The Seattle Sounders conceded a first-half opener but got a highlight-reel equalizer from Cristian Roldan, eventually settling for a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United at Allianz Field on Saturday.
It was the third straight draw for Seattle, which moves to 5-1-4 with 19 points through 10 matches on the season.
Ike Opara found the opener for the hosts in the 26th minute after getting a head on the end of a free kick, looping his effort over Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei to stake the Loons to the 1-0 first-half advantage.
Roldan found the equalizer in spectacular fashion, however, scorching a volley from well outside the area past Minnesota goalkeeper Vito Mannone and into the net to level the match just before the halftime whistle. The Sounders had a couple of golden opportunities late in the second half to find a winner, but substitute Will Bruin and Nicolás Lodeiro each hit the post.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
ROLDAN ROCKET
Eligible to play after having his red card from last weekend’s match against LAFC overturned, Roldan provided the best highlight of Seattle’s season so far with his ridiculous laser finish for the leveling tally. It was the second goal of the season for the fifth-year midfielder, and his 16th over 132 career appearances in Rave Green.
STRIKERS RETURN
He didn’t start the contest, but Bruin made his first appearance in three games after he strained his hamstring in a 3-2 win against Toronto FC on April 13, playing the last 30 minutes after replacing Handwalla Bwana. Star striker Raúl RuidÃaz also made his return to the field, checking in for VÃctor RodrÃguez with five minutes to go in his first appearance since suffering a heel contusion on March 30. While the Sounders will rue the two late missed opportunities that could have afforded them all three points, they’ll also be happy to regain the services of two of their top attacking threats.
REUNITED
The Sounders faced off with legendary midfielder Ozzie Alonso for the first time as a member of the opposition, as the longtime franchise staple lined up across from his old protégé. The 33-year-old defensive bruiser played for the Sounders for 10 seasons, becoming one of the most beloved players in franchise history during his stint with Seattle from 2009-18 before signing with the Loons as a free agent during the offseason.
