Stefan Frei, Nico Lodeiro boost Sounders past Real Salt Lake 1-0

SEATTLE – Nicolas Lodeiro scored in the 18th minute, and the Seattle Sounders extended their club-record start with a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.

The Sounders (4-0-1) almost grabbed the lead when Brad Smith’s cross to Will Bruin was barely out of his reach at the right post. But the ball stayed in play, and Cristian Roldan gained control on the right side of the penalty area.

Roldan floated a high cross toward the left side, just over the head of Salt Lake defender Marco Silva. It landed at Lodeiro’s feet, and he tucked it into the left corner past goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

Until this year, Seattle had never been unbeaten through its first five games. The team’s previous best record through five was 3-2-0 during its inaugural 2009 season.

The Sounders had been shut out three straight times by RSL.

Stefan Frei collected his second straight shutout and third of the season. Salt Lake (1-4-1) lost its fourth straight.