Seattle rallies in 2nd half to beat MN United 3-1

The Loons came into Sunday’s matchup with Seattle with a bit of encouragement, following the boys’ 2-1 win against Colorado Rapids in Thursday afternoon’s continuation of Wednesday night’s kickoff to their U.S. Open Cup match. Unfortunately, that bit of encouragement would turn to discouragement after a second-half surge by Seattle ended in a resounding victory.

In the first half, MNUFC had looked to put the Sounders on notice, doing exactly that with Robin Lod’s beauty of a goal in the 33rd minute of play. The goal made it Lod’s 3rd in his last 4 MLS game appearances.

The Loons nearly took another goal into half when Franco Fragapane and Emanuel Reynoso had a back-and-forth exchange of passes that ended up being just one-too-many between them, ultimately not capitalizing on the chance to add a buffer for their lead, settling for a 1-0 lead at half. Although the missed opportunity was unfortunate, the first half left the squad feeling a level of optimism in growing that lead in the second half.

Unfortunately for the Loons, Seattle came out of the half with a spring in their step that had been missing in the first half. Minnesota’s back four found themselves out of position, which ended up with Cristian Roldon being awarded a penalty kick that would be taken by Raul Ruidíaz. And, despite Dayne St Clair’s exceptional effort on the attempt and tip, Ruidíaz’s shot found its way inside the top of the net to even the match at 1-1.

As the offensive attack of Seattle ramped up throughout the second half, the next shoe of scoring to drop would come in the 73rd minute, as Cristian Roldan took the pass near the top of the box, turned to face to the goal and immediately put an absolute laser to the top right corner of the net, giving the Sounders some breathing room.

While the second half provided its share of opportunities for the Loons, there proved to be one or too many moves to materialize in an equalizing goal. Ultimately, while MNUFC may have done their best to press the Sounders defense and push for a shot to go their way, it was not to be.

Unfortunately, in the 93rd minute of stoppage time, Cristian Roldon struck once again, giving Seattle the extra buffer they only somewhat needed to easily cruise into the win column again with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Loons.