Seattle Sounders x CF Montreal

In a commanding display at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders secured their first win of the season with a resounding 5-0 victory over CF Montréal. The match started with early drama as Nouhou was replaced by Cody Baker due to injury in the 11th minute. However, the setback did little to deter the Sounders' momentum.

Raúl Ruidíaz opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a clinical left-footed strike, courtesy of a well-executed free kick by Albert Rusnák. The Sounders were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute after Rusnák was brought down in the box. Ruidíaz calmly converted the spot kick in the 27th minute to notch his brace and give Seattle a comfortable lead.

Jordan Morris extended Seattle's advantage to 3-0 in the 48th minute with a skillful redirection off a cross from Cristian Roldan. CF Montréal's hopes took a further blow when Nathan-Dylan Saliba received his second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men in the 53rd minute.

Seattle continued to dominate, adding a fourth goal in the 81st minute. Alex Roldan found the back of the net after a well-worked move involving Ruidíaz and Rusnák. In stoppage time, Dylan Teves sealed the victory with Seattle's fifth goal, capitalizing on an assist from Danny Musovski.

The win marked a significant morale boost for the Sounders, who had endured a slow start to the season. Ruidíaz once again showcased his scoring prowess, tallying his 16th career brace for the Sounders and extending his franchise-leading goal tally. Additionally, João Paulo made his season debut, entering the match as a substitute in the 78th minute, which bodes well for Seattle's midfield strength moving forward.

[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa]