The Seattle Sounders drew the Colorado Rapids 1-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., on Sunday night.
Alex Roldanopened the scoring in the 41st minute when he capitalized on a Rapids turnover in their own end and fired a shot that slid underneath William Yarbrough. Colorado’s Michael Barrios found an equalizer in the 58th minute when he cut inside on the right
side of the 18-yard box and slotted a left-footed shot inside the far post.
Raúl Ruidíazhad a great chance to give the Sounders the lead in the sixth minute when he rose for a cross and saw his effort hit the crossbar. The Sounders remain atop the Supporters’ Shield standings to end the weekend with 26 points from 12 matches. Seattle is
back in action on Wednesday at home against the Houston Dynamo (6 p.m PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).
WithWill Bruinsidelined due to a torn meniscus, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer opted to roll out a 3-4-2-1 formation. Ruidíaz operated as the lone forward with two advanced midfielders sitting in beneath him.
Alex Roldan opens his MLS account
Roldan scored his first career MLS goal in his 58th career match. The goal capped a magnificent week for Roldan, who was just called in to theEl Salvador national teamfor his first international camp ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup
Unbeaten streak record
The Sounders pushed their unbeaten streak to 12 matches to start the season, which matches the longest in MLS history. They are only the fifth different team to do so, joining the LA Galaxy (1996, 2010), Sporting Kansas City (2000) and Real Salt Lake (2014).
The Seattle Sounders drew the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 at Lumen Field on Saturday night.
Raúl Ruidíazopened the scoring in the 40th minute when he finished a beautiful counterattacking sequence off a final ball from Brad Smith. The goal was Ruidíaz’s ninth of the season, which is second in MLS behind only the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito, who scored twice
on Saturday night.
The unbeaten streak stays alive.#SEAvVAN Highlights
Vancouver nearly equalized with the final play of the first half, but Stefan Clevelandmade a breakaway save on Déiber Caicedo.
The Whitecaps found their leveler four minutes after halftime when Cristian Dájome got a touch past Cleveland on a through ball and slotted home. They took the lead in the 56th minute when Lucas Cavallini finished a difficult cross from Dájome.
The Sounders tied the match at 2-2 in the 71st minute when second-half substituteJimmy Medrandafinished on a half-volley from the top of the 18-yard box.
The Sounders wrapped up their three-match week with seven points and two points clear at the top of the Western Conference standings with a match in hand on second-place Sporting Kansas City.
CLEVELAND ROCKS. #SoundersMatchday | #SEAvVAN
Roldan Atencio SmithRuidíaz @RaulRuidiazM strikes first and it's 1-0!
Josh Atenciomade his first start since the second match of the season after returning from injury and came back in an impactful way. The 19-year-old Homegrown midfielder started Ruidíaz’s goal with a strong tackle in the Sounders’ half of the field then earned a
secondary assist, his first in his MLS career.
Medranda opens his account
Medranda scored his first Sounders goal and his first in MLS since 2019. The Colombian made an instant impact off Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s bench and rewarded him with a clinical strike to salvage a point at home.
71' GOOOOALLLL SOUNDERS!!! JIMMY MEDRANDA!!! SEA 2 | VAN 2 #SEAvVAN
Shutout streak ends
The Sounders’ shutout streak from the run of play ended at 949 minutes when Dajome found the back of the net. Seattle are tied for MLS’ best defensive record, though, having conceded just seven times in 11 matches.
First goal as a Seattle Sounder Congratulations,@jimmymedranda!
The Seattle Sounders defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 at Lumen Field on Wednesday night behind a 58th-minute goal fromCristian Roldanand an 88th-minute penalty fromRaúl Ruidíaz.
The Sounders dominated from the opening whistle at home, being first to every loose ball and keeping RSL on their heels. They were unable to find a breakthrough in the first 45 minutes, but nearly opened the scoring five minutes before halftime when Ruidíaz
tapped a ball around RSL goalkeeper David Ochoa, but had his pocket picked before he could get a shot off.
Roldan broke the deadlock with his second goal of the season when he tapped home a rebound on a shot attempt fromWill Bruin. Roldan deftly cushioned a Ruidíaz cross into the path of Bruin, whose shot was saved by Ochoa and fell to the feet of Roldan, who
coolly slotted home from six yards out.
41 goals in the MLS Regular Season 9 goals in the MLS Cup Playoffs
RSL found an equalizer in the 79th minute when goalkeeperStefan Clevelandwas whistled for a foul on Rubio Rubín. Albert Rusnák deposited the penalty to Cleveland’s right.
Seattle found the match-winner two minutes from full time after RSL was whistled for a handball in their own 18-year box. Ruidíaz stepped up and calmly converted a Panenka to score his eighth goal of the season, staying level with the LA Galaxy's Javier
“Chicharito” Hernández for first in the MLS Golden Boot race.
The Sounders will look to complete their second nine-point week of the season on Saturday when they welcome Cascadia rival the Vancouver Whitecaps to Seattle (6 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS)
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Roldan rising
Roldan has played at an MLS Best XI-level so far this campaign, and he added another goal to his stat sheet. Filling in for captain Nicolás Lodeiro is no easy feat, but the 26-year-old veteran has played some of the best soccer of his career in a more advanced role in
Left wingbackJimmy Medrandaearned his first start of the season and logged an impressive shift, going 66 minutes before being replaced by Brad Smith. The Colombian had only played 49 minutes across three matches before Wednesday evening, but his strong
showing allowed Smith to get a bit of a rest in a three-match week. Medranda was active in attack, and it was his defensive challenge that led to Roldan’s opener.
Still unbeaten
The Sounders stay atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings and remain the lone undefeated team in the league. Seattle has still yet to allow a goal from the run of play, posting 900 minutes of shutout soccer on non-set piece goals.
The Seattle Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 2-1 on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
The Galaxy’s Sacha Kljestan opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 21st minute after Chicharito was taken down in the 18-yard box. Seattle erased the deficit 20 minutes later whenYeimarscored his first goal of the season on a header from aJoão Paulo corner.
The teams went into halftime level, butRaúl Ruidíazscored on a rebound in the 49th minute to give the Sounders the lead. Yeimar’s back heel found Cristian Roldan, whose close-range shot was saved by Jonathan Bond before Ruidíaz cleaned up.
The Sounders defeated the Galaxy for the second straight match following a 3-0 win at Lumen Field in May.
Three points is a great start to a three-match week for Seattle, which hosts Real Salt Lake on Wednesday (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) and then the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday
(6 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video,950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).
It’s just the beginning It’s just the beginning
THREE TAKEAWAYS
RUIDÍAZ ON THE MARK
Ruidíaz returned from FIFA World Cup Qualifying with Peru and bagged his seventh goal of the season to move him into a tie for first in MLS with the Galaxy’s Chicharito. Originally projected to be a part of Peru’s Copa América roster, Ruidíaz was left off and thus is
With Xavier Arreagaaway with Ecuador for Copa América andNouhoua late scratch because of a left adductor strain, 21-year-old French defenderAB Cissokomade his MLS debut as a part of Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s three center back formation. He fared
incredibly well and helped the Sounders to their ninth consecutive match without allowing a goal from open play.
LAST REMAINING UNBEATEN
After Nashville SC lost to the New York Red Bulls on Friday, the Sounders are the last remaining unbeaten team in MLS. Through nine weeks, Seattle is first in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
Press Conference: Brian Schmetzer post-match at LA Galaxy
Press Conference: João Paulo and Yeimar Gómez Andrade post-match at LA Galaxy
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder João Paulo and defender Yeimar Gómez Andrade speak to media following the club’s 2-1 win over LA Galaxy.
May 30
FT
#Sounders 0 v 0 #VERDE
Seattle Sounders play to scoreless home draw with Austin FC, head into international break atop Supporters’ Shield table
#SoundersMatchday #SEAvATX
USA Today Sports
Ryan Krasnoo SoundersFC.com
The Seattle Sounders played to a scoreless draw with MLS newcomers Austin FC on Sunday at Lumen Field.
Seattle dominated possession but wasn’t able to find a breakthrough on the night. The result was the second straight home draw for the Sounders, while it broke a three-match losing streak for the visitors. Sunday also marked the first time all season that the
Sounders were shutout.
Neither team did much in terms of creating chances, as Austin and the Sounders were even on Expected Goals with 0.7 each. The Sounders thought they had taken the lead in the 75th minute when forward Fredy Montero found the back of the net, but it was
disallowed on Video Review for offside on Raúl Ruidíaz.
Austin had its best chance in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made a brilliant 1-v-1 save on Jared Stroud. Austin also had an opportunity in the 53rd minute when Nouhou made an excellent defensive block on Cecilio Domínguez from close range.
The Sounders still end the weekend atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 18 points from eight matches.
HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Austin FC | May 30, 2021
#SoundersMatchday#SEAvATX
An amazing play all around, but this one won't count following Video Review after Raúl Ruidíaz is ruled offside.
An amazing play all around, but this one won't count following Video Review after Raúl Ruidíaz is ruled offside. #SoundersMatchday#SEAvATX
• Fredy's first start • Another clean sheet • International Break #SEAvATX Match Recap
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Fredy’s first start
Montero earned his first start since rejoining the Sounders this past offseason. He now has 169 career starts in Rave Green, with his last start coming in 2012.
Another clean sheet
Seattle earned its fifth clean sheet in eight matches to start the season and continues to be the best defensive team in Major League Soccer. The Sounders have only allowed three goals all year and none from open play.
International break
The Sounders now have a three-week break during a FIFA international window. Seattle returns to action on June 19 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., for a big matchup with the LA Galaxy (6 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
First@MLS start of 2021 for @_fredymontero! #SoundersMatchday#SEAvATX
Another clean sheet. @stef_cleveland is the #SEAvATX Man of the Match!
Press Conference: Brian Schmetzer post-match vs Austin FC
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer speaks to media following the club's 0-0 draw against Austin FC.
Press Conference: Stefan Cleveland and Cristian Roldan post-match vs Austin FC
Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland and midfielder Cristian Roldan speak to media following the club's 0-0 draw against Austin FC.
May 23
FT
#Sounders 1 v 1 #UniteAndConquer
Seattle Sounders draw Atlanta United 1-1, set club record for best start to MLS season
The Seattle Sounders drew Atlanta United 1-1 on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field behind a sixth-minute goal fromRaúl Ruidíaz.
The Peruvian Designated Player rose on aJoão Paulocorner kick and powerfully headed home the opener past Brad Guzan. The assist was João Paulo’s fourth of the season, which is tied for the league lead.
Atlanta United equalized in the 86th minute when Josef Martínez converted a penalty kick past goalkeeperStefan Cleveland.
Seattle maintains its lead atop the Supporters’ Shield standings, having taken 17 points from seven matches to start the season. The Sounders will host MLS newcomers Austin FC next Sunday (6:30 p.m. PT; FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM |TICKETS) in their
final match before the international break.
Thanks to the crew (and all @WeAreECS) who help make this happen! See you soon!#EBFG@ECSTifo
The Sounders set a record for the best start to a season in their MLS club history, going undefeated and sporting a 5-0-2 mark. Seattle’s previous best record was set in 2019, coincidentally the year the Rave Green last won MLS Cup.
Ruidíaz strikes again
Ruidíaz now has six goals in seven matches to start the season. He’s second in the Golden Boot standings behind only the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito (seven) and is continuing the form he had last year that led to an MLS Best XI selection.
Open play defensive lockdown
The Sounders have still yet to concede from open play to start the season, with the only three goals they’ve allowed in seven matches coming directly off dead balls. Seattle finishes Week 6 second in MLS in goals allowed this season.
Press Conference: Brian Schmetzer post-match vs Atlanta United FC
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer speaks to media following the club's 1-1 draw against Atlanta United FC.
Press Conference: Cristian Roldan and Danny Leyva post-match vs Atlanta United FC
Seattle Sounders FC midfielders Cristian Roldan and Danny Leyva speak to media following the club's 1-1 draw against Atlanta United FC.
May 16
FT
#Sounders 2 v 0 #LAFC
Seattle Sounders defeat LAFC 2-0 behind goals from Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith, finish perfect week with three wins in three
USA Today Sports
HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. LAFC | May 16, 2021
The Seattle Sounders defeated LAFC 2-0 on Sunday night at Lumen Field in Seattle behind second-half goals from defender Xavier Arreaga and wingback Brad Smith.
The Seattle Sounders defeated LAFC 2-0 on Sunday night at Lumen Field in Seattle behind second-half goals from defenderXavier Arreagaand wingbackBrad Smith.
The 26-year-old Ecuador international Arreaga headed home his first career MLS goal in the 57th minute off a corner kick fromJoão Paulo. Smith scored his third goal of the season in the 73rd minute, capping a beautiful sequence that started in midfield withAlex
Roldangetting out of pressure. Roldan then finished the play with a beauty of a cross that picked out Smith’s late run.
The Sounders defended for much of the first half, but earned the best chance of the first half whenCristian Roldanset up a streaking Smith, whose one-timed effort went wide left of Pablo Sisniega’s net.
Seattle finished off a perfect three-match week with three wins in three after back-to-back road wins at the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes. Seattle stays atop the early Supporters’ Shield standings, keeping its four-point lead over the LA Galaxy.
Of note, 16-year-oldReed Baker-Whitingmade his MLS debut when he subbed on for João Paulo in second-half stoppage time.
The Sounders will play their first Eastern Conference opponent next Sunday when the Rave Green host Atlanta United (1:30 p.m. PT; FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).
For just the seventh time since 2014, the Sounders started an MLS match without veteran presenceStefan Freiin goal. Frei, who willmiss 4-6 weekswith a sprained knee suffered midweek, was replaced byStefan Cleveland, who impressed in his first Sounders
appearance and first MLS start since 2018. He earned a clean sheet with three saves.
First MLS goal for Arreaga
Seattle’s goal came from an unlikely source on Sunday when Arreaga scored his first Sounders goal. The center back, who was playing in his 33rd MLS match, flicked home a deft header to secure all three points.
Through the opening six matches of the season, the Sounders have still yet to concede from open play. They lead the league with just two goals allowed, both of which came directly off free kicks.
Press Conference: Brian Schmetzer post-match vs LAFC
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer speaks to media following the club's 2-0 win over LAFC.
Press Conference: Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith post-match vs LAFC
Seattle Sounders FC defenders Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith speak to media following the club’s 2-0 win over LAFC.
May12
FT
SJ 0 - 1 SEA
Cristian Roldan stunner leads Seattle Sounders past San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 to remain unbeaten, atop MLS
Make that 14 straight unbeaten vs. San Jose.
A mid-week clean sheet and three points on the road.#SJvSEA Highlights
By Ryan Krasnoo SoundersFC.co
The Seattle Sounders defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., behind an 18th-minute goal fromCristian Roldan.
Seattle had an inauspicious start whenJordy Delemleft in the seventh minute with an injury and was replaced byShane O’Neill.
San Jose thought they had a penalty kick in the 15th minute when referee Baldomero Toledo whistled a handball onYeimar, but the penalty was waved off after Video Review.
Roldan capitalized on the momentum shift shortly after when he rocketed home a left-footed half volley from just outside the box for his first goal of the season.
The Sounders would unfortunately suffer another injury in stoppage time as goalkeeperStefan Freiwent down with a leg injury. Seattle was out of substitutes and finished with 10 men and defenderAlex Roldanin goal.
Stefan Frei
@Stefan24Frei
"Thank you all for the support and kind words. It is what it is but most importantly, MASSIVE win and so proud of the boys!"#EBFG
A true Sounder, through and through. Thank you, @Alex_Roldan8
When goalkeeper Stefan Frei went down with an injury in second-half stoppage time, defender@Alex_Roldan8
17' After Video Review, a hand ball on Yeimar has been waived. We play on! SEA 0 | SJ 0
history to step into goal. He made three clutch saves to preserve the 1-0 win at San Jose. Legendary status.
The Sounders look to make it a perfect three-wins-in-three week when they host LAFC at Lumen Field on Sunday (6:30 p.m. PT; FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
A lot to be proud of, these are the results that can make for a great year. That being sad, let’s all pray for@JordyDelemand @Stefan24Frei
THREE TAKEAWAYS
ALEX ROLDAN IN GOAL
In what was an unfortunate scenario, Roldan held his own and finished the final few minutes of the match in goal, making three stops to preserve the clean sheet. It was the first time in the club’s MLS history that it has utilized an outfield player in goal.
HEAVY ROTATION
Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer rotated his squad heavily on Wednesday in the middle of a three-match week and opted for a 3-4-3 formation. Homegrown teenagers Ethan Dobbelaere and Danny Leyva got starts up front and in the midfield, respectively, while Delem,
prior to his injury, slotted into center back. It’s a promising sign that Seattle could rest its more veteran players while getting a road result against a difficult opponent.
RECORD-TYING UNBEATEN STREAK
The Sounders have run their unbeaten streak against the ‘Quakes to 14 matches, which ties the club’s best stretch against any MLS team (Chivas USA: 10-4-0). Seattle has not lost to San Jose in MLS play since 2015.
The Seattle Sounders defeated the Portland Timbers 2-1 on Sunday at Providence Park behind goals fromRaúl RuidíazandFredy Montero.
Ruidíaz opened the scoring for the Sounders on a penalty kick in the 63rd minute that he coolly deposited to the goalkeeper’s left. The goal was his fifth in four matches this season, which is good for second in MLS.
Montero entered as a substitute in the 72nd minute then scored his second goal of the season in the 79th when he headed home aJoão Paulo free kick.
Congratulations to@Stefan24Freifor becoming the eighth goalkeeper in@MLShistory to reach 1,000 career saves!
The Timbers had a chance to take the lead just minutes before Ruidíaz’s goal when they had a penalty kick of their own. Diego Valeri’s attempt was saved byStefan Frei, but the kick was retaken after referee Chris Penso went to Video Review and ruled that Frei had
63' GOOOALLLL SOUNDERS! RUIDÍAZ!!!SEA 1 | POR 0 #PORvSEA
Valeri’s next attempt ricocheted off the post and back to him, which he put into the net, but the goal was waved off. The rule states that if a penalty kick hits the post, the shooter cannot be the first player to touch the ball.
Ruidíaz nearly bagged a brace in the 84th minute when he fired home to the far post, but he was whistled for offside.
The Timbers’ Bill Tuiloma, who came on as an early substitute in the first half after Larrys Mabiala left injured, scored on a free kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time to pull a goal back for Portland.
The Sounders return to action on Wednesday when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 p.m. PT; JoeTV, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
THREE TAKEAWAYS
RUIDÍAZ STRIKES AGAIN
Ruidíaz keeps on scoring. He’s now found the back of the net 47 times in all competitions for the Sounders, including eight times against the Timbers. With normal penalty kick takerNicolás Lodeirosidelined because of right knee pain, Ruidíaz drew the penalty and
then finished it himself. His five goals is second only to the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito (six) so far this season.
YEIMAR SHINES
What a performance from center backYeimar, who shut down any legitimate Portland threats all afternoon. He finished the match with nine clearances, four recoveries, three interceptions and three tackles. He and the Sounders defense have still yet to concede from
open play through four matches to start the season.
TOP OF MLS
The Sounders stay in first place in the early Supporters’ Shield standings with 10 points through their opening four games. Seattle also leads MLS in goal differential at plus-eight.
Raúl Ruidíaz, Brad Smith lead Seattle Sounders past LA Galaxy 3-0 as Nicolás Lodeiro returns
Mike Fiechtner
Sounders win! So amazing to be back at Lumen Field! @SoundersFC
3️⃣ Goals. 3️⃣ Points. ↓ #SEAvLA Highlights ↓
The best. #SoundersMatchday | #SEAvLA
By Ryan Krasnoo SoundersFC.com
The Seattle Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 3-0 on Sunday night at Lumen Field to jump to the top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings after Week 3.
An amazing way to end the match!! @RaulRuidiazM scores his second of the night!
The Sounders struck twice three minutes apart in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.Raúl Ruidíazscored in the 20th minute on a one-time finish from 12 yards out after a great buildup play fromWill Bruinand Brad Smith, whose cross found the Peruvian
for his third goal of the season. Smith then added a goal of his own in the 23rd minute when his initial shot off a cross fromCristian Roldanwas saved by goalkeeper Alex Bond, but Smith stabbed the rebound in to double the lead. Ruidíaz then capped his second
brace of the campaign when he finished a cross from substituteJimmy Medrandain the third minute of stoppage time in the second half.
Lots of trophies and records and matches and memories... ...and now Nico's first sub appearance.#SoundersMatchday | #SEAvLA
The Galaxy’s best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute when Samuel Grandsir’s shot from close range was parried wide byStefan Frei.
Galaxy manager Greg Vanney made three changes at halftime, and they came out energized and nearly pulled one back. LA’s best opportunity came in the 52nd minute when Víctor Vázquez picked out Chicharito, but his attempt went wide left.
The Sounders visit the rival Portland Timbers next Sunday (12 p.m. PT; ABC, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) in their first meeting of the season.
20' GOOOOALLLLL SOUNDERS!!! RUIDÍAZ!!!SEA 1 | LA 0 #SEAvLA
90+ GOOOOALLLLL SOUNDERS! RUIDÍAZ WITH ANOTHER! SEA 3 | LA 0 #SEAvLA
Congratulations to@Stefan24Freifor climbing the charts for career shutouts in @MLS
THREE TAKEAWAYS
LODEIRO RETURNS
The biggest storyline from Sunday night was the return of captain Nicolás Lodeiro, who missed the first two weeks with a left quad strain. Lodeiro entered for Bruin in the 66th minute, a promising sign for Seattle as its 2020 MLS Best XI attacking midfielder is back
healthy.
SMITH THE SCORER
After not scoring a goal in almost five years, Smith has now scored twice in consecutive games. He’s the beneficiary of Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s new 3-5-2 formation that has a larger onus on attacking wingbacks. He was up and down the left flank all evening
and was rewarded with a goal and an assist.
DEFENSIVE LOCKDOWN
Chicharito entered the weekend as the hottest striker in MLS, leading the league with five goals through the first two matches. Seattle held him to only one shot on goal and kept a clean sheet, the team’s second in the opening three matches. Through three games,
the Sounders have conceded zero goals from open play, with their only goal allowed coming on a free kick in Week 2 against LAFC.