The Seattle Sounders got a game-winning goal from Raul Ruidiaz in the 49th minute, delivering the Rave Green a big 2-1 road victory over the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday.
The Galaxy scored the game's first goal through a first-half penalty kick from Sacha Kljestan, but Yeimar Gomez Andrade scored a 41st-minute equalizer that set the stage for Ruidiaz's winner early in the second half, moving the Sounders to 6-0-3 and 21 points as Brian Schmetzer's group extended their current lead atop the Western Conference table. The Galaxy, meanwhile, fall to 5-3-0 and stay on 15 points with the result.
LA were dealt an early blow when center back Daniel Steres had to sub off after just eight minutes following a collision with Cristian Roldan. The veteran was replaced by Nick DePuy, leaving the hosts without a starter in central defense for the rest of the match.
The Galaxy would jump on top, though, after Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez won a penalty kick call as Seattle midfielder Joao Paulo was called for a foul in his own box by referee Drew Fischer. Kljestan made no mistake with his attempt from the spot, sending Stefan Cleveland the wrong way and slotting home the opener.
But the Sounders would strike back four minutes from halftime off a thundering header from Gomez Andrade, which was set up by a pinpoint corner kick from Joao Paulo for the Brazilian's fifth assist of the season. The Galaxy very nearly snatched their lead right back just before first-half stoppage time, but Hernandez saw a laser shot at the backend of a counterattack denied by the post.
Seattle then found their go-ahead tally shortly after second-half kickoff courtesy of an opportunistic finish from Ruidiaz. The Peruvian pounced on a close-range rebound after a shot from Cristian Roldan was saved by Jonathan Bond, following a nifty backheel by Gomez Andrade to set up the chance.
The Sounders managed to see out the 2-1 final from there, with Cleveland coming through with a crucial reaction save just before second-half stoppage time to deny Jorge Villafaña a would-be late equalizer.
Goals
- 21' - LA - Sacha Kljestan (PK)
- 41' - SEA - Yeimar Gomez Andrade
- 49' - SEA - Raul Ruidiaz
