Kasey Keller's late save preserves Sounders FC's victory

A dramatic winning goal by Michael Fucito was the talk of a happy Sounders FC locker room after a 1-0 last-gasp victory against Kansas City on Saturday.

The biggest play of the game, however, might have come seconds later.

With Qwest Field, and many of the Seattle players, still in a state of euphoria following the go-ahead goal, the Wizards quickly went on the attack. A few quick passes later, Chance Myers was free on goal.

His shot was parried wide by a diving save from Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

"That would have been an absolute dagger," said defender James Riley. "I don't think anyone would have been able to sleep for a week. Fortunately, Kasey comes up with a massive save."

Midfielder Brad Evans said the defensive breakdown was a mistake that should never happen. Coach Sigi Schmid said the team almost fell asleep.

Keller said making the save was a huge relief.

"It would obviously be a totally different atmosphere right now if we would have conceded there," he said. "It's all part of that learning curve."

The Olympia native made two saves in his second shutout of the season.

Evans bounces back

After a difficult week of practice following a disappointing draw with Salt Lake, Evans found himself excluded from the starting lineup Saturday for the first time this season.

The 24-year-old midfielder made one of the biggest plays of the game, however, with a quick throw-in to Fucito setting up the goal. Evans said his goals and approach didn't change in the reserve role.

"Whether it's coming off the bench or starting, whatever way I can contribute, that's what I'm going to do," Evans said.

Notes

• Several Sounders FC players were bloodied and bruised in a physical game Saturday. Defenders Tyrone Marshall and Riley each suffered head-to-head collisions with Wizards in the first half and needed treatment. Evans also took a hard knock late in the game. Riley was forced to wear a replacement jersey after getting blood on the original. "We've called Adidas and asked for a new shipment of jerseys because were running out," Schmid said.

• Sounders FC allowed the first stoppage-time goal in franchise history last week against Salt Lake. Saturday the team scored its first-ever goal in stoppage time.

• Sounders FC midfielder Peter Vagenas made his season debut Saturday, earning the start. Defender Patrick Ianni also made his first appearance in 2010 as a late-game substitution.

• Fucito's goal ended a home scoreless streak of 227 minutes.

Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad, a former U.S. men's national team player, had to be subbed off in the 32nd minute due to a calf strain.

Joshua Mayers: 206-464-3184 or jmayers@seattletimes.com