CCL all MLS semifinal recap

Seattle reach Concacaf Champions League Final for first time

The class of the MLS in – the Seattle Sounders – traveled from coast-to-coast across the United States looking to advance to their first-ever Concacaf Champions League Final.

The Sounders arrived at Red Bull Arbea in Harrison, New Jersey, with a 3-1 advantage from last week’s first-leg match at home. New York City FC was waiting for Seattle, determined to change their fortunes.

The Sounders didn’t show any jetlag in the first 30 minutes of the match, but they were also limited in chances created. In minute 28, Raul Ruidiaz opened the scoring with his right boot, finding the right side of the net and giving Seattle the all-important away goal as well as providing a commanding 4-1 aggregate lead.

By the half, NYCFC had won back some control by establishing possession (59%) but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

It didn’t take long for NYCFC to get on the scoresheet in the 2nd half. In minute 51, Santiago Rodriguez bagged New York’s first goal of the match to cut the aggregate score line in half, 4-2.

After the goal, NYCFC demonstrated greater urgency as they still needed a couple more goals, but the Seattle Sounders had different plans. They weathered the high-pressing New York attack and their defence held on.

One key reason Seattle was able to keep New York at bay was Sounders goal keeper Stefan Frei. He made some stunning down the stretch to protect Seattle’s aggregate lead. The save of the night for the veteran Swiss keeper was when he stopped NYCFC left winger Talles Magno whose shot was ticketed for the top right corner of the net. A remarkable save.

In the end the score line stayed 1–1 with some tempers flaring in the stoppage time. With the draw Seattle booked their first ticket to a CCL final. They will travel in two weeks time to take on Pumas of Liga MX. Either the Pumas or the Sounders will be lifting the ConcaChampions trophy at Lumen Field , home of the Seattle Sounders, in early May.