The Seattle Sounders left Lumen Field in high spirits on Saturday afternoon with a dominant 3-0 win over Eastern Conference side Nashville SC. Danny Musovski, Pedro de la Vega and Paul Rothrock provided three first-half goals to secure the home victory.
The scoring began less than 20 minutes into match play when Rothrock found the feet of Jesús Ferreira, whose one-time shot attempt surged toward Musovski to flick past goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Eleven minutes later, after a strong defensive effort, Cristian Roldan retrieved the ball back and placed it perfectly down the right flank for Obed Vargas to run onto. Vargas then drove the ball toward the end line and laid it off near the top of the six for de la vega to hammer first time into the back of the net.
Nashville nearly cut the deficit to one in the 33rd minute with a diving headed effort from Ahmed Qasem, but Stefan Frei was able to secure the ball with ease.
Then in the 34th minute, the Sounders continued the scoring as Ferreira located Rothrock wide open on the left flank, where he took a touch into open space and rocketed the ball far post to extend the lead to three.
Nashville was inches away from notching one in during first-half stoppage time when a lofted ball found Sam Surridge on the run, but his shot went directly to Frei.
Musovksi was within reach of securing a brace in the 55th minute when a Roldan rocket from distance landed near the far post, but the forward’s sliding effort was just behind the ball.
Nashville's final attempt came in the 83rd minute when Hany Mukhtar took a shot from distance, but it landed into the arms of Frei.
The Sounders will return to action on April 26 when they head to Colorado to take on the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Moose is Loose
Saturday’s win over Nashville marks the second match in a row in which Musovski secured the game-winner for the Rave Green.
The Attack is Back
With the 3-0 win, the team collected more goals in one match than in their last five matches combined (2). Additionally, de la Vega was back to full form and Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák were welcomed back onto the pitch after previously missing out due to injury.
Ryan Kent Debut
Kent made his highly anticipated first appearance in Rave Green in the 84th minute when he subbed in for Rothrock. The winger signed with the club less than a month ago after previously being affiliated with Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
Resolute Defending
Today’s victory marks the team’s consecutive shutout after previously defeating FC Dallas on April 12. Seattle closed out the night with 20 interceptions, 26 clearances, eight saves from Frei and 52 duels won.
