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Seattle keep hold of the top spot in the Western Conference with a comfortable win against the LA Galaxy.

The Seattle Sounders maintained their spot atop the Western Conference with a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Sunday night. The task seemed challenging on the heels of a frustrating loss to the Portland Timbers on Wednesday. Seattle was without Raúl Ruidíaz due to suspension and Joevin Jones due to injury, but the players available made sure to leave no doubt that they’re as good as their record suggests.

The Sounders got the scoring started in the 13th minute courtesy of a Jorstian Mordan connection, with Jordan Morris setting up Cristian Roldan. In the 38th it was Morris’ turn to put the ball in the back of the net. Just over an hour into the game, Cristian Roldan picked up his second goal of the night with a lovely chip that effectively salted the game off for the Sounders. While there was plenty to like, including Brad Smith’s first game back, the game did have a bit of a sour note with Nouhou leaving the game due to a non-contact knee injury and a late goal allowed.

The goals were good, but limiting the impact of the Galaxy’s star attacking players was just as important. Xavier Arreaga and Yeimar Gomez Andrade repeatedly stifled attacks, as well as helping to maintain possession and occasionally starting attacks. Frei came up with a couple of big saves, and Gustav Svensson and João Paulo worked well together to clog the midfield and transition the team from defense to attack.

Key Moments

13’ — Jorstian Mordan scored a goal! Morris beats the offside trap, makes a run into space, and plays the ball across the goal mouth to his bff to open the scoring. 1-0

29’ — A strong save from David Bingham is all that stood between the world and a Nouhou rocket.

38’ — Lodeiro hits an incredible pass that finds Morris in pace as he blows by the Galaxy defense and finishes calmly and confidently. 2-0

41’ — Stefan Frei keeps the score at 2-0, blocking a shot at the near post from Chicharito.

61’ — Cristian Roldan gets a ball over the top from João Paulo and smoothly chips Bingham from the top of the box. 3-0

77’ — Svensson picks the ball up in the attacking third, dribbles three defenders and takes a rip, but Bingham saves it with little issue.

88’ — Lletget gets a consolation goal on an unmarked header. 3-1

Quick thoughts

How about that Jordan Morris kid? Jordan Morris took advantage of a not-very-good LA Galaxy defense playing a ludicrously high line to the tune of a goal and an assist. With 7 goals and 6 assists, he’s one assist away from tying his career high for a season, and seems like there could still be another gear for him to hit as he dominates MLS defenses. Oh, and he’s apparently added a long-range shot to his repertoire, hitting one rocket off the post and barely missing another.

JP and the Goose: With how good João Paulo and Cristian Roldan looked together in midfield it was easy to start thinking of them as the best option, leaving Gustav Svensson to fill in where ever he was needed between midfield and center back. Together against the Galaxy, though, the pair of JP and Svensson bossed the midfield and allowed the players in attack to shine knowing that the two of them had their backs. Particularly this allowed Roldan to move to right wing where he got into the attack and picked up a couple goals.

Brad Smith’s back, alright! The prodigal son has returned from his footballing walkabout in the UK, and he’s here to win trophies (and also probably to play games). Smith came into the game tonight as a left mid, with other attacking options limited. He didn’t have a huge impact, but it sure is good to have him home.

Did you see that?!?

This pass is absolutely ridiculous, and it doesn’t get the respect it deserves because the Galaxy defense is bad.

He said what?!?

The game in one stat

7-0-2 — The Sounders are undefeated in the game following their last nine losses in MLS regular season play.