On Sunday afternoon, the Sounders sprang for two first-half goals and added another in second-half stoppage time in a 3-1 win over Minnesota United at CenturyLink Field. It wasn't the club's best performance, but there are plenty of positive takeaways from the Rave Green's first win of the 2018 season. With four points over their past two matches, the Sounders face LAFC in the expansion club's first-ever home match next Sunday (6:00 p.m. PT; FS1, Youtube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
Here's everything you need to know from Sunday's match:
1. Ozzie is BACK
Osvaldo Alonso officially made his season debut last week against Sporting KC, but he shined today in his first start of the campaign. In 75 minutes, the Sounders captain and undoubtedly one of the most consistent players in the league since he joined in 2009, was a menace on both sides of the ball, completing 95 percent of his passes and recording 10 duels and five recoveries. When he's on the pitch, the Sounders are instantly better. His presence allows possession to be calmly built from the back, while also allowing (see the the next point below).
2. Cristian Roldan shines as attacking midfielder
With Ozzie holding down the double-pivot in the defensive midfield with Gustav Svensson, Roldan pushed up to the attacking midfield. He started the match as the No. 10, using his endless energy to combine with the wingers and running at the backline. It was Roldan who was credited for an asisst on both first-half goals. First, with his back to goal at the top of the 18, he dropped a pass for Svensson, who smashed home a goal. Two minutes later, Roldan burst onto the left flank and pinged a cross for Will Bruin, who extended the lead to 2-0. When Clint Dempsey entered the match in the second half, Roldan drifted to the outside, where he continued to be effective.
Cristian Roldan recorded two assists on Sunday afternoon | Lindsey Wasson
3. Gustav's goal is a banger
A lifelong defensive-minded player, Svensson isn't known for his offensive wizardry. But wow, his goal on Sunday was a true stunner. On the approach, the Swede blasted a shot from 25 yards out that zipped into the corner of the net. It's good timing for the defensive midfielder, who aims to be called-in to his first FIFA World Cup for Sweden this summer.
4. Alex Roldan earns second consecutive start
After making his first career MLS start last week against Sporting KC, Alex Roldan was once again featured in the Starting XI. He played 60 minutes, showing confidence and an ability that he is deserving of the early-season minutes. Head Coach Brian Schmetzer had high praise following the match: “Alex [Roldan] has shown that he belongs, that he can play."
5. Jordy Delem scores first career MLS goal
In second-half stoppage time, Jordy Delem entered the pitch as a defensive sub keep the 2-1 scoreline in tact. A couple minutes later, it was Delem who surged forward alongside Dempsey into the attack. With a two-on-one advantage, Dempsey found Delem to his left, and the Martinique international slotted home his first career MLS goal for the dagger. Needless to say, he was pretty stoked:
6. Víctor Rodríguez returns to the 18
For the first time in 2018, Víctor Rodríguez appeared in the 18-man lineup. Although he wasn't used as substitution, it was encouraging to see the midfielder's availability. He's been nursing a right knee sprain for the duration of year after scoring in each of his last two regular-season appearances in 2017.
