Featuring a lineup that looked much closer to something the Tacoma Defiance might roll out but played every bit like a MLS contender, the Seattle Sounders moved back into the Supporters’ Shield lead with a 1-0 win over Austin FC on Thursday.
Although Raúl Ruidíaz played hero with a 40-yard strike that provided the winning margin, the Sounders looked perfectly capable of grabbing a result even without it. While Austin dominated possession, the Sounders stayed tight defensively and were dangerous when they opened up.
Brian Schmetzer’s lineup featured five teenagers, three players who were on short-term contracts, a goalkeeper getting his first start of the season and at least two players out of position.