Forward Fredy Montero scored a brace in the win
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders came into their first leg match against Club Leon having lost their last two contests, lacking offensive firepower in both. The Sounders were able to turn things around in a three to nothing win. Fredy Montero notched a brace. The goals would push Montero’s goal total with Seattle to 70. The three-goal victory is the tied for biggest win in Concacaf champions league play over a Liga MX opponent. The three goal win sets Seattle up nicely for the second leg, as Leon would need to score four goals in order to win.
Defender Nouhou was active all game long
Keeping their foot on the gas
A key in the preview for this game was for the Sounders to have players step up with Raul Ruidiaz and Nico Lodeiro out again due to injury. Fredy Montero, Jordan Morris, and Cristian Roldan played big roles in keeping the Leon defenders on their heels and active all night long. Morris had several opportunities on goal, and often made sure that Leon couldn’t shift their attention away. Morris would be able to have his efforts rewarded in the 89th minute with a goal off of a perfect cross from Cristian Roldan.
Jordan Morris’ 89th minute goal may prove crucial on aggregate
Containing the Leon transition
It was noted by Cristian Roldan that Leon have a great transition game, which helps generate offensive chances. The Sounders midfield made sure to neutralize their opposing unit, as Cristian Roldan, Joao Paulo, and Albert Rusnak all had excellent games. Joao Paulo, an MVP finalist last year in MLS, looked like he had shaken off the early season rust. Albert Rusnak was moving with purpose in this game, and nearly had a goal of his own. Cristian Roldan continues to be a force, notching two assists. Roldan would be an under the radar player of the match, completing five key passes, drawing a penalty, and completing all of his long balls. Tonight’s match was the 250th appearance as a Sounder for Cristian Roldan, becoming the third player in club history to do so in the MLS era.
Midfielder Cristian Roldan was an impactful player in the win
Montero steps up big time
Raul Ruidiaz’s absence in the games since he sustained an injury (Second leg of Motagua matchup) has been glaring, as the Sounders have not had a consistent attacking presence up top. Samuel Adeniran got the starting nod up top in the Nashville game, and while he played okay, Seattle did not have the attacking forward it needed to complete some of their chances. As noted earlier, the Sounders needed some players to step up tonight to give them a leg up in this quarterfinals contest. Fredy Montero would do just that with his brace, putting goals away in the 30th and 38th minute. The goals gave Seattle breathing room, and should help the Sounders eventually advance barring a blowout loss in the second leg.
Montero’s first goal came from a penalty drawn by Cristian Roldan
What’s next?
The Sounders next matchup is on Saturday, March 12th against the LA Galaxy with a 12:30PM PST kickoff at Lumen field. Leg two of their quarterfinals matchup against Leon is on March 17th with a 5:30PM PST kickoff time at Estadio Leon.
Big thank you to Melissa Levin for the photos in this article. Thank you Melissa!
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