By John Zielonka

The Sounders extended their losing streak to three matches with the 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew despite their 21-5 edge in shots.

Justin Meram and Emilio Renteria scored their first goals of the year in leading Columbus to their four-match unbeaten streak. On the first tally, Meram outmaneuvered Adam Johansson to head the ball past rookie keeper Bryan Meredith.

Renteria's long-range strike in the second half from outside the box caught Meredith out-of-position. He watched helplessly as the ball sailed over his outstretched arms.

Mauro Rosales, Seattle's best playmaker, started the match on the bench still recuperating from his injuries. He entered the game in the 61st minute, but proved ineffective in getting the Sounders on the scoreboard. Until he returns to full strength, Rosales is the key to Seattle's offense.

Man of the Match: Andy Gruenebaum

Andy Gruenebaum reaches for the ball. (Photo courtesy: Troy Zielonka)

The former University of Kentucky stopper faced 21 shots in earning his third shutout of the season. He made several stops on Montero to seal the win.

"The one to my left he just hit it hard with his left foot and I was able to react and make a save. He hit one across to my right and I was happy I held onto it, ran into a few guys. He's a great player and he's going to get some looks every game, he makes those opportunities himself. It's a milestone win for us and hopefully we can build on it."--Andy Gruenebaum

Mental errors

Schmid was critical of individual mistakes by Johansson and Meredith that contributed to Seattle's three-game slide.

"You look at Adam [Johansson] letting the guy get inside of him at the back post. A bouncing ball...a younger goalkeeper is off his line a couple steps when he needs to be back. So it's individual mistakes, but we're also hurting ourselves because we're also turning the ball over at times. We've got to get on the same page."--Sigi Schmid

Video: Below is video I captured from the two head coaches and the Columbus stopper

 

Columbus' first-ever win over Seattle

On their seventh try, the Crew beat the home side in what everyone agrees is one of the most hostile environments in MLS.

"If you look at the entire game it was physical. We matched Seattle's intensity. They were playing in front of their home crowd and it's usually very tough to play here they have momentum. After the first twenty minutes we had composure."--Robert Warzycha, Columbus head coach

"First, I just want to give credit to Columbus. They came here and to play in front of 40,000 fans against a good team. They were well-disciplined for 90 minutes and hard to break down."--Eddie Johnson, Sounders FC forward

Missed chances

Fredy Montero gets ready to shoot. (Photo courtersy: Troy Zielonka)

The Sounders peppered the Columbus nets, but failed to get even one past the Crew keeper. Montero had the best chances of the evening to score. He leads MLS in shots, but has been able to find the back of the net on only three occassions.

"They were good shots from Fredy [Montero]. The keeper just had a good night. They just didn't fall for us tonight."--David Estrada, Sounders FC midfielder

"You have a lot of chances and the keeper made some good saves on Fredy's [Montero] opportunities, but on another day those shots go in. It was just not our day, but credit to those guys."--Eddie Johnson

They said it:

"I think it's been pretty well stated throughout the league that his is a pretty amazing place to play. First class, big time franchise. To win here 2-0 is pretty special and I feel happy to have played a part in the victory."--Cole Grossman, Columbus midfielder

"We were completely dominating in the second half, and most of the first half, too. They might have had two or three shots. We're definitely the better team. We just have to figure out a way to win here."--Marc Burch, Sounders FC defender