Seattle Sounders 2- San Jose Earthquakes 1
Perhaps it is time that the Seattle Sounders somehow work in the nickname ‘second half’ somewhere into their moniker. For the third time in as many seasons the Seattle Sounders edged their way into the MLS Cup Playoffs by making another torrid run through the last half of their schedule. They put an exclamation point on their wild run by defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1.
Things didn’t look good for the Sounders heading into the final moments of the match as a Chad Marshall own goal in the 64th minute gave the Quakes the late lead. But Raul Ruidiaz netted a brace in the final fifteen minutes of the match, giving his side the 2-1 win and a valuable three points. Since being signed by the Sounders after the 2018 World Cup Ruidiaz has scored 10 goals in 14 matches.
The last minute was another blow in what has been a very difficult season for the Earthquakes (4-21-9, 21 points). With the loss they end the season with just four wins and lots of questions heading into the 2018 offseason. New manager Matias Almedya, who comes to the club after a successful run with Chivas Guadalajara, has a lot of work to do to right this ship. Having the first overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft should help in the rebuilding process.
As for the Sounders (18-11-5, 59 points) the win coupled with losses by LAFC and FC Dallas means that they moved up into second place and will get a bye in the Wild Card round. Once again Brian Schmetzer has orchestrated a brilliant run through the second half of the season, going 10-2-0 through 12 matches.
You can read Duffy Alverson’s full recap of the match below. In the meantime please enjoy some of our photos from the match courtesy of Sounders photographer Richard Morrison.
San Jose Earthquakes
Seattle Sounders
