Seattle Sounders FC MLS Cup 2019
Player Ratings
Player ratings begin at 5.5 to 6/10 and are adjusted based on a variety of factors. Should a player have a solid game the 6 remains the base level standard. A player making a series of errors or directly negatively impacting the match will be noted and the number lowered. A player impacting the match positively will show as a higher rating.
Prost MVP – Gustav Svensson. Svensson was a force in this match. He was a part of defending and negating a solid TFC midfield and assisted on two of the Sounders’ three goals.
Stefan Frei – G – 7/10: TFC had a good deal of possession in front of goal. Frei made 4 saves and conceded a late goal, but was in control and composed throughout. His left handed low save in the first half kept the match level going into the interval. Late goal notwithstanding, he was solid throughout and in control of his defense.
Kelvin Leerdam – D – 8/10: Scored the first goal and broke the game open. Leerdam was a danger down the right flank on a number of occasions partnering with Jones and Lodeiro.
Photos by John Crouch
Roman Torres – D – 6/10: Had the chance early to be a hero, but his shot went over the bar. Was a steady part of a Sounders defense that faced steady pressure from the Toronto press and possession.
Kim Kee-hee – D – 6/10: Partnered with Torres, Kim was a steady presence in front of Frei. Could have been booked early for a foul on Pozuelo, but wasn’t and didn’t have to play on a yellow.
Brad Smith – D – 7/10: Dangerous down the left flank with Jordan Morris for as long as he was on the pitch. He got deep early and often and contributed to the Seattle offense without losing his place in the defense. Would have been scored higher but was subbed out and did not go 90.
Gustav Svensson – M – 8/10: Prost’s match MVP. He was put on Bradley for the bulk of the match and was up to the task. Assisted on two Sounders goals and got votes in the the press MVP balloting.
Nicolas Lodeiro – M – 7.5/10: Lodeiro is everywhere on the pitch; deep in the defensive corner winning back a ball and moments later taking corners on the offensive end. His work rate and creative risks directly affect the match.
Jordan Morris – F – 7/10: A danger with the ball, stuffed early by Westberg but involved throughout. Made a long run with the ball early that really stretched the TFC defense and put them on notice that Sounders could counter.
Cristian Roldan – M – 6/10: Played almost as a fifth defender a good portion of the match with all of the Toronto pressure and press. Stayed composed throughout and played like the veteran he is becoming. Had the sort of match his teammates notice but the stat sheet does not.
Joevin Jones – M – 6/10: Constantly involved in the attack when on the right and tracked back and dealt with the Toronto wings. Switched fields with the Rodriguez and continued to be a positive factor.
Raul Ruidiaz – F – 8/10: A goal, an assist, and validation of his comments he is playing for a “big club” in how he finished the third goal after being stopped in an earlier attempt. Tracked back to look for the ball and did not simply wait for the game to come to him. Asserted himself in ways that showed he was rising to the occasion of a final.
Substitutes
Harry Shipp – M – DNP
Bryan Meredith – G – DNP
Xavier Arreaga – D N/R: – Late substitution.
Luis Silva – DNP
Jordy Delem – M – N/R: Late substitution.
Victor Rodriguez – 7.5/10: Came on the 60th minute and was immediately a factor on the right side. His goal to make it two nil might have taken the last edge off of the match. The finish on the goal was precise on a play moving across the top of the box to his right that often players find will slice wide. Was voted media MVP for only playing a third of the match.
Nouhou Tolo – DNP
