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Sounders shut out Galaxy

SEATTLE – Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid had hopes his forward pairing of Fredy Montero and Eddie Johnson could emerge as the best in MLS by the end of the season.

Why wait?

Each had a goal – Montero’s in spectacular fashion – as Seattle dominated a weakened Los Angeles Galaxy with a 2-0 victory Wednesday at CenturyLink Field. It was the first time since 2009 the Sounders had beaten Los Angeles in a league game, ending a woeful 0-5-1 run against the MLS Cup champions of last year.

The victory kept Seattle (5-1-1) on a franchise-best start to the season and the home side opened the scoring when Johnson headed in a fine cross from captain Mauro Rosales in the 40th minute.

It was the second winning goal in as many games for Johnson, as it would be all the Sounders would need. Immediately afterward, chants of “Ed-die John-son!” rang throughout the stadium crowd of 39,002.

Seattle got insurance from Montero, who was close to scoring earlier in the game were it not for some tremendous saves by Galaxy goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

Montero left no doubt in the 48th minute, slamming home a stunning 35-yard drive past a helpless Gaudette in the top corner of the goal.

The highlight reel-worthy blast ended his 1,083-minute scoreless drought over all competitions dating to last season.

Montero’s last goal came Oct. 18 in a CONCACAF Champions League game against Mexico’s Monterrey. Only a 1,290-minute drought that ended last year had been longer for the forward, the Sounders’ leading scorer the past three seasons.

Seattle’s vaunted defense held on for the fourth shutout of the year as Los Angeles pushed bodies forward late in the game. Backup goalkeeper Bryan Meredith was forced into his first action to preserve the clean sheet after starter Michael Gspurning came out at halftime with a right hip injury.

The defeat ended a three-game unbeaten streak for the Galaxy (3-4-1), which didn’t bring designated players David Beckham and Robbie Keane on the trip on account of rest.

Their absences took some luster out of what was billed as an MLS showcase, as Seattle and Los Angeles have compiled the best league records over the past three seasons.