The Seattle Sounders defeated the Portland Timbers 2-1 on Sunday at Providence Park behind goals from Raúl Ruidíaz and Fredy Montero.
Ruidíaz opened the scoring for the Sounders on a penalty kick in the 63rd minute that he coolly deposited to the goalkeeper’s left. The goal was his fifth in four matches this season, which is good for second in MLS.
Montero entered as a substitute in the 72nd minute then scored his second goal of the season in the 79th when he headed home a João Paulo free kick.
The Timbers had a chance to take the lead just minutes before Ruidíaz’s goal when they had a penalty kick of their own. Diego Valeri’s attempt was saved by Stefan Frei, but the kick was retaken after referee Chris Penso went to Video Review and ruled that Frei had come off his line earl.
Valeri’s next attempt ricocheted off the post and back to him, which he put into the net, but the goal was waved off. The rule states that if a penalty kick hits the post, the shooter cannot be the first player to touch the ball.
Ruidíaz nearly bagged a brace in the 84th minute when he fired home to the far post, but he was whistled for offside.
The Timbers’ Bill Tuiloma, who came on as an early substitute in the first half after Larrys Mabiala left injured, scored on a free kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time to pull a goal back for Portland.
The Sounders return to action on Wednesday when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 p.m. PT; JoeTV, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
THREE TAKEAWAYS
RUIDÍAZ STRIKES AGAIN
Ruidíaz keeps on scoring. He’s now found the back of the net 47 times in all competitions for the Sounders, including eight times against the Timbers. With normal penalty kick taker Nicolás Lodeiro sidelined because of right knee pain, Ruidíaz drew the penalty and then finished it himself. His five goals is second only to the LA Galaxy’s Chicharito (six) so far this season.
YEIMAR SHINES
What a performance from center back Yeimar, who shut down any legitimate Portland threats all afternoon. He finished the match with nine clearances, four recoveries, three interceptions and three tackles. He and the Sounders defense have still yet to concede from open play through four matches to start the season.
TOP OF MLS
The Sounders stay in first place in the early Supporters’ Shield standings with 10 points through their opening four games. Seattle also leads MLS in goal differential at plus-eight.
