The Seattle Sounders defeated Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday at BMO Field in Toronto behind goals from Dylan Teves and Fredy Montero.
After a quiet start to the match for both teams, Teves gave the Sounders the lead in the 39th minute when he one-timed a finish on a cross from Léo Chú. The goal was the first for Teves in his first MLS start.
Montero nearly doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute when his close-range effort hit the crossbar.
Toronto FC almost equalized two minutes later when Alejandro Pozuelo tried to poke a through ball into the far corner, but Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made a remarkable kick save to keep it out.
Montero did eventually find his goal on the hour mark when he played a one-two with Nicolás Lodeiro and coolly slotted home the finish from 10 yards out. Lodeiro’s beautiful return ball was his fifth assist of the league campaign.
Cleveland earned his first clean sheet in five total appearances this season, and it was Seattle’s fourth shutout in their last eight matches.
Reed Baker-Whiting almost iced the match with a third goal in the first minute of stoppage time but his shot from close range was denied by Quentin Westberg.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Teves opens his account
What a moment for the 22-year-old Homegrown, who scored on his full MLS debut. The University of Washington product was making just his second MLS appearance and rewarded Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s trust in a big way.
Depth steps up
A big reason for Teves getting the start was because of massive squad rotation from Schmetzer. Regulars Stefan Frei, Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan and Albert Rusnák remained in Seattle for rest at the tail end of a three-match week. Xavier Arreaga (hamstring), Raúl Ruidíaz (hamstring) and Will Bruin (Health and Safety Protocols) also did not feature. Seattle flashed its tremendous depth yet again to earn its third road win of the MLS season.
Big date with Portland
The Sounders return to Lumen Field next Saturday with a massive home match against the Portland Timbers (1:30 p.m. PT; FOX, FOX Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). In addition to welcoming their rivals, the Sounders will unveil their 2022 Concacaf Champions League banner after becoming the first MLS team to win CCL in the modern era when they defeated Liga MX’s Pumas in May.
CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS CELEBRATION
Join us as we drop another banner from the rafters in celebration of winning Concacaf Champions League! Don’t miss limited quantity giveaways, exclusive merchandise, and a special musical performance.
