Sounders Fail to Capitalize on a Dominant Showing in Their Home Opener Against Charlotte in a Disappointing 2-2 Draw

Seattle, WA – In their 2025 MLS season opener at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders were held to a 2-2 draw by Charlotte FC, despite a commanding performance. The match saw the highly anticipated MLS debuts of marquee acquisitions Paul Arriola and Jesús Ferreira. Yet, it was the electrifying youngster Georgi Minoungou who stole the show with his dynamic play on the right flank.

The Sounders entered the game riding the momentum of a 3-1 away victory over Antigua GFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, eager to build on their early-season success. From the opening whistle, Seattle imposed their style of play, dictating the tempo and pinning Charlotte deep into their own half. Albert Rusnák, Obed Vargas, and Cristian Roldán orchestrated the midfield, while Minoungou and Jordan Morris stretched the visiting defense with their blistering pace and movement.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Minoungou delivered a pinpoint cross to Morris, who applied a deft touch at the near post to put the Sounders in front on a rainy Seattle night.

That goal set the stage for a historic night for Morris, who added his second in the 49th minute, tying him with Raúl Ruidíaz as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. Both now sit at 86 goals in all competitions for the Sounders, setting up a thrilling race for sole possession of the record in the matches to come.

Despite their dominance, Seattle allowed Charlotte back into the game. A poorly defended set piece in the 35th minute saw Adilson Malanda rise unmarked inside the six-yard box to nod home the equalizer. It was a goal entirely against the run of play—yet another instance of the Sounders’ tendency to switch off at critical moments, a recurring issue dating back to last season.

The second half mirrored much of the first, with Seattle asserting themselves but failing to put the game out of reach. Morris’ second goal had briefly restored the lead, but missed opportunities—most notably a near miss from Rusnák—proved costly as the Sounders failed to capitalize on their sustained pressure.

As the match neared its conclusion, Seattle looked poised to claim all three points. However, disaster struck in stoppage time. A moment of defensive miscommunication led to an own goal by Yeimar Gómez Andrade, allowing Charlotte to snatch an unlikely draw at the death. The stunned silence from the Lumen Field faithful spoke volumes.

Defensively, Seattle looked assured for the majority of the match, with the backline controlling play and limiting Charlotte’s attacking chances. Yet, two costly lapses in concentration once again proved to be their undoing.

Despite the disappointment, Morris’ brace provided a silver lining, tying him with Ruidíaz for the most goals in Sounders history. With Seattle’s next match looming, all eyes will be on Morris as he looks to cement his place in the record books.

The Sounders will now shift their focus to a pivotal stretch of fixtures. First, they host Antigua GFC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup tie on Wednesday, February 26, before traveling to face Real Salt Lake in MLS action on Saturday, March 1. Dropping points at home—particularly after dominating proceedings—is a concern in a competitive Western Conference race.