The Seattle Sounders played to a scoreless draw with MLS newcomers Austin FC on Sunday at Lumen Field.
Seattle dominated possession but wasn’t able to find a breakthrough on the night. The result was the second straight home draw for the Sounders, while it broke a three-match losing streak for the visitors. Sunday also marked the first time all season that the Sounders were shutout.
Neither team did much in terms of creating chances, as Austin and the Sounders were even on Expected Goals with 0.7 each. The Sounders thought they had taken the lead in the 75th minute when forward Fredy Montero found the back of the net, but it was disallowed on Video Review for offside on Raúl Ruidíaz.
Austin had its best chance in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made a brilliant 1-v-1 save on Jared Stroud. Austin also had an opportunity in the 53rd minute when Nouhou made an excellent defensive block on Cecilio Domínguez from close range.
The Sounders still end the weekend atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 18 points from eight matches.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Fredy’s first start
Montero earned his first start since rejoining the Sounders this past offseason. He now has 169 career starts in Rave Green, with his last start coming in 2012.
Another clean sheet
Seattle earned its fifth clean sheet in eight matches to start the season and continues to be the best defensive team in Major League Soccer. The Sounders have only allowed three goals all year and none from open play.
International break
The Sounders now have a three-week break during a FIFA international window. Seattle returns to action on June 19 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., for a big matchup with the LA Galaxy (6 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
