The Seattle Sounders drew New York City FC 1-1 on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., but won 4-2 on aggregate to advance to the Concacaf Champions League Final. The Sounders will take on Liga MX’s Pumas in the two-leg championship.
Entering with a 3-1 aggregate lead after winning at Lumen Field last week, the Sounders found a crucial away goal from Raúl Ruidíaz in the 28th minute off a cross from Nouhou. Ruidíaz one-timed home the finish past Sean Johnson.
The closest NYCFC came to scoring in the opening half was when Taty Castellanos missed from the top of the box after a turnover.
New York City pulled one back in the 51st minute when Santiago Rodríguez scored a minute after the Cityzens hit the post twice in quick succession.
The Sounders nearly retook the lead in the match in the 59th minute when Jordan Morris had a chance in front of net, but his shot was cleared off the line by Thiago Martins.
NYCFC almost pulled within one in the 73rd minute when Stefan Frei spectacularly kicked away a shot from a wide open Talles Magno from six yards out.
Frei stood on his head in the second half. He recorded seven saves on the night with several of them highlight-reel worthy and match-saving.
Leg One of the Concacaf Champions League Final will be held at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on April 27 (7:30 p.m. PT), with the second leg taking place on May 4 at Lumen Field (7:00 p.m. PT | TICKETS). Season Ticket Members can access a special pre-sale window to purchase tickets for the home leg of the CCL Final starting tomorrow, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT. The public on-sale begins at 3:00 p.m. PT and tickets are available exclusively online through SoundersFC.com.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Club history
The Sounders advanced to the CCL Final for the first time in franchise history. The closest the club had come was in 2013 when they fell in the semifinals to Liga MX’s Santos Laguna. No MLS team has ever won the modern iteration of the continental tournament, with four previous clubs coming up short.
Ruidíaz off the mark
After an injury-plagued start to the 2022 season, Ruidíaz got off the mark in huge fashion. The Peruvian loves the big moments and came up clutch once again to alleviate some pressure and find an all-important road goal.
Pumas awaits
The Sounders will have to go through Liga MX’s Pumas to be crowned champions of Concacaf. The Mexico City-based club defeated fellow Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-1 on aggregate in the other semifinal. Pumas, who will host the first leg of the series, are currently 10th in the Liga MX table.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR INTER MIAMI
We host Inter Miami and former Homegrown Player DeAndre Yedlin for the first time at Lumen Field on April 16. Get your tickets today!
