Xavier Arreaga’s header goal in the 71st minute would give Seattle the win
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders picked up their first victory of the MLS regular season with a 3-2 win over LA Galaxy. All three of the Seattle goals came off of set pieces: A penalty, a corner kick, and a free kick. While the Sounder defense was not up to its usual form, Seattle was able to shut down the Galaxy late. The win pushes the Sounders’ unbeaten streak against the Galaxy to eight games. The result was the Sounders 200th MLS win in club history. Seattle becomes the fastest club to reach that mark in league history.
Getting out of the offensive slump
Coming into this match, Seattle had been shutout in three of its five total matches in 2022. That includes two MLS contests where the offensive attack looked putrid. The midfield did not play well, and there were hardly any dangerous chances put on opposing goalkeepers. The Sounders were able to change that, 15 minutes into this contest. Joao Paulo roped a cross into the box, bouncing around and eventually being pushed by Jordan Morris. The ball would slide past Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond to bring the game level.
Attacker Jordan Morris scored the first goal for the Sounders
The Sounders all-time leading scorer, Fredy Montero, added another goal to his total with a penalty kick in the 45th minute. It was Montero’s second goal off of a penalty in as many matches. Later on, with the game tied at two in the 71st minute, the Sounders had a set piece in the Galaxy final third. Seattle opted to pass short to Alex Roldan, lining in a cross to Xavier Arreaga. Arreaga was left wide open, and his header found the top left corner to give Seattle the lead.
Sounders all-time leading scorer Fredy Montero, with Cristian Roldan
Defensive miscues
Seattle’s defense did not play up to par, at least not the form that we saw last season. Early on into this contest and for much of the first half, the Sounders were giving up free runs. One of those runs came from Chicharito, who was able to receive and score an easy pass right in front of net. That goal came just five minutes into the match.
Douglas Costa’s set piece goal tied the game at two
Similar to the hot start that LA got off to in the first half, the Galaxy were able to tie the match up a little over a minute into the second half, as Douglas Costa’s free kick curled around the Seattle wall, and beat Frei. Frei looked like he had it squared up, but misplayed the shot. The Sounders’ defense did not look as tight as it has before, and that will have to change quickly if Seattle wants to make a deep run this year in MLS, as well as contend for the Concacaf Champions League title. Although it is a small sample size, through three MLS matches this year; the Sounders have allowed four goals. Through the same number of games last year, Seattle had only allowed one.
2021 Los Angeles leading scorer Chicharito started the scoring
Locking down when it counts
Despite the defensive woes in this game, the Sounders were able to handle the Galaxy when it mattered most. Despite being carded three times in the second half and Yeimar coming out with an injury, Seattle really did not see a dangerous chance from the Galaxy. Seattle’s attackers and midfielders were able to win duels and hold possession in the LA half. The Sounders held on to get their first win in MLS play this season, against the second place team in the Western Conference as well.
Alex Roldan assisted the game winning header goal by Xavier Arreaga
Seattle’s next contest is the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal against Club Leon. This match is on March 17th, with a 5:30PM PDT kickoff. The Sounders have a three-goal advantage on aggregate.
Thank you to Maddy Grassy and Paul Kahl for the photos used in this article! Thank you both
Follow Maddy on Instagram: @maddygrassyphotography
Check out Paul’s gallery of the match: https://paulkahl.smugmug.com/Sports/SeattleSounders/2022/2022-03-12-Sounders-vs-LA-Galaxy-FC
Seattle Sounders FC
