Cédric Bakambu converted a penalty in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to complete San Diego FC’s comeback from two goals down in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Seattle Sounders FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, October 24.
Dejan Joveljic’s 50th-minute opener and Sebastian Gomez’s 55th-minute goal had put Seattle firmly in command. But Bakambu pulled one back in the 60th minute before delivering the late equalizer, ensuring the hosts took a point from this Western Conference fixture.
Seattle strike twice after the break
A goalless first half gave little indication of the twists to come. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Seattle had established a two-goal cushion.
Joveljic broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, then Gomez doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 55th. That quick double left San Diego facing a substantial recovery job, while Seattle were well placed to claim all three points.
Bakambu leads San Diego’s response
The hosts did not have to wait long for a lifeline. Bakambu’s 60th-minute goal reduced the deficit to 2-1, restoring the contest just five minutes after Seattle’s second.
San Diego finished with 58.6 percent possession and a narrow 13-12 advantage in total attempts. They also registered four shots on target to Seattle’s three and won five corners to the visitors’ three. Those margins reflected the hosts’ involvement, although Seattle remained ahead as the match entered stoppage time.
The decisive moment arrived at 90+6′. Bakambu converted from the penalty spot for his second goal of the night, bringing San Diego level at 2-2 and completing the comeback.
A point apiece, with contrasting emotions
For San Diego, the draw was a reward for recovering from a difficult start to the second half. For Seattle, it brought the frustration of seeing a two-goal lead disappear, with the equalizer arriving so late.
Both clubs return to MLS action on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. PDT. San Diego face Vancouver Whitecaps, while Seattle take on Houston Dynamo FC.
