SEATTLE, WASH. (September 29, 2018) – Seattle Sounders FC win, ending their two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon. They defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0 comfortably.
Back on track: Seattle Sounders FC win 2-0 over Colorado Rapids
From start to finish, the Sounders were focused and clearly the better side. Twenty-two minutes into the game, newcomer Raul Ruidiaz opened the scoring. Seattle pinged the ball around into the box, leading to a Nicholas Lodeiro shot that was stopped by Tim Howard. Cristian Roldan found the rebound, then got it to Lodeiro who crossed it to Ruidiaz in the center who scored.
The Sounders doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute through Lodeiro. The No. 10 won a foul just inside the box against Kellyn Acosta. Lodeiro stepped up to take the PK. Howard got a piece of it but could not complete the save.
In the 73rd minute, Ruidiaz had a tap-in on an open goal after a Deklan Wynne turnover. Lodeiro again set the play up, drawing Tommy Smith and Howard towards him to leave Ruidiaz open. On another turnover in the 80th minute, Victor Rodriguez scored to complete the blowout.
Three takeaways:
Back on track: After a club record winning streak, the Sounders dropped games to Philadelphia Union and LA Galaxy. They desperately needed a good performance and three points to get back in playoff form. The stars showed up and the defense made their clean sheet look easy. This was just what the doctor ordered.
Struggling no matter the changes: The Rapids made a sub just 15 minutes in (Niki Jackson coming on for Nana Boateng) and another at halftime (Marlon Hairston on for Kortne Ford). No matter the changes or what the coaching staff has gotten right or wrong, this team can’t seem to get a result.
Mistakes punished: The Sounders did a very good job of punishing mistakes and taking advantage of opportunities. The final two goals came off turnovers in the attacking half. Lodeiro punished the PK surrendered by Acosta. Colorado could have cleared the rebound on the first goal, but couldn’t.
