The Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy played to a scoreless draw at Lumen Field on Sunday in their second meeting in five weeks.
The first half was bereft of any legitimate opportunities for either side. The best chance of the opening half came in the 32nd minute when Raúl RuidÃaz was fouled at the top of the box, but referee Drew Fischer played advantage and the ensuing shot from Cristian Roldan from the right side of the box sailed over the crossbar.
The Galaxy had a chance in the 55th minute after a Sounders turnover in the back led to a left-footed shot from Miguel Berry, but his shot was saved comfortably by Stefan Frei.
Seattle forced a turnover of its own in LA’s defensive third in the 62nd minute, but RuidÃaz’s subsequent shot was right at goalkeeper John McCarthy.
The Sounders forced McCarthy into another save two minutes later as João Paulo’s free kick from just outside of the 18 nearly snuck into the near post.
Frei made one of the best saves of the season in the 76th minute when he made a diving reaction stop on a half-volley from Diego Fagúndez from 15 yards out.
Seattle had its best chance of the match just two minutes later when Léo Chú had an open shot from 12 yards out, but he skied his attempt.
RuidÃaz had another chance one minute after, but his shot from the top of the box went wide.
Cody Baker played in a great ball to Danny Musovski in the first minute of stoppage time, but defender Jalen Neal made the slightest of touches to erase the opportunity.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Fourth clean sheet of the year
Seattle earned its fourth clean sheet in 11 matches to start the 2024 campaign. The Sounders held the Galaxy to just three shots on goal.
Vargas starts on the wing
With Alex Roldan suspended, normal right winger Cristian Roldan dropped a line to cover for his brother at right wingback. Teenage central midfielder Obed Vargas started in the elder Roldan’s place, with João Paulo and Josh Atencio operating in the double pivot.
U.S. Open Cup, Timbers clash await
Seattle will host USL Championship side Louisville City SC on Wednesday at Starfire Sports Complex (7:30 p.m. PT | TICKETS) in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup. The Sounders will then play the first of their three 2024 matchups with longtime rivals the Portland Timbers when they travel to Providence Park next Sunday (1:45 p.m. PT; FOX, Watch on Apple TV).
