Sounders MVP Joao Paulo looks to take a set piece
Seattle, WA – The LA Galaxy came into Lumen field on the first of November, looking to secure their spot in this year’s MLS Audi cup playoffs. The Seattle Sounders came into this match hoping that if they take care of their own business and win their next two games, they could jump back into the first overall seed in the Western conference, ensuring that the West would run through Seattle. With that being said, there would be another variable that heightened tonight’s action; a delegation from FIFA would be in attendance, visiting Seattle to review the potential of the city as a site for the World cup five years from now. The contest had a lot riding on it under a dark Seattle night.
Pre-game
Starting lineup for your Sounders
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Goalkeeper: Stefan Frei, Sounders legend, was your starter in goal for the final home match of this years regular season.
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Backline: The defensive backline would be made up of Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou, Brad Smith, and Yeimar
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Brad Smith made his second consecutive start since returning from injury.
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Midfield: The midfield group consisted of Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Alex Roldan, Kelyn Rowe, and captain Nicolas Lodeiro.
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Lodeiro came off of the bench last match, and starts for the first time since dealing with a setback to an injury he had been dealing with almost all season.
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Attacking front: The lone attacker would be Raul Ruidiaz.
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Raul returns to the starting lineup after being out due to injury from Sounders matches and international duty with Peru.
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Bench unit: The bench squad would be made up of Fredy Montero, Jordan Morris, Nicolas Benezet, Leo Chu, Shane O’Neill, Stefan Cleveland, Danny Leyva, Josh Atencio, and AB Cissoko.
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Perhaps the most notable return of tonight’s match would be that of hometown kid Jordan Morris. The 2019 comeback player of the year returns for Seattle just in time for a playoff run.
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Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond narrowly snags a cross
First half action: For the first 17 minutes of the match, it would be a dull game. The Sounders had the only legitimate chance on goal, and for the majority of that time, the Galaxy had a better attack in terms of possession and passing. Those things would culminate at the 18 minute mark when LA would get a corner, and Chicharito would score off of the Sebastian Lletget cross, giving the away side the 1-0 lead. Similar to the last home match the Sounders played in, there would be some controversy with the officiating. Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond would take down/elbow Raul Ruidiaz in what looked to be an attempt at the ball, and the crowd was irate. The rest of the half would see a couple plays that mounted towards potential attempts, but many got snuffed out before a real shot could be put on goal. We would go into the half with a score of 1-0, Galaxy on top.
Nico Lodeiro takes a set piece
Halftime notes and adjustments: The Sounders seemed to be passive in the first half of play. Yes, there were some attempts on goal, but there were too many giveaways and too much of a general lack of quality passing in the opening half. The Galaxy had better possession and had a better passing half than Seattle. It was a simple case of needing to wake up. Going into the second half, I am looking at getting a jolt of energy on the field, and that may just come in the form of Jordan Morris. Seattle needs to communicate better as well, as there were some missed opportunities due to missed communications and actually running into each other.
Second half action: The second half would be kicked off with a quick shot on goal by Cristian Roldan. That play would be nearly replicated in the 48th minute, when Cristian would go to make that same play, but would be fouled in the box. The penalty kick would be given, creating a chance for the Sounders to equalize. Raul Ruidiaz would take the penalty and convert top corner, equalizing the game in the 50th minute! Seattle bringing the game level early was an ideal start to this half, as a win really is needed if the club is still gunning for the redemption of the one seed. In the 60th minute, Jordan Morris would come on the field for Raul Ruidiaz, looking to make an impact and give Seattle the lead. Morris would start his impact by drawing a corner kick in the 63rd. Morris would make an impact throughout the rest of the game, but did show a small bit of rust. After Morris was subbed on, the Sounders would be the majority attacking side, getting several set pieces and shots off. Several of them would hit the post and crossbar, and the Sounders would end this match in a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy to wrap up the regular season at home.
Jordan Morris returned to the pitch tonight!
Match reflection: The Sounders played the second half with energy and looked much more cohesive as a unit in their attack. The problem for Seattle would be getting one of those chances in the net, and none of that had to do with Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond. Seattle would be blocked by the structure of the goal itself, whether it was the crossbar or the posts. Having Morris, Lodeiro, and Ruidiaz all back will provide a huge boost to this lineup going forward, it will just be crucial that they all get more time on the field in this last match against Vancouver so that they can once get themselves acclimated with the team again, chemistry wise.
Player of the match:
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Sounders official player of the match: Raul Ruidiaz
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Stats: 1 goal to equalize the game
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Charles’ player of the match: Cristian Roldan
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Stats: 2 shots, drew the penalty kick that would equalize the game
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Credit to Paul Kahl for the incredible photos used in this article! Masterful work as always Paul!
