SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (March 9, 2019) – The Seattle Sounders have six points in two home games in 2019. Off Raul Ruidiaz scoring to extend his MLS game scoring streak to seven, they defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0 on Saturday night.
Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle Sounders beat Colorado Rapids 2-0
Rave Green came out on fire, scoring two goals within 10 minutes. Ben Smith got past three players on a run five minutes in and sent a cross into the box with numbers from both sides. The ball bounced around and out to Kelvin Leerdam who shot first time past goalkeeper Tim Howard and into the back of the net.
There were shouts for off-sides as Jordan Morris touched the ball back to a teammate while behind all other field players, but the goal stood.
2️⃣ matches. 2️⃣ goals. An incredible start to 2019 for Kelvin Leerdam! #SEAvCOL | #SoundersMatchday pic.twitter.com/vG4hnZaBnQ
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 10, 2019
Then in the 8th minute, Morris and Ruidiaz combined to get the ball to Victor Rodriguez. Rodriguez shot through the gap then squared the ball on the ground to the front of goal. No Rapids player attacked the ball as it came to Ruidiaz who scored easily.
Colorado calmed down towards the end of the half with Kei Kamara getting several half chances. The two sides traded chances in the second half. One could argue the Rapids had more chances, but Seattle managed the game very well.
Ruidiaz and Kamara continued to be the main targets for both side, but the best chance for Colorado came in the 67th minute with Diego Rubio shot just wide of the far post from outside the box. Substitute Harrison Shipp skied an open shot from inside the box four minutes later.
Make that SEVEN straight @MLS matches with a goal for @RaulRuidiazM! ? #SEAvCOL | #SoundersMatchday pic.twitter.com/pvTHWgcHOF
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 10, 2019
Three Big Things:
Sounds swarm: Seattle was at their best in this game when they were attacking 3-4 players around the box. Both goals came when they overloaded the box after getting the ball wide and forward. They went to the space between the Rapids backline and midfield to get clean shooting opportunities.
Rapids still a work in progress: By the time the Rapids stabilized in this game, it was already over. The midfield was a mess in the first half with Benny Feilhaber at the base of the diamond and Jack Price as a No. 8. Those two swapped in the second half and spacing was much better in. It was too little too late.
Seventh Heaven for Ruidiaz: For the seventh league game in a row, Raul Ruidiaz scored a goal. He was a terror all night and has been an excellent addition to the Sounders attack. He and Nicolas Lodeiro are in position to have a fantastic 2019 together.
