The Seattle Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 on Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
Cristian Roldan scored his first goal of the season in the 13th minute off a feed from Jordan Morris, who was sprung down the left side with a beautiful through ball from Nouhou. Morris played a simple ball across goal and Roldan tapped in the easy finish.
Morris found the back of the net himself in the 38th minute off an incredible through ball from Nicolás Lodeiro. Morris calmly deposited the ball past goalkeeper David Bingham to help the Sounders take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Roldan got his brace in the 61st minute when he executed a deft chip on a breakaway via a pass from João Paulo.
Sebastian Lletget scored a consolation goal for the Galaxy in the 88th minute.
The Sounders take on Cascadia rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps at CenturyLink Field next Saturday (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
Three Takeaways
Roldan homecoming
What a time for Roldan to score his first goal of the season. He is from Pico Rivera, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles, and now has six goals against the Galaxy in his career, more than any other MLS team. Roldan started on the right wing in the stead of Joevin Jones, who had played there for the last few matches but missed out on Sunday with a right ankle sprain.
Ran right by him
Morris was an absolute nightmare for Galaxy defenders on Sunday, constantly getting in behind and exposing them with his blistering pace. Morris now has seven goals and six assists in 13 matches this season. After a frustrating match in Portland midweek, Morris reminded everyone why he’s one of MLS’ elite wingers, who’s just as capable setting up teammates as he is finishing.
Brad Smith returns
Left back Brad Smith made his first Sounders appearance since re-signing with Seattle on Sept. 17 when he checked in as a second-half substitute. Smith made 31 appearances from when he joined on an 18-month loan in the summer of 2018 before returning to parent club AFC Bournemouth following the Sounders’ MLS Cup win. His return is a welcomed sign, as he brings plenty of offensive and defensive help, along with endless pace, to this Sounders side eager to defend their title.
