The Loons entered Sunday afternoon’s game feeling good about the recent run of results, while Seattle found themselves on the other end of the spectrum, after having gone scoreless in three of their last five games. Given Seattle’s all-time record against the Loons in which they have won 11 out of a total of 13 games, the boys in Black and Blue knew better than to look past a squad that has had their number on nearly every occasion. Plus, in this latest matchup, they would unfortunately be without the services of leading goal scorer Bongokuhle Hlongwane, meaning others would need to pick up the scoring slack to overcome one of the better defensive teams in the league. 

The Loons wasted little time trying to get on the board first, as the attack would press Seattle’s defensive line and see a number of attempts on goal within the first 15 minutes of play. While it seemed as though things were building towards finding the net, it would be the Sounders getting on the board first. In the 17th minute, the Sounders would strike first blood when a well-placed cross found defender Yeimar Gómez Andrade near the far post, where he was able to get a head on it. 1-0, Seattle.

The rest of the first half would look similar to the way it began, with the Loons attack making runs and keeping the Seattle defense on alert. And they nearly found what they were looking for in the 39th minute when a Reynoso cross found Michael Boxall front and center of Seattle’s net, only to see his close-range header float just over the top crossbar. The boys would emerge from the locker room for the second half and, yet again, stay aggressive on the attack. 

In the 56th minute, MNUFC would finally break the stalemate…kinda. After being awarded a free kick just outside the Seattle box, an Emanuel Reynoso kick would be lobbed into the fray and connect with…Sounders defender Yeimar Gómez Andrade. It was a beautiful second goal for the Seattle defender, but this time it would count for the good guys. 1-1, even. 

The rest of the second half would see the Seattle defense continue to hold steady in the face of the Loons push to take the lead. Despite a couple quality attempts from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi in the 86th minute and a Ménder García header in the 90th minute, the Loons weren’t able to crack the scoring code in this one. While they end up with at least one point from the draw, the Loons will need to quickly put this match in the rearview, as they face Colorado at home this Wednesday night.

NEXT GAME:

MNUFC vs. Colorado

08.30.2023 | MLS Matchday 29 

Allianz Field | St. Paul, MN | Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Watch: AppleTV - MLS Season Pass

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