Seattle Sounders FC found their cutting edge after the interval, defeating Real Salt Lake 2-0 in Major League Soccer on Wednesday night at Lumen Field.
After a goalless first half, Daniel Musovski gave Seattle the breakthrough three minutes after the restart, scoring in the 48th minute to turn a tight contest in the home side’s favour. Albert Rusnák, facing his former club, then made the points secure with Seattle’s second goal in the 73rd minute.
The opening 45 minutes produced no separation on the scoreboard, although the Sounders carried a slight edge in possession and forced the issue from set pieces. Seattle finished with 52.8 percent possession and won seven corners, while Real Salt Lake collected six corners and remained competitive throughout a closely contested match.
Real Salt Lake actually recorded 12 shots to Seattle’s 11, but the Sounders were more efficient in the decisive moments. Seattle put four efforts on target compared with RSL’s two, and their two assisted goals underlined the clinical difference after the break.
Musovski’s 48th-minute strike immediately changed the rhythm of the match, asking Real Salt Lake to take greater risks in search of an equaliser. Instead, Seattle stayed organised and found the crucial second goal through Rusnák in the 73rd minute, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion they protected through seven minutes of added time.
The match had its share of disciplinary moments. Seattle’s Kalani Kossa-Rienzi was booked in the 10th minute, with Paul Arriola, Peter Kingston and Snyder Brunell also seeing yellow cards. Kobi Henry and DeAndre Yedlin were booked for Real Salt Lake.
The result moves Seattle to an 8-8-9 record, while Real Salt Lake fall to 8-5-13. The Sounders return to MLS action on Saturday, September 26, when they host Minnesota United FC. Real Salt Lake will travel to face New England Revolution later that evening.
Goals
- Seattle Sounders FC: Daniel Musovski, 48′
- Seattle Sounders FC: Albert Rusnák, 73′
