Sounders win opener at CONCACAF

SEATTLE – Andy Rose had a goal and two assists to help the Seattle Sounders beat Caribbean champion Caledonia AIA of Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 on Thursday night in their opening Group Four game in CONCACAF Champions League.

Sammy Ochoa opened the scoring for the Sounders in the 19th minute, and Fredy Montero made it 2-0 in the 30th and Rose connected in the 43rd. Kareem Joseph scored for Caledonia in the 50th minute.

The top teams in each of the eight three-team groups will advance to the quarterfinals.

Honduras’ Marathon also is in Group Four.

Ochoa finished with his left foot to put the Sounders in front. He had ample time in the center of the penalty area to settle, despite a strong first touch, and score low and wide. Rose, who sent the ball toward Ochoa, and Alex Caskey, who barely touched it, were credited with assists.

The Sounders almost gave the goal right back after a turnover from Osvaldo Alonso just a minute later. Caledonia carried a 2-on-1 into the Sounders’ area, which eventually led to a shot from Joseph that goalkeeper Andrew Weber stopped with a diving save.

Seattle quickly reorganized and scored on Montero’s goal. Rose picked up his second assist of the night when he slipped a pass into the cutting Montero, who finished from the middle of the box. Cordell Cato also was credited with an assist.

Montero almost picked up his second goal of the first half, but Caledonia keeper Glenroy Samuel dove to his left to deflect it. The rebound was knocked in a by a sliding Rose on the backside to put Seattle up 3-0.

Caledonia scored when Joseph struck a penalty kick high and right. Sounders defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado was called for the penalty when he collided with Joseph along the endline.

Seattle will play at Caledonia on Aug. 30 in Malabar.