Raúl Ruidíaz is here to stay. The Peruvian forward has more than his fair share of memorable moments since he signed in summer 2018, so let’s take a look back at five of our favorites.
NOTE: These are in chronological order.
2018 Western Conference Semifinals vs. Portland Timbers
Ruidíaz scored his second goal of the match and third of the two-leg series in dramatic fashion, firing home an equalizing volley in stoppage time that sent the series to extra time. Seattle would lose in penalty kicks, but Ruidíaz’s heroics foreshadowed the incredible amount of postseason success he would have in a Sounders kit.
July 2019 vs. Atlanta United
Ruidíaz has scored some ridiculous goals for the Sounders, but perhaps none was quite as technically difficult or aesthetically pleasing as his golazo against Atlanta. Ruidíaz diced his way through the defense, complete with a sombrero over Miles Robinson, before coolly depositing the finish.
2019 Western Conference Championship at LAFC
If Ruidíaz hinted at him being a postseason assassin in 2018, he solidified it a year later. Going into Banc of California Stadium to play a prolific LAFC side, Ruidíaz recorded a brace to improbably clinch the Western Conference title for Seattle and bring them back to MLS Cup, where…
2019 MLS Cup vs. Toronto FC
In the final minute of a 2-0 match, Ruidíaz kicked off the party for hosts Seattle when he scored a breakaway goal to clinch the victory and help the Sounders lift their second MLS Cup and the first at Lumen Field.
2020 Western Conference Championship vs. Minnesota United
Down 2-1 at home to Minnesota United in the 89th minute of the conference final, Ruidíaz flexed his clutch gene yet again. He found space at the back post to slot home the equalizer in one of the most incredible comebacks in club history. After Will Bruin pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, Ruidíaz’s goal paved the way for a Gustav Svensson match-winner three minutes later to send the Sounders back to MLS Cup.
Honorable Mentions
July 2021 at Austin FC
In a match where Seattle set an MLS record by starting six teenagers, Ruidíaz came in off the bench and supplied an audacious 40-yard half-volley that sailed over the head of the goalkeeper to steal three points in Austin.
August 2021 at Portland Timbers
The first of Ruidíaz’s two goals on the night was a vicious free kick that restored the Sounders’ lead in what became a historic 6-2 victory at Providence Park.
