If you had Chad Barrett in your office pool, your office needs to calm down, because most Major League Soccer fans were probably unaware the veteran attacker was even in Seattle. Turns out the 28-year-old was not only still in the league but part of Sigi Schmid’s opening day plans, with a 94th minute goal by the former Chicago, Toronto, LA Galaxy, and New England forward giving Seattle a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
The goal was anything but beautiful, but with the defending champions unable to deal with a late cross from Sean Okoli, Seattle took full points from a game that seemed destined to end 0-0. After a counter led by Osvaldo Alonso saw Clint Dempsey play wide right to Okoli, a collision between multiple players at Sporting’s near post gave Dempsey a header from five yards out. His rebound of a shot put off the crossbred found Barrett, who made the most of his 16-minute appearance.
One game into his Sounder career, Barrett now has as many appearances with Seattle as he had with the U.S. Men’s National Team, but on his fifth team in five years, the former UCLA Bruin has made an immediate impact. Just moments before Saturday’s final whistle, Barrett delivered victory over the defending MLS champions.
Look out, Chris Wondolowski. Chad’s on pace for 34.