Andreas Ivanschitz’s corner kick to the back post. An open Dempsey headed the ball down into the turf and into the nets for his first tally of the year.

Goalkeeper Stefan Frei made four saves to earn his first shutout of the season.

Seattle heads to Houston for their Sunday, April 10 match against the Dynamo. Montreal returns home to host Columbus next Saturday, April 9.

Quick facts

• Tonight’s match was the lone league meeting between Seattle and Montreal.
• Impact forward Didier Drogba didn’t make the lineup for tonight’s match. He’s played once this season.  Drogba appeared on March 19 as a substitute against FC Dallas, which plays on a grass pitch.
• Seattle signed veteran striker Herculez Gomez on March 24. He previously played six years in Liga MX, Mexico’s top league.