Game-winning goal earns Johnson club record

Eddie Johnson’s second goal against Chivas USA on Saturday wasn’t merely the game-winner for Sounders FC. The goal also gave Johnson the franchise record with 13 goals in a season – with seven games to go.

And as it happened, that goal was assisted by Fredy Montero, who had held the previous record of 12.

“It is always good when you have on your team somebody who can score goals,” Montero said. “In the past, I was the guy who had to score goals. But we didn’t make the final. Hopefully this year (Johnson) is going to take us – together you know – to put Seattle Sounders to the finals.”

Johnson also took a team-first approach to his accomplishment.

“(What’s important is) winning games as a team, trying to get better as a team ... everything else is a bonus,” he said. “So I guess that’s a bonus. I couldn’t ask for a better team to share that with. They’re the reason I’m getting my goals. All the work we’re putting in, week in and week out, it’s paying off. It’s a humbling moment, but I couldn’t ask for a better team to share it with.”

Montero remains the Sounders’ career goals leader with 45. He led the team with 12 in 2009, shared the lead when he and Steve Zakuani scored 10 each in 2010, and led the team again last season with 12. He has 11 this season, which was tied for the team lead until Johnson’s pair led Seattle to its 2-1 win over Chivas on Saturday.

Both of Johnson’s goals came on headers, his eighth and ninth such goals this season.

“We really haven’t had that option in the box for a while,” coach Sigi Schmid said. “He’s been very sharp in their air, and I’ll take them whether they’re headers or they’re off the foot or they could be off his chest: as long as it goes into the back of the net.”

RESERVES TODAY

Sounders FC and Chivas USA meet in an MLS Reserve League match at 11 a.m. today at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila.

The game was expected to feature former Chelsea, Barcelona and Iceland national team star Eidur Gudjohnsen, who trained with the Sounders last week. However, on Saturday the Sounders clarified that Gudjohnsen is expected at the game, but his playing status will be a game-time decision.

Admission is free; however, there is a suggested $5 donation at the gate.

ADDED TIME

Sounders midfielder Christian Tiffert was subbed out in the 61st minute with an ankle injury. He and Schmid said they do not believe the injury is serious. ... Saturday marked the first time midfielder Zakuani started a game at CenturyLink Field since Sept. 9, 2011. He played 74 minutes before being replaced by Andy Rose. “When players come back from a long injury layoff like his, there’s a little bit of a spike when you first come in, and then you hit a little bit of a valley again,” Schmid said. “That valley – I know is going to come – we have to get him through the valley, and he’ll be back into form. His best soccer is probably not until next season.”

This story was originally published September 9, 2012 at 12:00 AM.