Raúl Ruidíaz’s Week 14 AT&T Goal of the Week continues to make headlines after being selected to the No. 5 spot in the top ten plays of 2022.
Ruidíaz’s stunning strike from 17 yards out sent players and fans into pandemonium after an exceptionally difficult finish to maneuver into the back of the net. After retrieving the ball back from his initial blocked shot, the veteran forward dribbled away from both the goal and any nearby defenders. Now recognizing the amount of open space around him, Ruidíaz did what he does best; with his back facing the goal, Ruidíaz wrapped his foot around the ball, driving it toward the upper-right corner. What originally looked like a cross to the far post turned into an absolute screamer into the goal.
The 80th minute banger not only gave the Sounders a 2-1 win at home, but it also provided the Rave Green with its first-ever victory against expansion side Charlotte FC. It also marked the second time Ruidíaz was recognized with an MLS Goal of the Week award during the 2022 season. He previously won the award two weeks prior against Houston Dynamo FC. With the help of Ruidíaz’s game-winner against Charlotte, the Sounders went on a four-game unbeaten streak, beginning at the end of May and throughout the month of June.
