Sights, sounds, and notes from Sounders 4-0 win over Minnesota

POST GAME NOTES

MATCH NOTES 

• Sounders FC is 8-5-0 all-time in MLS regular season openers. Friday marked the 12^th time in 13 seasons that Seattle has hosted a season opener.

• The Rave Green are 7-0-1 against the Loons in MLS action (including postseason play). The two sides last met in the 2020 Western Conference Final, with Sounders FC earning a 3-2 comeback victory to advance to MLS Cup.

• João Paulo’s sensational opening strike was his fifth goal for Sounders FC across all competitions after signing last offseason. The Brazilian scored twice in last season in both MLS and Concacaf Champions League action.

• Ruidíaz’s brace gives him 44 goals in 64 MLS appearances (including playoffs), putting him at a 0.74 goals per 90 minutes scoring rate. It marked the Peruvian’s eighth multi-goal game with the Rave Green.

• Fredy Montero scored his first goal since re-signing with Sounders FC this offseason, giving him 48 regular-season goals with the club, passing Clint Dempsey for the most in club history.  

• Midfielder Josh Atencio made his first career start for Sounders FC, logging 90 minutes in midfield alongside Cristian Roldan and João Paulo. The Homegrown Player recorded five appearances as a substitute in 2020. 

• Midfielder Kelyn Rowe made his Sounders FC debut, coming on a substitute in the 77^th minute. The Federal Way native signed this offseason after nine seasons with the New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.

• Brian Schmetzer debuted the club’s 3-5-2 formation on Friday, with Will Bruin starting up top alongside Ruidíaz. Alex Roldan and Brad Smith lined up as the wingbacks, flanking the three-man backline of Xavier Arreaga, Shane O’Neill and Nouhou.

MATCH SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders FC 4 – Minnesota United FC 0

Friday, April 16, 2021

Venue: Lumen Field

Referee: Joseph Dickerson

Assistants: Jeremy Hanson, Mike Rottersman

Fourth Official: Timothy Ford

VAR: Jon Freemon

Attendance: 7,042 (limited capacity)

Weather: 70 degrees and clear

SCORING SUMMARY

SEA – João Paulo 49’