Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders 2nd half was more like an Xbox game | OneFootball

Cruz Azul, after a successful season and a Concacaf title which included beating the Sounders, their comments reflected their confidence before the game started. There were claims that they would dominate all phases of the game. To be fair, that is their general experience while playing games against teams from the Americas.

Additionally, the Sounders have struggled with defending and scoring on set pieces and their offense has been disconnected and they have lacked the quality to put the ball in the back of the net. As their offense has stepped up over recent weeks, injuries have taken a toll on the consistency of their defense.

This game was different. Both the Sounders and Cruz Azul play a possession game, and at the half, the Sounders had possession for 60% of the time. Cruz Azul had to rely on fouling to slow the Sounders attack which initially worked as the official was reluctant to produce cards. The Sounders got angry, but unlike recent games, the kept on attacking and forcing the issue.

The half ended at a 0-0 tie, but the Sounders controlled much of the play for the half.

The second half was more like a game played on Xbox, and was possibly the most dominant half since Germany embarrassed Brazil in the Brazilian World Cup in 2014.

With Sounders broke their scoreless streak on corners by netting two goals, one to start the scoring with Yeimar scoring his first goal of the season and the second one netted by Ferreira after he had had 2 goals called back for offsides. Obed Vargas scored against multiple teammates from the Mexican National Team as his shot for the corner was deflected by a defender and found the back of the net.

That would have been plenty, but it got better. Ryan Kent put a ball in front so Osaze De Rosario could score his second goal in two games. He went on to pay homage to his father as he celebrated his goal like his father used to by pulling his shirt over his head and dancing like Frankenstein. He earned a yellow card for the celebration.

Danny Leyva just missed scoring on a direct kick as he bent the ball around the wall and the goalkeeper tipped the ball off the crossbar. It was a fantastic save, but Cruz Azul had half the team in the wall and Nouhou followed up the shot unmarked and headed the ball in for his third career goal for the Sounders. Being a fan favorite, the Century Link fans erupted before being stupefied by Pedro de la Vega moments later.

Pedro's first goal was a 1-timer that he buried in the corner. It was a quality strike and very good goal. It was overshadowed by the goal that ended the game. Alex Roldan kicked a cross-field pass in the air to de la Vega who on a full volley, blasted the ball into the far side of the goal, off the post and in.

It was the kind of goal kids attempt before practices as they dream of being an elite player. De la Vega made it look easy, making it even more remarkable. Brian Schmetzer was asked to rate it with other Sounders goals and he compared it to goals by Clint Dempsey, Fredy Montero, Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Ladeiro.

It was an unbelievable second half for the Sounders for sure, so what does that mean for the tournament? On the first day of the tournament, the MLS teams struggled losing 6 games and winning one. The Sounders need to outperform those teams by outperforming them against the Mexican teams. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss, and 0 points for a loss. If teams are tied after 3 games, it goes to goal differential.

The Sounders have defeated the toughest team of their 3 matches, earned 3 points and have a goal differential of +7. They are currently sitting on top of the MLS side of the table. They need to continue to perform, but they have put themselves in a dominant position for the tournament and shocked many people with their win and their finishes against the top Mexican team.