MLS: Sounders start season with a bang; Dynamo edge Earthquakes
The opening day of the 2021 MLS regular season saw victories for Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo in Friday evening's curtain raisers.
Raul Ruidiaz netted a brace and João Paulo scored a stunning goal as Seattle Sounders started their 2021 MLS regular season with a 4-0 drubbing of Minnesota United. Ruidiaz scored twice in the second half after João Paulo's memorable opener to give last season's runners-up Seattle the perfect start on opening day.
Ruidiaz makes himself heard
The Sounders – beaten by Columbus Crew in the 2020 MLS Cup final – hit the front four minutes into the second half, João Paulo cushioning a cleared cross with one touch before rifling a thunderous volley into the top corner on Friday. Ruidiaz entered the new season on the back of 12 MLS goals last season. According to Stats Perform, his 0.76 goals per 90 minutes led the league in 2020. When the Peruvian star was on-field, the Sounders scored two goals every 90 minutes – an improvement on last year's average of 1.5 goals per 90 when he didn't play.
A dominant force in the Western Conference since Brian Schmetzer succeeded legendary former boss Sigi Schmid in 2016, the Sounders doubled the lead with 20 minutes remaining when Will Bruin teed up Ruidiaz. Ruidiaz made it 3-0 three minutes later after Cristian Roldán turned provider before Fredy Montero completed the rout four minutes from time at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, where the Sounders had an expected goals (xG) difference of 20.9 last season, well clear of next-best team Los Angeles FC (12.0).
Houston off to a winning start
In the only other match on Friday, Houston Dynamo edged San Jose Earthquakes 2-1. Houston built a two-goal buffer by the 55th minute thanks to Memo Rodríguez and Maximiliano Urruti. A stunning 74th-minute strike from San Jose substitute Paul Marie set up a tense finish, but the Dynamo held on for maximum points.