Instant (Over)Reaction: Houston

One month ago, the Sounders sat at 4-8-4 and I wrote a column conceding the season and asked the Sounders to put all their attention into the US Open Cup and Champions League. Since that day, the Sounders have not lost in all competitions as they have advanced to the US Open Cup Semifinal's, the knockout round of the Champions League and are now 8-8-4 in MLS. With 28 points, that is good for 5th overall in the league.

There is a lot of season still to play. Anything is possible. But you have to think the rest of the league is kicking themselves right now for not putting a nail in the Sounders coffin. I mean, we were done and now somehow we are right back in the thick of things. I have a feeling we will be the team NO ONE wants to see if we make the playoffs.

A few comments on last nights game:

• I don't think there is any question that the Sounders are a better team without Freddie Ljungberg. This is not meant as a knock on Freddie, who I believe is still a high quality player, but he just never seemed to fit in with the team. I thought he looked great in the first half vs New York last night mostly due to the fact that Fire paired him up with Brian McBride which allowed him to run at attackers. This trade is looking good for both teams so far.
• The person most benefiting from the trade is obviously Fredy Montero. I think we are finally seeing what type of role he prefers to play. Last year when he was scoring goals at an alarming rate we just assumed he was a goal scoring forward who had the tendency to steal the ball from Ljungberg. Apparently the whole time he was playing out of place. With Blaise Nkufo now occupying the target forward role, Montero has been free to roam around the middle and now just score goals but make amazing passes. I'm not sure what was prettier last night - posting up the defender, turning and scoring or the deft little ball to Alvaro Fernandez for the second goal.
• While he commands a lot of respect every time he touches the ball, Nkufo still appears to be a little of our sorts with the rest of the team. Once he is able to get some chemistry, watch out.
• I saw the replay five times and each time I cringed at the terrible first touch by El Flaco. Luckily he was able to stay in front of the defenders and tuck the ball in the back of the net. Then after he scored, he sought out Montero and pointed at him for the whole stadium to see. Think about that for a second. This guy just got done starting a quarterfinal World Cup match and he is giving love to a new teammate who has never scored an international goal before? Pure class if you ask me. That's the stuff that will make you a legend in this town.
• I think Nyassi continues to impress with his play, but I have to believe that he is still the odd man out once El Flaco gets his fitness back. I mean, you can;t sit Fernandez and you can't sit Zakuani, which is too bad for Sanna.
• I love how Alonso will shoot from anywhere. Sure he only got one of 4 attempted blasts on frame last night, but boy what a weapon it is - especially since they can never score directly off a corner.
• All games are big, but next weekend's game against Chivas is a must win. Simply put - good teams beat bad teams. Chivas is the latter right now.
• I'm not a Houston fan but have always had a healthy respect for them. With that I can say that their dynasty is officially done. It looks like Kinnear waiting one year too long in rebuilding his team. The names are still there, but they're a year older and I just don't think they can keep up with the teams in the West.