San Jose hands Sounders another late loss

Steve Lenhart’s header off a corner kick from Shea Salinas three minutes into stoppage time — and just two minutes after Fredy Montero drew the Sounders even — for a 2-1 San Jose victory over Seattle Saturday night in Santa Clara, CA.

It was the second heartbreaking loss in a row for the Sounders, following their defeat in penalty kicks in Kansas City that cost them the U.S. Open Cup.

With the second loss this season to the Earthquakes, the Sounders (10-6-7) fell 10 points behind the Western Conference leaders (14-5-5, 47 points).

After over an hour of scoreless play, San Jose went up in the 70th minute when Simon Dawkins scored after a long throw-in was cleared to his feet. Dawkins spun and whipped the ball into the near post from 10 yards.

Montero, who came off the bench minutes earlier, pulled Seattle level in the first minute of stoppage time when Brad Evans’ long throw-in bounced in a scrum in front of the goal. Montero charged the loose ball and headed in the equalizer from six yards.

It was the seventh goal of the season for Montero, who has now scored three goals in his last four games. Christian Tiffert made his first start, as did Sammy Ochoa, in place ofg Montero and Eddie Johnson, who came in the 68th minute.

The loss snapped Seattle’s league-best six-game unbeaten streak and is the team’s first road loss since June 24.