Call it a back-to-basics approach. After failing to score in two consecutive games, Seattle Sounders FC went back to the attacking approach that netted them seven goals in their first three games.
With rookie Steve Zakuani attacking on the left and the combination of Brad Evans and Freddie Ljungberg finding space on the right, Seattle created havoc in San Jose's back line. Zakuani and Evans each found the back of the net as Sounders FC put an end to a two-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory Saturday against the Earthquakes at a sold-out Qwest Field.
After the match, Seattle coach Sigi Schmid raved about Zakuani's performance.
"I'd be surprised if he wasn't starting this week. Then you can get a check of the coach's DNA to see if I'm the right guy," Schmid said, adding that Zakuani played much better than he did in Toronto. "He played well enough tonight to deserve another start."
Zakuani replaced the more defensive-minded Sebastien Le Toux in the starting lineup and went to his "bread-and-butter" -- trying to beat players in one-on-one situations.
A striker in college, the speedy Zakuani said he loved playing on the wing when he was younger.
"I love it. In college I played as a forward but that is because the college game is different," Zakuani said. "Growing up in the Arsenal youth system I played as a left winger. They taught me everything I know there and I still fall back on it when I'm on the field today.
"Nate's a great target, Montero's great on the ball, and Freddie as the attacking mid -- they get a lot of attention. That leaves a lot of space out for me on the left."
If Zakuani found space on the left, then Ljungberg found an equal amount on the right. Evans, who scored the second goal, appeared to interchange with the centrally positioned Ljungberg, giving the Swede a chance to dribble at San Jose on the right wing. The tactic indirectly led to Seattle's first goal -- Ljungberg's run down the right side led to a foul in the attacking third. The end result was Zakuani's goal.
That being said, the game was in the balance before Keller came up with an excellent save of Ryan Johnson's header. After a spirited start to the second half by the Earthquakes, Seattle's second goal came shortly after what Zakuani referred to as "the game-winning save."
Just a few minutes later, Evans' goal all but iced the game.
"What's important is, when you're not busy, in particular, is that you're able to come up with the save when your team needs you. I was able to do that," Keller said. "Two minutes later, we go down the field and score the second goal. Those are big moments in games, and one that I was happy to contribute to the right reasons today than the last game."
Going forward, Zakuani should have plenty of chances to add to his season total of two goals and two assists. According to the youngster, his playing time had been limited up to this point by fitness and strategy concerns.
"I just think the first three games of the year and throughout the preseason, we played in a certain way. When Freddie Ljungberg came back, we had to adjust," Zakuani said. "It takes time to learn how to play in a new formation or a new system. We went to a 4-3-1-2 (formation) and with Freddie in as an attacking midfielder you need a bit more defensive cover."
Zakuani also credited Ljungberg with helping him develop. Not only do both players have a history with English club Arsenal, but they sit next to each other in the locker room. He said Ljungberg's advice playing the same position has been crucial to the youngster's development.
The only limitation is Zakuani's fitness. He missed a three-week chunk of the preseason with injury and conceded that he needed to leave the field after 60 minutes on Saturday. Although Schmid said he would start next week, Zakuani says after a week or two he'll be ready for a full 90 minutes.
"It felt like a new start for us. We've been away from home and we knew we lost two games," Zakuani said. "It felt like a restart to our season."
Andrew Winner is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
