The Seattle Sounders haven’t had the hottest start to their MLS season. However, in regard to Concacaf Champions League, the Sounders have been on fire. The Round of 16 saw them take on F.C. Motagua in a scoreless draw on the road and then a big 6-0 victory at home. This time, the script is flipped, with Seattle hosting Club León first and then going down to Mexico next week.
In their home match at Lumen Field, Seattle rolled out their stars and earned three goals. Fredy Montero got on the scoreboard twice, while Jordan Morris tapped in the third and final tally. In addition, Cristian Roldan, who is only 26-years-old, celebrated 250 matches across all competitions in a Sounders uniform. He has been with the club since being drafted in 2015.
Roldan was the one who won the penalty to set up the first goal, which Montero put to the right while goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota went left. Eight minutes after slotting his penalty, Montero scored a brace, tapping in the ball inside the box. His goal was assisted by Roldan. The elder Roldan had a monster game, assisting on Morris’ goal as well.
Nothing but love for @CristianRoldan 💚 pic.twitter.com/4BSSfj5dtn
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 9, 2022
After the game, Brian Schmetzer, Sounders head coach, called his team “determined” to “put in a good performance.”
“There’s been a lot of talk about not winning in 11 games, going back into last season with a lot of stuff on various publications and sites,” Schmetzer said. “I still believe in this team. Tommy Dutra called it before we even started. He said, ‘the guys are in it.’ … This team is a good team. I know we’re missing key parts, but we’re a good team. And so, does it surprise me? No. We beat a quality team last year in Leagues Cup… It doesn’t matter how it comes; it’s a win.”
Schmetzer also made sure to compliment Montero on the brace.
“Fredy continues to do a great job for this club. I’m so happy we signed him,” Schmetzer said. “It’s a good all-around victory for the team. They deserve it.”
What’s Next for the Sounders?
CCL action will pause for the weekend, as the Sounders are gearing up to host the LA Galaxy at Lumen Field on Saturday. The two sides will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST/12:30 p.m. PT. Next week, Seattle will head to Estadio León on Thursday, March 17. The match will air on Fox Sports and will kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
⚽️ Montero
⚽️ Montero
⚽️ MorrisIt was a magical night at @LumenField! 🙌 #SEAvLEO | #SCCL22 pic.twitter.com/R5Brmr5ML5
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 9, 2022
Photo Credit: Jane Gershovich/Sounders FC.
