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Looking at Fredy Montero’s showy strike from another angle

Los Angeles Galaxy v Seattle Sounders

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 02: Fredy Montero #17 of the Seattle Sounders dribbles against Edson Buddle #14 of the Los Angeles Galaxy at CenturyLink Field on May 2, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated the Galaxy 2-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

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There are so many good things to say about Fredy Montero’s lovely strike Wednesday against a reeling Galaxy side. And most have already been said. The goal was cold wack fo shizzle – a goal so sweet that it makes people like me puts words and letters on screen that I barely understand.

But, uh … we also need to say this:

What black hole in the Seattle night did the Galaxy defense fall into? Oh, my.

If you haven’t seen Montero’s killer lash past all things Galaxy, watch it here.

Or watch this very similar goal from the very same man inside the very same stadium three years ago – otherwise known as the moment most MLS players, coaches and clubs understood Montero’s ability to score from these distances. (And the moment they presumably scribbled mad notes, along the lines of “close space quickly on Montero! That young man will shoot from anywhere!”)

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Yes, that was the moment. Montero can and will shoot from 35 yards, and he can do so with sure menace. So why in the world would the Galaxy back off and give the Sounders’ striker so much space and opportunity?

He’s hit other goals from long range since then. Of course, this wasn’t the only time Wednesday when the Galaxy defense went to slumber land. Mauro Rosales had enough time to do his taxes while he lined up the pinpoint service that led to Seattle’s first goal.

Watch it here and you’ll see what I mean. When coaches talk about immediate pressure on the ball, this is not what they mean.

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