(San Francisco, California) The Seattle Sounders battled to a 2-1 win over the California Victory in the first ever meeting between the clubs on Saturday night at Kezar Stadium in San Franciso.

Less than 20 seconds into the match, the Sounders drew first blood on a goal from Greg Howes assisted by Jake Besagno - the goal was Howes' second of the year. He tallied his first strike last Friday evening against the Rochester Raging Rhinos, his former club.

California settled the match and saw Ricardo Sanchez sky a ball over the open net just after the tenth minute of the match. Shortly after, Sounders keeper Ben Dragavon, getting his first start due to a Chris Eylander suspension, made an aggressive play 23 yards in front of his goal to deny a clear scoring chance for the Victory forward who had gotten behind the Sounders defense.

The Victory nearly scrambled the ball into the net and had a hand ball appeal denied after Zach Scott fell at the top of the six yard box. California continued on in search of an equalizer but saw numerous shots sent over the bar.

The team traded blows through the rest of the first half. Sounders midfielder Leighton O’Brien limped off in obvious pain in the 45th minute.

Shortly after the half tempers flared and Raul Palomares of the Victory was shown a straight red for an off the ball challenge just before the Sounders gave up a penalty that was converted by Keil Mcclung of the Victory to tie the match.

The official struggled to regain control of the match as the tough play continued. O’Brien was sent off moments later after receiving his second yellow card of the night for dissent after a hard challenge by Besagno.

Roger Levesque put the Sounders ahead just after the 70th minute with his third goal of the year.

Seattle continued on in search of a third as California pressed forward trying to find the equalizer.

Dragavon and the Sounders backline with stood everything the California offense could muster and left with the 2-1 score line. The win is the second consecutive for the Sounders and takes them to twelve points on the season.

The Sounders face Maykel Galindo and Chivas USA of MLS in an exhibition next Saturday at Qwest Field - tickets are still available by calling 206 622-3415.

Kezar Stadium Saturday, May 26, 2007 10:00 pm EDT

Weather: Cloudy, 53 Attendance: 1217

Summary: SEA: Greg Howes 1 CAL: Josh Hansen (penalty) 51 SEA: Roger Levesque (Sebastian Le Toux) 70

Cautions SEA: Leighton O'Brien 54, Roger Levesque 72 CAL: Raul Palomares 19, 48, Josh Hansen 54

Ejections SEA: Leighton O'Brien 54 CAL: Raul Palomares 48