The Seattle Sounders scored 59 times across all competitions in 2021 and produced some incredible goals. Let’s take a look at the top 10 assists of the year. Note: These are listed in chronological order.
Will Bruin to Raúl Ruidíaz — April 16 vs. Minnesota United
Bruin turned his defender beautifully and dragged another defender toward him before laying a perfect pass to Ruidíaz, who one-timed the finish.
Fredy Montero and Cristian Roldan to Raúl Ruidíaz — April 16 vs. Minnesota United
A two-for-one special here as Montero played in a sublime chipped ball over the top for Cristian Roldan, who then in turn sent an inch-perfect pass to the far post for a Ruidíaz tap-in.
Alex Roldan to Fredy Montero — April 16 vs. Minnesota United
Yes, seriously, this is the third one from this match. The Sounders opened the season with fireworks at home, with Alex Roldan’s beauty of a switch to Montero for a volleyed finish the icing on the cake of a 4-0 victory.
João Paulo to Jimmy Medranda — August 15 at Portland Timbers
Medranda’s finish will rightfully be the main highlight here, but João Paulo had the vision and the execution to pick him out at the far edge of the box and ping a ball right onto Medranda’s left foot. João Paulo was masterful at set pieces all season, finishing with a team-high 11 assists from defensive midfield, which was tied for sixth in MLS.
Nicolás Lodeiro and Nicolas Benezet to João Paulo — September 11 vs. Minnesota United
It was a Nico and Nico combo in this one, as Lodeiro played a beautiful reverse through ball to spring Benezet, who dropped a pass on a dime for João Paulo to finish one-time from the top of the box.
João Paulo to Jimmy Medranda — October 3 vs. Colorado Rapids
João Paulo got the slightest of touches on this ball, but the intent was definitely there. He knew he couldn’t do much with this pass himself, but he also knew he had a runner on the far post. He flicked the ball with the outside of his boot to get it past several defenders and watched Medranda smash home the goal.
Kelyn Rowe to Shane O’Neill — October 9 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
You simply can’t hit a better cross than the one that Rowe sent here. He swung in a one-timed out-swinging ball to the far post that kept the goalkeeper at bay while O’Neill headed it whence it came and into the back of the net.
Fredy Montero to Will Bruin — October 9 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
The Sounders scored another four goals at home in this one and put on an assist highlight reel yet again. Montero received the ball 10 yards from goal with his angle cut down. Instead of forcing a shot, he faked like he was going to shoot then played the softest of through balls to an onrushing Bruin, who hammered home the one-timer into the top corner.
Fredy Montero to Léo Chú — October 9 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
The final assist of this match came in the 90th minute when Montero played a one-time, over-the-top through ball for Chú, who calmly deposited it for his first goal in Rave Green. Chú beat his man to get the finish, but the deft, seeing-eye pass from Montero made that possible.
Léo Chú to Cristian Roldan — October 20 at Colorado Rapids
Chú played helper this time when he took a through ball in stride and held off two Rapids defenders to the end line before playing a dangerous ball to the six-yard box that Cristian Roldan cheekily flicked home for a crucial equalizer.
