The Seattle Sounders maintained their impressive form with a commanding 2-0 win over St. Louis City SC in a midweek clash at Lumen Field. Building on their recent success, including a hard-fought 1-0 road victory against Austin, the Sounders extended their winning streak to five league games. This resurgence comes at the perfect time, silencing early-season critics and calls for Head Coach Brian Schmetzer's dismissal as the rave green squad hits their stride heading into the business end of the season.
Key Notes:
- Stefan Frei's Record-Tying Clean Sheet: Goalkeeper Stefan Frei earned his seventh clean sheet of the season, tying Kevin Hartman for the second-most shutouts in MLS history with 112.
- Jonathan Bell's Standout Performance: Former St. Louis defender Jonathan Bell scored a crucial goal and was named Man of the Match for his stellar defensive performance.
- Albert Rusnák's Playmaking Excellence: Midfielder Albert Rusnák continued his impressive form, providing his 11th assist of the season with a pinpoint free kick.
The Sounders set the tone early, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. In just the fifth minute, Jackson Ragen's powerful header was cleared off the line by Tim Parker, keeping the game level. However, Seattle's relentless pressure paid off in the 29th minute when an unfortunate own goal by Parker, following a deflection, gave the Sounders a deserved lead. Despite their first-half dominance, they went into the break with a slim 1-0 advantage.
Seattle's momentum carried into the second half, and they wasted no time in extending their lead. Just four minutes after the restart, Jonathan Bell rose highest to meet an Albert Rusnák free kick, heading the ball powerfully past Roman Bürki to double the Sounders' lead and score his first goal in Seattle colors. This goal effectively put the game out of reach for a struggling St. Louis side.
The Sounders' defense, marshaled by Stefan Frei, remained resolute throughout the match. Frei made three crucial saves to ensure his clean sheet, equaling Kevin Hartman for second place on the all-time regular-season shutout list with 112 shutouts. Roman Bürki, the St. Louis goalkeeper, did his best to keep his team in the game with four saves, including a remarkable double save from close range against Raúl Ruidíaz, but it was not enough to breathe life into a side that looked flat and out of ideas.
With this victory, the Seattle Sounders have now won their last five league matches, quietly making their way up the Western Conference standings. They will head into their upcoming game against LAFC on Saturday brimming with confidence, ready to continue their impressive run of form.
Cover Photo by: Sandra Agbotse/Undrafted
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