Major League Soccer on Monday named Seattle Sounders forward Raúl Ruidíaz to the Week 26 MLS Team of the Week bench following the Rave Green's thrilling 3-3 draw away against the LA Galaxy on Friday.
In just his second start back from injury, Ruidíaz helped ignite the Sounders attack in a match with massive playoff implications. Seattle entered halftime down 2-0, but the Peruvian striker sparked a comeback early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Ruidíaz spun his defender and drove into the box before supplying a perfect pass to Kelyn Rowe, who one-timed his shot into the far corner. Eight minutes later, Ruidíaz rose above his defender and scored a looping headed goal for the equalizer.
Ruidíaz and the Sounders return to action on Friday as they face the Portland Timbers (7:25 p.m. PT; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM) at Providence Park in a crucial six-point rivalry match.