Seattle Sounders x Austin FC
In a riveting 2024 MLS home-opener at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders and Austin FC battled to a tense scoreless draw on Saturday night. Despite the deadlock, the match was far from short on action, with Seattle asserting dominance and outshooting Austin 23-3.
Right from the start, the Sounders took control, displaying relentless pressure and possession dominance, particularly in the first half. Jackson Ragen had an early opportunity in the 21st minute with a header off a cross from Alex Roldan, but the center back's chance sailed over the crossbar.
Léo Chú came close to breaking the deadlock two minutes later, unleashing a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that narrowly soared over the bar. Josh Atencio continued the assault in the 52nd minute with a fizzing shot from the top of the box that narrowly missed the far post.
Raúl Ruidíaz joined the fray in the 63rd minute and almost made an immediate impact, rattling the side of the net with a left-footed shot on a half-volley. Jordan Morris had a header opportunity in the 72nd minute that floated wide.
In the 75th minute, Ruidíaz's well-placed cross to Roldan found Morris, but the ensuing header was blocked. Obed Vargas' attempt in the scramble was also denied. Atencio had a clear opportunity in the 77th minute, heading a cross from Nouhou towards the far corner, but Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver made a diving save to parry it away.
Chú and Ruidíaz continued to test Stuver, with the Austin goalkeeper punching away Chú's left-footed shot in the 80th minute. Ruidíaz had the best chance of the match in stoppage time when his one-timed effort struck the crossbar.
The intensity persisted as Ruidíaz had another chance two minutes later, firing a one-timer from the top of the box that was deflected over the crossbar for a corner.
While the scoreline remained level, the match showcased the Sounders' attacking prowess and their relentless pursuit of a victory. The resilient Austin defense and Stuver's heroics denied Seattle's numerous attempts, leaving the home crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez]
