New York beats Seattle Sounders FC in first road game

HARRISON, N.J. – Eleven months ago, Sounders FC limped to New York after a sobering home loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy, but immediately bounced back with an inspiring win against the Red Bulls on the road.

Seattle visited the luxurious Red Bull Arena on Saturday with that same aim from 2010, but the outcome this time brought more heartbreak.

Behind a 70th-minute breakaway goal by 18-year-old forward Juan Agudelo, New York (1-0) earned a 1-0 season-opening win in front of 20,982 fans.

Sounders FC suffered its second loss in as many games and is yet to score this season.

While many of Seattle’s recent frustrations have been missed chances, the visitors had less to blame as the reigning Eastern Conference champion Red Bulls controlled most of the action.

Not even the anticipated debut of new Argentine midfielder Mauro Rosales in the 67th minute sparked much of an attack from the Sounders (0-2). As the final minutes ticked away, they were mostly on the defensive as they desperately sought an equalizer.

One last-gasp chance came to Seattle in stoppage time, but Federal Way native Lamar Neagle skied a rebound attempt after Fredy Montero’s swerving free kick was saved.

Seattle had been previously unbeaten in two road games in New York: a 1-1 draw in 2009 and a 1-0 win last season.