Sounders Start MLS Season with Win, Estrada Hat Trick

Saturday night the rain held off in Seattle as Sounders FC treated over 38,000 fans to a spectacle of goals, winning the match 3-1. David Estrada led the way, claiming his first hat trick as a professional.

This has been quite the start to 2012 for Estrada, a player who spent most of the last two seasons on the reserve team. After being drafted out of UCLA in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he spent most of his reserve time playing the role of midfielder and even defensive back.

But this preseason the coaching staff decided to try Estrada back in his familiar role of striker, which he played in his early days at UCLA. It’s safe to say that decision has paid off, so far. He’s had four goals in the last three competitions.

Below are my photos from the match.

Check out my Sounders category for more Sounders photos.


(Click on the photos below to view them in a gallery)