The 2021 MLS regular season has produced some spectacular goals for the Seattle Sounders.
With so many long-range rockets, feats of individual brilliance and showcases of world-class skill, it comes as no surprise that the Sounders have four finalists for 2021 MLS Goal of the Year. In total, the Rave Green represent 25 percent of the top goals across the entire league this year.
The four options from the Rave Green are listed below, and you can cast your vote HERE.
João Paulo Side Volley in Home Opener
What a way to start the season. Seattle welcomed fans back to Lumen Field for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sounders midfielder João Paulo made sure to put on a show.
In a rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Final, the Sounders were gridlocked with Minnesota Unite after a scoreless first half. João Paulo broke the match wide open what Head Coach Brian Schmetzer described as a "technical masterpiece", popping the ball up to himself before unleashing a venomous volley that swerved into the top corner. The Sounders went on to open the season in style with a 4-0 thumping of the Loons at home.
Raúl Ruidíaz Golazo In Historic Road Win
After four seasons of scoring unbelievable goals, Raúl Ruidíaz really outdid himself in Seattle's gutsy 1-0 win at Austin FC.
During a period of heavy fixture congestion with key players unavailable, the Sounders rolled out the second-youngest lineup in league history, with five teenagers in Josh Atencio (19), Danny Leyva (18), Ethan Dobbelaere (18), Reed Baker-Whiting (16) and Obed Vargas (15) all in the starting lineup. The kids battled all evening, and Ruidíaz came off the bench in the second half to provide a moment of magic as he settled a loose ball off his chest before lobbing the goalkeeper from 40 yards out. Even by Ruidíaz's lofty standards, this was one of his best and most impactful goals as a Seattle Sounder.
Jimmy Medranda Stunner At Portland Timbers
What's better than smashing a full volley directly from a corner kick into the top corner and off the underside of the crossbar? Doing it in a 6-2 drubbing of the Portland Timbers at their Providence Park.
Jimmy Medranda only scores bangers, and this was his best one of the season.
João Paulo Goes Full Beast Mode
Lumen Field has witnessed some incredible solo runs during Seahawks matches. In the Sounders' 3-0 rout of the Colorado Rapids on October 3, João Paulo produced a moment of grit and relentless running that made Marshawn Lynch proud.
Picking up possession inside his own half, the Brazilian midfield maestro blew past four Rapids defenders before megging the goalkeeper in what will down as one of the best goals in Sounders history.
