RECAP: Seattle Sounders pick up 2-1 win over Louisville City in final preseason match

The Seattle Sounders defeated Louisville City FC 2-1 in their final preseason scrimmage leading up to the team’s home opener Feb. 26.

Louisville City is recognized as one of the top teams in the USL Championship, most recently finishing second in the league’s 2022 playoffs.

The Sounders came out strong in the first half, scoring an early goal in the sixth minute off a corner kick from midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro. As the ball flooded into the box, defender Yeimar flicked it into the direction of the far post for forward Héber to tap it into the back of the net.

The Rave Green pushed the lead even further in the 21st minute with midfielder Cristian Roldan getting a hold of the ball after a couple of blocked shots, and producing a first-time finish into the bottom corner of the far post.

A 74th minute goal for Louisville City tightened the score 2-1, but the Sounders held it down for the remainder of the match, coming out with a win.

THREE TAKEAWAYS

Héber impresses

Héber’s goal early in the first half not only brought momentum for the Rave Green right away, but it also marked his first-ever goal for the team. The new forward had another opportunity to score in the second half after a pass into the box from forward Jordan Morris, but barely missed wide of the far post.

João Paulo to the starting lineup

After suffering an ACL injury in the Concacaf finals last year, João Paulo is making his way back into the starting lineup as he continues to build up his fitness levels. The veteran midfielder finished off the game playing 79 minutes total.

Quick transitions out wide

Beginning from the back-four, the Sounders implemented efficient combination plays up the line, creating dangerous chances for the team to score. Wingers like Jordan Morris were able to effectively take on opposing players 1v1 to produce a shot or a cross into the box.