There were some signs of rust and the formation is still a work-in-progress, but the Seattle Sounders opened their season in high style with a 4-0 win over Minnesota United, one of the teams many expect to challenge for Western Conference supremacy. After a first half that included a seemingly ominous miss from the penalty spot by Raúl Ruidíaz, the Sounders dominated the second half with four goals. Two of those came from Ruidíaz, with both João Paulo and substitute Fredy Montero contributing a goal and an assist apiece.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 4 – Minnesota United FC 0
Friday, April 16, 2021
Venue: Lumen Field
Referee: Joseph Dickerson
Assistants: Jeremy Hanson, Mike Rottersman
Fourth Official: Timothy Ford
VAR: Jon Freemon
Attendance: 7,042 (limited capacity)
Weather: 70 degrees and clear
SCORING SUMMARY
SEA – João Paulo 49’
SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (Will Bruin) 70’
SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (Cristian Roldan) 73’
SEA – Fredy Montero (Alex Roldan) 86’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
MIN – Emanuel Reynoso (caution) 32’
SEA – Xavier Arreaga (caution) 44’
SEA – João Paulo (caution) 54’
MIN – Chase Gasper (caution) 76’
SEA – Cristian Roldan (caution) 90’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Frei; Alex Roldan, Shane O’Neill, Xavier Arreaga (Yeimar 77’), Nouhou, Brad Smith (Ethan Dobbelaere 82’); João Paulo (Kelyn Rower 77’), Josh Atencio, Cristian Roldan; Will Bruin (Fredy Montero 71’), Raúl Ruidíaz
Substitutes not used: Stefan Cleveland, Jordy Delem, Danny Leyva
Total shots: 17 (Ruidiaz, 7)
Shots on goal: 9 (Ruidiaz, 5)
Fouls: 13 (João Paulo, 4)
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks: 6
Saves: 4 (Frei, 4)
Minnesota United FC – Dayne St.