The Seattle Sounders delivered a stunning performance in their Leagues Cup opener, overwhelming CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul with an emphatic 7-0 victory at Lumen Field. This dominant display firmly announced Seattle’s intentions in the prestigious inter-league tournament, captivating fans and asserting their presence.
Despite the eventual goal explosion, the initial half saw a tightly contested affair with both sides fielding strong lineups. The scoreboard remained untouched at halftime, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events as the Sounders sought to break the deadlock against their formidable Mexican opponents.
The match dramatically shifted shortly after the break, as the Seattle Sounders unleashed an offensive onslaught within a mere two-minute span. This rapid succession of goals completely ripped the game open, leaving Cruz Azul struggling to respond to Seattle’s relentless attacking pressure and showcasing the Sounders’ offensive prowess.
The scoring frenzy began when Albert Rusnák delivered a precise corner kick, expertly headed home by center-back Yeimar Gómez in the 48th minute. This was quickly followed by Obed Vargas tacking on another goal just two minutes later, a powerful shot deflecting off a defender after clever play from Alex Roldan, further cementing Seattle’s dominance.
Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer’s tactical substitutions further amplified Seattle’s dominance. Forward Osaze De Rosario, coming on in the 65th minute, found the net in the 69th, showcasing the depth and offensive prowess of the Seattle Sounders squad and demonstrating the team’s strategic depth in this historic win.
The relentless scoring continued with Pedro De La Vega, another impactful substitute, netting a goal in the 76th minute after entering the game in the 73rd. Left-back Nouhou Tolo then headed in a rebound, pushing the scoreline to an astonishing 6-0, highlighting the team’s widespread attacking contributions at Lumen Field.
De La Vega fittingly capped off the historic night with a sensational volley in the 91st minute, securing the 7-0 triumph. This landmark victory against a prominent Mexican side not only secured the Sounders’ top position in the MLS table for the competition but also sent a powerful message to their Leagues Cup rivals, establishing significant momentum for the team.
With this resounding win at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders have established significant momentum in the Leagues Cup. They are set to continue their Phase One play against Mexico’s Santos Laguna on Sunday, followed by a home match against Tijuana on Wednesday, as they aim to advance further in this soccer tournament and build on their historic performance.