A record crowd of 68,741 packed Lumen Field to witness the Sounders make history
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders climbed the mountain that is the Concacaf Champions League, defeating UNAM PUMAS in the second leg of the final by a score of 3-0. Seattle’s lethal striker, Raul Ruidiaz, showed up in a HUGE way, recording a brace. Sounder midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro scored Seattle’s third goal in the 87th minute, hammering the nail in the coffin. The Sounders dictated the pace from start to finish, stamping their name into the record books as the only team in MLS history to win the tournament. More history was made as the Sounders victory came in front of a crowd of 68,741 in Seattle, a Concacaf Champions League record.
While Albert Rusnak did not record an assist, he played a large part in Seattle’s three goals.
Raul Ruidiaz shows up when the lights are brightest.
Peruvian striker Raul Ruidiaz has been an attacking assassin for Seattle during his entire tenure with the club. He is Seattle’s All-time leader in MLS postseason scoring, second in scoring across all competitions, and has numerous memorable goals in rave green. He emphatically added another memorable performance to his highlight reel, scoring a brace to ensure that Seattle came out victorious. Raul’s first goal came right before the halftime break, a shot in the box that was deflected into the net. The second goal, in the 80th minute, was a brilliant build up play. Jordan Morris carried the ball into the PUMAS box, passing in to Nico Lodeiro. Lodeiro made the extra pass, finding Ruidiaz who buried the ball in the top right corner.
The two goal scorers, Raul Ruidiaz and Nico Lodeiro, embrace after Lodeiro’s goal
Seattle hunkers down defensively and shuts out PUMAS
Seattle allowed two goals in the first leg of the Final to Juan Ignacio Dinenno, and it looked for sure like Dinenno could leave his mark on the second leg. The Sounders backline made a point to cover the talented Argentian attacker, minimizing his impact. Several dangerous possessions were shut down by the backline of Rowe (Nouhou subbed off early due to injury), Yeimar, Arreaga, and Alex Roldan. The defensive star that shined brightest, though, was goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Frei has made remarkable after remarkable save all tournament long. That was no different in the second leg of the final. For his efforts, Frei was awarded the best goalkeeper of the tournament and best player of the tournament. Frei preaches the importance of creating a fortress at home often to his teammates, and they did just that in the match that mattered most.
Nico Lodeiro was awarded the fair play award, Ignacio Dinenno the top goal scorer award, and Stefan Frei took him best player and best goalkeeper
A historic Wednesday night in Seattle
The Seattle Sounders did it! They made history. The first MLS team to ever win the Concacaf Champions League trophy. This will be remembered as more than just another trophy in the case. Seattle made several historic memories in the process. The highest attendance in Concacaf Champions League history. Some of the largest wins in tournament history. Finally, the most important mark of all by winning the tournament. This Sounders roster is already one of the deepest in league history, and they have checked off an incredibly important box as they continue their 2022 campaign. If they can find their stride in MLS, the rest of the league needs to watch out. There are two more check marks for Seattle: US Open Cup, and MLS Cup. For now, they celebrate perhaps their most important win in club history.
Cristian Roldan makes a confetti angel
Huge thank you to our photographers, Melissa Levin and Paul Kahl for the photos used in this article. They are brilliant and provided us with brilliant shots of the final! THANK YOU both!
Seattle Sounders FC
Concacaf Champions League
