The Seattle Sounders picked up three points on the road on Saturday night with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Jordan Morris, Jackson Ragen and Albert Rusnák got on the scoresheet for the Rave Green while Kelvin Yeboah scored a brace for the hosts.
Seattle got off to a dream start against Minnesota as Morris opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match. Cristian Roldan won an aerial duel near midfield and the ball fell to the feet of Obed Vargas. The 19-year-old Homegrown midfielder split Minnesota’s defense with a perfect through ball to Morris, who lifted his shot over the onrushing Dayne St. Clair.
The Loons equalized in the 24th minute after they were awarded a penalty kick following Video Review of a Yeimar challenge inside the box. Kelvin Yeboah stepped up for the hosts and scored from the spot.
The Sounders retook the lead just four minutes later. Rusnák curled a cross the back post where Ragen scored a phenomenal fadeaway header that flew into the side netting to put the Rave Green 2-1 up.
For the final 20 minutes of the half, the two sides traded possession and half chances but were unable to find another goal.
Minnesota came out of the gates quickly in the second half, testing Seattle’s back line and generating opportunities. That pressure paid off in the 56th minute when Yeboah raced behind the Rave Green’s defense and lofted the ball over Stefan Frei to level the score at 2-2.
The Sounders moved back into the lead in the 75th minute courtesy of a moment of magic from Rusnák. Seattle’s attacking midfielder settled the ball outside the box before putting Minessota's Robin Lod on the ground with a bit of skill. Rusnák took advantage of the space and fired a rocket into the bottom left corner to make it 3-2.
Seattle nearly added a fourth in the 79th minute when both Morris and Pedro de la Vega got shots from inside the box, but were denied by a double save from St. Clair.
Three Takeaways
Red-hot Rusnák
In his first full season with Seattle playing in his preferred No. 10 role, Rusnák has been electric. With his goal and assist against Minnesota, he now has six goals and 15 assists across all competitions in 2024.
Return of de la Vega
Prior to picking up a groin injury against Necaxa, the Sounders’ Young Designated Player had been rounding into form. The Argentine international played 30 minutes off the bench on Saturday night and put in a strong shift, showcasing his elite dribbling and carving out some quality chances.
Starfire Awaits
The Sounders face a quick turnaround as they prepare to host LAFC at Starfire Stadium on Wednesday night in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals (7:30 p.m. PT; Watch FREE on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM | TICKETS). A win against the Black & Gold would put Seattle within one match of a fifth U.S. Open Cup trophy.
