Sights, sounds, and notes from Sounders 1-1 draw with LAFC

In its first road match of the 2021 season, Seattle Sounders FC (1-0-1, 4 points) earned a 1-1 draw against Los Angeles FC (1-0-1, 4 points) on Saturday afternoon at Banc of California Stadium. Recording his first goal as a Sounder in the 54^th minute of play, Brad Smith cancelled out Eduard Atuesta’s first-half free kick, keeping the Rave Green unbeaten to begin the 2021 campaign.

With the result, Seattle moves to 4-4-2 all-time against the Black & Gold, including postseason play. Saturday’s match marked the first contest between the two sides since the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, where the Rave Green advanced via a 3-1 scoreline on November 24.

Atuesta opened the scoring in the second minute after the home side suffered a foul just outside the area. The Colombian skipped the ensuing free kick under the Seattle wall and inside the near post to make it 1-0. The tally marked the first goal surrendered by the Rave Green in 2021, following a 4-0 season-opening win over Minnesota on April 16.

Seattle equalized in the 54^th minute, courtesy of Smith’s first career MLS goal. The play began with Alex Roldan sending a dangerous cross into the area for Raúl Ruidíaz, whose initial header was saved. However, the Australian fullback pounced on the rebound with a tap-in header of his own, bouncing the ball off the turf inside the six-yard-box.