The Seattle Sounders defeated Minnesota United 3-1 on Sunday at Lumen Field behind second-half goals from RaĆŗl RuidĆaz, Cristian Roldan and NicolĆ”s Lodeiro.
Robin Lod opened the scoring in the 34th minute after the two sides traded opportunities in the first half.
RuidĆaz had a close-range effort saved by Dayne St. Clair in the 5th minute before Stefan Frei kept out a Lod header with a great reaction save in the 25th minute.
In the 30th minute, Lod had another chance to open the scoring when his one-timed shot from the left side of the 18-yard box skipped just past the far post. Two minutes later, the Sounders nearly scored as Jordan Morris hit the far post and the rebound was cleared before RuidĆaz could pounce.
Lod finally found the breakthrough after a missed clearance in the box fell at his feet from eight yards out.
After the halftime intermission, RuidĆaz capitalized from the penalty spot in the 50th minute after Roldan was taken down in the box following a nice feed from Albert RusnĆ”k.
RusnƔk nearly gave the Sounders the lead in the 71st minute when his left-footed strike inside the box was saved by St. Clair.
Roldan scored the winner in the 74th minute on a Goal of the Week nominee with an audacious strike from 20 yards out that found the top corner.
Lodeiro iced the match in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Roldan picked him out on a cross at the far post, and the Sounders captain calmly deposited his second goal of the MLS season.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Loons dominance continues
The Sounders move to 10-1-1 all time against Minnesota in MLS play, the best record of one opponent against a single team in at least 10 matches in MLS history. The Loons have still yet to take a point at Lumen Field.
RuidĆaz off the mark
RuidĆaz opened his 2022 MLS account in his fourth match and second start of the league season. He already had three in Concacaf Champions League play, including a brace in the second leg of the CCL Final win over Pumas UNAM.
Roldan masterclass
Roldan was excellent on Sunday, recording a goal, an assist and drawing a penalty. Heās been a revelation for Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on the attacking right side and was instrumental in the Soundersā second-half comeback.