In an exhilarating match during Week 32 of the MLS, Seattle Sounders emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win over NYCFC at Yankee Stadium. The game saw a strong performance from both sides, but it was Seattle who ultimately secured the three points.
Jordan Morris opened the scoring for the Sounders just 15 minutes into the second half, receiving a precise pass from Albert Rusnák and placing the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the NYCFC goalkeeper with no chance.
However, NYCFC fought back and equalized with a goal from Nicolás Fernández Mercau in the 81st minute, breathing new life into the match and raising the tension among the fans.
Yet, the climax of the game came just five minutes later, as Jackson Ragen scored a decisive header, sealing the win for Seattle in the 86th minute with a powerful strike that echoed around the stadium.
Jackson Ragen was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, not only scoring the winning goal but also clearing a remarkable nine dangerous balls. Another key player for Seattle was Alexander Roldan, who contributed significantly by clearing ten threats from the NYCFC attack.
On the tactical front, NYCFC’s manager Pascal Jansen deployed a 5-4-1 formation with Matthew Freese in goal, supported by a defensive line comprising Tayvon Gray, Raul Gustavo, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, and Kevin O’Toole. The midfield featured Hannes Wolf, Andrés Perea, Maximiliano Moralez, and Nicolás Fernández Mercau, with Alonso Martínez leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Seattle’s coach Brian Schmetzer opted for a 4-5-1 setup, with Stefan Frei guarding the goal and a defensive quartet made up of Kalani Kossa Rienzi, Jackson Ragen, Alexander Roldan, and Nouhou Tolo. The midfield was populated by João Paulo Mior, Danny Leyva, Jesús Ferreira, Albert Rusnák, and Pedro De La Vega, with Jordan Morris up front.
The match was officiated by Christopher Penso.
NYCFC Substitutions
61’ 2T – Raul Gustavo off for Jonathan Shore, Hannes Wolf off for Agustín Ojeda, and Maximiliano Moralez off for Julián Fernández.
76’ 2T – Tayvon Gray off for Mitja Ilenic.
77’ 2T – Andrés Perea off for Máximo Carrizo.
Yellow Cards for NYCFC:
46’ 1T – Kevin O’Toole (holding an opponent to prevent them from advancing), 48’ 1T – Justin Haak (unsporting behavior), and 52’ 1T – Matthew Freese (insulting or disapproving of the referee).
Seattle Sounders Substitutions
20’ 1T – Pedro De La Vega off for Paul Rothrock.
54’ 2T – Alexander Roldan off for Jonathan Bell and João Paulo Mior off for Snyder Brunell.
83’ 2T – Jordan Morris off for Danny Musovski and Jesús Ferreira off for Reed Baker-Whiting.
Yellow Card for Seattle Sounders:
18’ 2T – Albert Rusnák (grabbing an opponent to prevent them from advancing).