In his place, coach Sigi Schmid moved midfielder Mauro Rosales up top alongside Brian White.
Each player contributed to Seattle’s two goals as the Sounders (0-2-2) and Earthquakes (1-2-0) played to a free-flowing draw before a crowd of 10,276 at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday.
Seattle moved ahead in the ninth minute, when Rosales made a strong move into the penalty area and crossed a low pass in front of the goal, where Brad Evans banged it in from about two yards.
San Jose pulled even in the 33rd minute when Simon Dawkins made a curling run into the area, took a Bobby Convey pass and beat Kasey Keller to the far post.
It was Dawkins’ first MLS goal, and it broke an MLS-record streak of 12 consecutive San Jose goals provided by Chris Wondolowski.
In the 42nd minute, Steve Zakuani got past defender Chris Leitch and launched a pass in front of the goal, where White’s diving header put Seattle back ahead, 2-1.
Leitch was the only Quake subbed out for the second half, and his replacement – Khari Stephenson – evened the game at 2 in the 52nd minute, taking advantage of space in the Seattle defense to wind up and sizzle one to the top, far post past the diving Keller.
The game became less fluid and more physical through its final minutes. And though each team had additional chances, the score stuck.
Montero is expected to be available next Saturday when Seattle plays Chicago at Qwest Field.
Don Ruiz, 253-597-8808 don.ruiz@thenewstribune.com twitter/donruiztnt
