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Johnson, Montero lift Sounders past Galaxy

May 3, 2012 - 4:16 AM Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero scored on opposite sides of halftime to power Seattle Sounders FC to a 2-0 defeat of the Los Angeles Galaxy at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday.

Johnson's 40th-minute strike, his second goal in as many games, was enough to see the Sounders claim the win, but that didn't stop Montero from opening his 2012 account in spectacular fashion to double his side's advantage on the night.

Montero could have scored earlier in the match but he was denied two certain goals by the brilliant play of stand-in goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

With Galaxy first-choice goalkeeper Josh Saunders unavailable for selection because of personal reasons, Gaudette stepped in to deputize for the second straight match. He was in top form, producing key saves to keep Montero at bay.

Gaudette made a superb kick save to deny Montero a goal on the turn in the 10th minute. He came up big once more when Johnson ripped a left-footed shot on goal, parrying the initial effort and stoning Montero on the rebound from point-blank range.

Ultimately, Seattle broke through as Gaudette was unable to stop Johnson five minutes before halftime. Johnson made the most of a pinpoint cross from Mauro Rosales, sending a powerful snap-header toward goal that bounced in front of Gaudette's outstretched hands and over the line.

The second half started with a bang as Montero finally bagged his first goal of the new season, producing a sure-fire Goal of the Week winner. The Colombian uncorked a shot from 35 yards out that eluded a sprawling Gaudette as it headed for the upper corner of the net.

Los Angeles struggled to get anything going offensively, and the Sounders benefited to the tune of a two-goal victory.

Seattle (5-1-1) has won three straight, climbing to third place in the Western Conference with 16 points through seven games. The Sounders will remain in the Emerald City for their next contest as they host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Los Angeles (3-4-1) remains third from bottom in the West, losing its fourth of the season. The reigning champions will head home for a massive weekend fixture as they host Red Bull New York at The Home Depot Center on Saturday.