Match Recap

RECAP: Sounders secure gritty 3-2 road victory over Philadelphia Union 

CCA_4095

The Seattle Sounders picked up a 3-2 victory on the road over the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night. RaĆŗl RuidĆ­az tallied a brace and Obed Vargas scored a stunner in the first half before Jack McGlynn and Daniel Gazdag scored in quick succession in the second half.

Seattle got off to a dream start when Ruidƭaz opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a Goal of the Year contender. The Peruvian striker pounced on a mis-controlled ball by JosƩ Martƭnez and struck a first-time shot from just inside the halfway line, curling the ball around the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Just nine minutes later, Vargas scored his first career MLS goal with a picturesque finish. The 18-year-old Homegrown Player glided past Olivier Mbaizo and drove the ball into the bottom corner from just outside the box to double the lead.

That duo once gain played a starring role in Seattleā€™s third goal. Vargas showed a bit of grit to win the ball inside the Unionā€™s 18-yard box before drawing a foul to earn a penalty. RuidĆ­az stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot kick with a cheeky Panenka finish down the middle, sending the Philadelphia goalkeeper the wrong way.

The hosts nearly pulled one back in first half stoppage time, but were denied by a pair of brilliant saves from Andrew Thomas.

Philadelphia pulled one back in the 55th minute when Jack McGlynn powered a shot into the bottom corner following a mis-cleared corner kick. Two minutes later, Daniel Gazdag added a second for the hosts when with a headed finish off a cross form Quinn Sullivan.

Jackson Ragen nearly added a fourth for Seattle in the 73rd minute when he rose highest to an Albert RusnƔk corner kick, but his goal-bound header was clawed off the line by Union goalkeeper Oliver Semmle.

The Union came close to a late equalizer in the 85th minute, but Julian Carranzaā€™s glanced header crashed back off the crossbar.

Despite a nail-biting ending to the match, the Sounders held on for a 3-2 victory on the road over the Union.

THREE TAKEAWAYS

Gritty Win

Seattle appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory at the halftime break. Conceding two goals in two minutes could have crushed the morale of the group, but the Sounders dug deep and regained control of the match to pick up their first road win of the year.

Vargas Masterclass

RuidĆ­azā€™s brace was certainly the catalyst for victory. But the two-way performance from Vargas was crucial to Seattle securing three points. Beyond his scoring a goal and drawing a penalty, he covered every inch of grass and bossed both sides of the ball against one of the best midfields in MLS.

Maintain Momentum

The Sounders will return home to Lumen Field on Sunday as they host the Western Conference-leading LA Galaxy (3:45 p.m. PT; Watch FREE on Apple TV | TICKETS) in the clubā€™s Youth Day match.

2025 Season Memberships

2025 Season Memberships

Join Sounders FC for an unforgettable year. Unlock exclusive perks and be part of the action as we enter a new era. Includes 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Ticket access. 2025 Season Memberships are on sale now!

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The biggest club soccer event in history is coming to Seattle. And we're playing in it.

Single Match Tickets Available Now

Single Match Tickets Available Now

Grab your tickets and celebrate our 50th Anniversary Season!