The Seattle Sounders finished their first FIFA Club World Cup 2025TM group stage match with a 2-1 loss against Botafogo on Sunday night at Lumen Field. But, the result does not take away from the undeniable effort displayed by the team throughout those 90 minutes.
Following a 2-0 deficit from the first half, the Rave Green entered the second 45 determined to work their way back into the match and demonstrate that they’re capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the world.
In the 75th minute, it happened. After an immense amount of pressure coming from the Sounders, the team collected their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup goal and were immediately back in the game. With a cross from midfielder Paul Rothrock from the left flank, Cristian Roldan nodded the ball toward goal where it was deflected and pushed past Botafogo keeper John Victor.
“What you saw was intensity, mentality and a bit of class, showing that we can play through them,” said Roldan.
The team managed to carve out numerous high-quality scoring chances against the reigning champions of South America and were unlucky to not find an equalizer. Despite the result, the team remained positive post-match after proving their quality on the global stage.
“I'm fiercely proud of the effort the guys put in," said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. "I thought everybody played well, and it was a good performance."
The Sounders left Lumen Field having 60% of the possession, an xG of 2.20 versus Botafogo’s 0.91, a total of 23 shots and a passing completion rate of 87%.
From the Starting XI, to those that came off the bench, each player made significant contributions on the pitch that pushed the match down to the wire. It was the Seattlites on the squad in particular, however, that fueled the near comeback for the Rave Green.
Along with University of Washington alum and long-time Seattle resident Roldan collecting the Sounders’ lone goal, locals Rothrock and Jackson Ragen, as well as Homegrowns Reed Baker-Whiting and Obed Vargas helped swing the momentum of the match.
Ragen remained steady in the backline, completing the most passes in the match (80), while winning three duels, collecting two clearances and making six recoveries.
“I think [my mindset] was just trying not to do too much differently or put too much pressure on [my]self,” said Ragen. “It's just focusing on all the little details, all the preparation.”
In addition to Rothrock’s assist, both him and Baker-Whiting were spark plugs on the pitch as soon as they subbed in during the second half. Baker-Whiting’s 92% passing completion rate, six defensive actions and ability to beat players 1v1 bolstered the team while Rothrock’s immediate intensity ultimately led to Roldan’s goal and kept the Sounders in the attacking half for the duration of the match.
“Both guys came out and made an impact,” said Schmetzer. “We needed a little more attacking punch and that's Reed's makeup….When we scored our goal, instead of just letting the ball run out of bounds, Paul actually sprinted to get the ball, turned around, crossed the ball in for Cristian to head on goal. That was Paul being smart, keeping the ball in play.”
Vargas’ and Roldan’s chemistry in the middle pitch played a significant role in the way the team was able to rise to the occasion on Sunday night. From limiting Botafogo’s offensive opportunities, to contributing in the Sounders’ attacking build-ups, they helped Seattle put their stamp on the match.
“They controlled large parts of the game,” said Schmetzer. “Cristian is always going to give you that effort, that determination.
“Obed Vargas – super talent. That kid is headed for bigger things. I mean, he was excellent tonight, continued Schmetzer.”
With Seattle local Brian Schmetzer guiding the team, college alums and academy products paving the way to big moments on the pitch, and every player on the roster buying into the culture of what the city of Seattle and the Sounders stand for, the club is deeply rooted in its community and the hard-working nature that comes with it.
“We have a privilege as players of the Sounders in Seattle right now to represent Seattle and American soccer on the world stage, and we have to be good ambassadors for that,” said Rothrock.
This was shown on Sunday night, and is bound to be affluent this coming Thursday, when the Sounders take on Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid in Match 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage.
“I think it's the spirit of the team, spirit of the club. We never quit. We never give up,” said Vargas. “We're down 2-0, Cristian makes a great effort on that goal, and the team was pushing. You could feel it.”
