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Chivas looks to remain unbeaten vs. Sounders

Apr 17, 2009 - 7:48 PM By Nicolino DiBenedetto Stats Writer

Seattle (3-1-0) at Chivas USA (3-0-1), 10:30 p.m. EDT

CARSON, California (AP) -- The first month in MLS for the Seattle Sounders FC has certainly been eventful. They've set a league record for the best start by an expansion team and sold out three home games - while also having their top scorer investigated for sexual assault.

Now the Sounders will now try to withstand the absence of star goalkeeper Kasey Keller when they visit unbeaten CD Chivas USA on Saturday night.

Seattle (3-1-0) opened with a 3-0 win over MLS Cup finalist New York on national television in front of a sellout crowd at Qwest Field. The club followed that up by winning its next two games by 2-0 scores to cap off the best start for a first-year club in league history.

That impressive run came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Kansas City last Saturday in front of Seattle's third consecutive sellout.

The Sounders got some good news Tuesday, when the King County prosecutor's office announced insufficient evidence would prevent any criminal charges against Fredy Montero, who had been accused of sexual assault.

"We are pleased with the decision from the prosecutor's office and look forward to putting this behind us and focusing on soccer," the team said in a statement.

The Colombian forward leads the team with three goals in three games, but came up empty on six shots against the Wizards.

Seattle might need some production from Montero with Keller suspended, as the netminder was issued a red card for handling the ball outside the box in the 29th minute last Saturday. The former United States national team player hasn't allowed a goal in four games and leads MLS with three shutouts.

With Keller out, the Sounders could start Ben Dragavon or Chris Eylander.

Dragavon was inserted for Keller against the Wizards and made two saves while allowing a 35-yard goal in the 80th minute of his pro debut.

Eylander, Seattle's starter for the last three years in the United Soccer Leagues, is still recovering from a knee injury that has sidelined him since the start of the season.

"Even though Chris said he was ready at the end of last week, we still felt there were things he couldn't do," Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said. "He (can make) the initial save but he still doesn't have the strength back to react to the second shot."

The Sounders now face a Chivas USA team that at 3-0-1 is off to the best start in franchise history despite a rash of injuries.

"I think there's a good energy to our team right now," midfielder Jesse Marsch said. "I'm happy that a lot of guys are playing and showing well for themselves. This team never gets too high or too low. We've got a game next week and we just need to keep going."

Chivas will be without forward Ante Razov (ankle surgery), midfielder Sasha Victorine (knee surgery) and defenders Ante Jazic (concussion), Claudio Suarez (calf strain) and Lawson Vaughn (ankle surgery) for a fifth consecutive game.

The club will also be without Paulo Nagamura, who's serving a one-game suspension after being issued a red card in last Saturday's scoreless draw with Los Angeles. The defensive midfielder is tied with forward Eduardo Lillingston with a team-high two goals.