Rapids Frustrate Sounders in Hard-Fought 1-1 Tie

On Saturday, the Seattle Sounders were back at Lumen Field, ready to face the Colorado Rapids. This match followed the disappointment of their Matchday 2 game against the Philadelphia Union, which was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Subaru Park.

Even without key players like Pedro De la Vega, Stefan Frei, and midfield maestro Joao Paulo, the Sounders received a boost with the return of Albert Rusnak, though he began on the bench due to fitness concerns. Right from the kickoff, the Sounders dominated possession, with Cristian Roldan tucking infield and providing support in midfield alongside young talents Obed Vargas and Josh Atencio, this allowed space on the outside for his brother Alex, to join the attack.

Their persistence paid off when the Sounders earned a penalty, courtesy of a clever outside of the foot flick in the penalty area which struck the arm of Rapids outside back Keegan Rosenberry. Ruidiaz stepped up and calmly converted it with a Panenka finish, deceiving Zack Steffen in the Colorado goal. Despite their control, solid defensive performances from Ragen and Nouhou ensured Colorado couldn't find a breakthrough in the first half.

The second half took a turn when Atencio received his second yellow card, reducing the Sounders to ten men. Shortly after, Ragens foul in the box gave Colorado a penalty, but Thomas's heroic save kept the Sounders ahead.

In the 88th minute, Rapids winger Kevin Cabral seized an opportunity off a rebound, following a deflected save by Andrew Thomas from a Mihailovic free kick just outside the penalty area. Despite Thomas's initial save, Cabral pounced and leveled the score for Colorado.

Despite the late drama, neither side could clinch a victory. The Sounders, still searching for their first win of the season, now turn their attention to a clash with the San Jose Earthquakes on March 23rd.