In one of the most anticipated matches in the Sounders' short history, a rabid Seattle crowd welcomed Freddie Ljungberg back to his former home.

The Swede received his share of boos every time he touched the ball. He didn't figure in the outcome of the match, but his namesake, Fredy Montero, notched two goals, the second in stoppage time. The Colombian now has 10 goals for the season. He also showed his feisty side and received a yellow for his takedown of Ljungberg in the 24th minute.

Game Review

The Good

• Montero continued his quest for the league MVP title with his two strikes that propelled the Rave Green ever so close to a playoff slot. The 2-1 win over the Fire gave the home side a cushion. The Colombian's recent form gives him the team lead in goals and assists.
• Tyson Wahl, filling at left back for Leo Gonzalez, earned his first career MLS assist on Montero's first goal. With Wahl's impressive play and Gonzalez returning to the lineup after his one-game suspension for a red card, Schmid will have more depth and options on defense.
• Nate Sturgis struggled with his free kicks and corners, but redeemed himself with the cross to Montero at the back post.
• Kasey Keller and his back four defenders neutralized the Chicago offense. Without Jeff Parke's penalty, the stellar defensive should have had another shutout.

The Bad

• Blaise Nkufo continues to struggle to find his MLS footing. The burly striker had some deft touches in the Chicago match and appeared to be more in the flow of the game. Unfortunately, he's receiving Designated Player-type wages to score goals. You have to wonder how patient the Sounders' management team will be with their high-priced forward. Head coach Sigi Schmid replaced Nkufo with Nate Jaqua in the 82nd minute.
• Sanna Nyassi proved ineffective at the right midfield position. Steve Zakuani, who was out with a pelvic strain, entered the match midway through the second half. Fernandez moved to the right side to allow the former first round pick to play on the left.
• Jeff Parke was called for a penalty after extending his arm on Patrick Nyarko's cross in the box. The home crowd booed the decision, but there was no doubt about the foul.

...And The Rest

• Miguel Montano didn't even make the bench. He may still be in Schmid's dog house.
• Peter Vagenas practiced hard on Friday and appears ready to return to the lineup.
• The Sounders next play Chivas USA in the semi final US Open Cup matchup this Wednesday at Starfire.

Videos:

Freddie Ljungberg

The ex-Sounder was gracious in his post-match press conference. He was obviously devasted at the last-minute loss. Ljungberg discussed the possibility of taking the penalty kick in the first half, and complimented his former teammates and Seattle supporters for their support.

Sigi Schmid

The Seattle head coach enjoyed the win in an important match with severe playoff implications. In his post-match comments, he talked about the last minute victory, Ljungberg's return and Montero's performance.