By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Bruin factor: forwards brace leads Sounders to 2-1 win over Rapids

Seattle Sounders(4-9-3, 15 points) forward Will Bruin’s brace snapped a three-game winless streak and earned a  2-1 win victory over the Colorado Rapids(4-10-3, 15 points) Wednesday Night at Dicks Sporting Good Park. The unconventional Bruin is the team leader in goals scored with five. Bruin is a dangerous holdup striker with a lethal strike and a deceptive distributor inside the box.

Bruin gave the visitors a 1-0 in the 19th minute when he slotted a shot past  Rapids goal keeper Tim Howard.  Sam Nicholson headed home an Edgar Castillo in the 40th minute to bring the two teams to even terms.

Cristian Roldan forced an error in Colorado’s defensive third that resulted in a loose ball landing to the feet of Lodeiro who fed it to Rodriguez who first-timed a chip to the running Bruin who right-footed the ball into the back of Rapids net for the game-winner.

While injuries have played a part in Seattle’s inability to score, lack of creativity in the final third is the bigger culprit. Lack of creativity in making runs, quick passes to space and open runners have all contributed to the Rave Greens predictability in the final third.

This predictability has caused frustration for Bruin who has made tireless runs in and out of the box all season with no follow-up pass.

On Wednesday night the Sounders played with a sense of purpose, urgency, and looked for the open man when they had the ball. Midfielder Victor Rodriguez has been a great addition to the Sounders lineup since his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery on May 3rd.

The Spaniard has started the last six games and his ability to run at defenders has taken pressure off Nicolas Lodeiro and created openings for Bruin inside the box.
Victor Rodriguez.jpg cuts inside
Sounders Victor Rodriguez ( SoundersFC)
The question for Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer is what role will Bruin have once newly signed Designated player Raul Ruidiaz is eligible for the first-team action. If all goes well with the immigration process Ruidiaz will be available for the Sounders on Sunday, July 15 at Atlanta.
Sounders goal keeper Stefan Frei returned to the starting XI for the Sounders after missing the Portland game due to a concussion and made a show-stopping save in the 82 minute to preserve the win for the visitors.
GAME NOTES
  • Sounders FC is now 4-9-3 on the season, currently, in 10th place in the Western Conference with 15 points, level with Colorado but currently holding the edge via tiebreakers.
  • The Rave Green move to 16-5-2 all-time against the Rapids, the most wins for Seattle against any MLS opponent. Sounders FC is 7-3-1 all-time in Colorado. Seattle has now won five straight matches against the Rapids across all competitions.
  • Will Bruin’s brace gives him a team-leading five goals this season. His 66 career MLS goals are seventh among active players, two shy of Dom Dwyer for sixth. It marked the 10th multi-goal game of Bruin’s career, and second with Seattle (October 15, 2017 vs. FC Dallas).
  • Víctor Rodríguez recorded his first assist of the season on Bruin’s second strike. The Spaniard has four goals and four assists in 17 appearances for Sounders FC in MLS play (including postseason).
  • Seattle improves to 2-5-1 on the road this season. The club is now 3-0-0 when scoring first.

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