The Sounders Road Show produced another titillating performance in their 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Sunday’s win marked the Rave Green’s third consecutive road win, as they are on a seven-game road swing due to FIFA 2026 World Cup field renovations at Lumen Field.
The team’s next game is considered a home game, although it will be played in Spokane. The script for the Sounders’ last three wins has been the same. Resolute team defense by all 11 players, stay compact, and be lethal when the counter opportunity presents itself.
SHUFFLED LINE UP
Head coach Brian Schmetzer made seven changes to Sunday’s lineup from the team’s 3-0 CONCACAF Cup Leg one victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, who will be Wednesday’s opponent in Spokane.
As was the case in the Whitecaps’ win, the Sounders took the initiative from their opponent, using the width of Paul Rothrock on the right and Georgi Minoungou on the left. The Sounders’ best chance came in the 5th minute. Left back Nouhou slid the ball to Coby Baker, who found a streaking Georgio Minougou, who returned the ball to Baker, who missed the frame.
EARTHQUAKES FIND FOOTHOLD IN THE GAME
Efficient, energetic, and attacking play by German international Timo Warmer shifted the possession battle in the Quakes’ favor. With the ball at their feet, the Quakers aimed a the Sounders’ goal but lacked the final touch. Center back Jackson Ragen marshaled a steady defense, with intelligent, mature play from Timo Lopez, who made his first MLS start.
GOAL OUT OF NOWHERE
The complexion of the game changed in the 29th minute when Danny Musoviski laid off a pass to Jesus Ferreria, who found streaking Rothrock on the right flank. The Capitol Native dribbled the ball another 10 yards and unleashed a shot that zipped past Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for the 1-0 lead.
SEARCHING FOR THE RESPONSE
The goal brought instant fightback from the home side, who attacked the bunkered-down Sounders. Most of the Sounders’ defense was being done inside the goal box. The Sounders’ lack of possession gave the Quakes multiple looks. The Quakes lack of precision in the Sounders goal box allowed the game to stay 1-0 Sounders.
The Quakes’ best chance of the half came in the 42nd minute, when Lopez fouled the Quakes’ Preston Judd in front of the Sounders’ goal box. Niko Tsakiris’s shot hit the outside of the right post and caromed over the end line for a goal kick. The half ended with the Sounders clinging to the 1-0 lead.
TACTICAL CHANGE
Schmetzer inserted Albert Rusnak for Ferreira to bring fresh legs and more defensive prowess to the middle of the field. The Sounders nearly doubled their lead minutes into the second half. Peter Kingston found a streaking Rothrock on the right flank, who forced a diving save from Daniel to deny Rothrock what would have been his first brace of the season.
QUAKERS GO HUNTING BUT COME UP SHORT
The save by Daniel inspired the Quakes, who threw caution to the wind and went hunting for the equalizer. San Jose maintained its dominance and kept running past the Sounders, but the final shot was missing. Credit the Sounders’ Ragen, Kingston, and Nouhou for their shot-blocking, making it difficult for the Quakes to get a clear shot on goal.
When the Quakes managed to get a clear shot on goal, Thomas was in the right place at the right time. Sensing a need for more reinforcements to preserve the lead, Schmetzer inserted Alex Roland for Petkovic, Osaze De Rosario for Danny Musoviski, and Cristian Roldan for Georgi Minoungou. Despite the change, the Quakes continued their hunting trip.
SHOW STOPPING SAVE
The home side’s best chance came in the 73rd minute. San Jose striker Preston Judd streaked past Ragen, cut inside the Sounders’ goal mouth, slid a shot past Thomas, and saw the ball tumbling towards the back of the net. Before the ball hit the goal line, Lopez executed a half-volley clearance to preserve the Sounders’ lead.
SHOOTING GALLERY
The Sounders continued to absorb pressure and successfully retain possession against the Quakes, who did everything but score. The Sounders nearly put the game to bed in the 86th minute on a Cody Baker shot from the top of the box. Rusnak was ruled offside. The Quakes finished the game in the Sounders’ goal box, searching but unable to find the equalizer. San Jose had 17 corner kicks to the Sounders’ 0 , had 25 shot attempts ( six on goal) to the Sounders’ six shots ( four on goal ) . Andrew Thomas was credited with six saves.
Following tonight’s match, Seattle resumes 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup action with its leg two matchup against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, March 18 at ONE Spokane Stadium (8:00 p.m. PT / FS2, TUDN, Concacaf.com).
The match is being played in Spokane due to Lumen Field undergoing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club then resumes league play when it travels to Minnesota United FC on Sunday, March 22 at Allianz Field (11:30 a.m. PT / Apple TV, 950 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
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