San Jose Earthquakes 0, Seattle Sounders 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

The first MLS game at Avaya Stadium in six weeks went the way of the visiting team, as the Seattle Sounders got a goal from recently signed striker Raul Ruidiaz and held on for a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

An evenly-played first half gave way to a stronger second half for the Sounders, who are unbeaten in their last five matches.

Ruidiaz, the Peruvian striker not far removed from playing in the World Cup, made his first start in two appearances for Seattle and scored off a pass from Cristian Roldan in the 62nd minute. The Quakes lost their third straight match as part of an 11-game winless streak.

Stefan Frei made five saves as San Jose got their shots late, but couldn't find an equalizer.

Goals

62' – SEA – Raul Ruidiaz | Watch

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: It's the second half of the MLS season, which means the Sounders are making their move to get into contention. A slow start has given way to a nice run, though Seattle's schedule is going to get tougher in the weeks ahead. Osvaldo Alonso and Roman Torres returned to action and scorers Will Bruin and Clint Dempsey came off the bench on Wednesday, and there's plenty of roster depth to keep earning points. The Earthquakes got some nice play out of 22-year-old Luis Felipe in his MLS debut and Vako is doing his part, but they remain stuck on the fewest wins in the league with two. Where they will get three points is anyone's guess.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Wherever Ruidiaz goes, be it Russia, Seattle or the Bay Area, Peruvian fans follow. Upon scoring, he found a fan with a flag of his nation and basked in its glory. On his birthday, no less.

Scoring a game-winning goal on your birthday >>>>

Have a day, @RaulRuidiazM! 🎉#SoundersMatchday | #SJvSEA pic.twitter.com/RJj6LzaQfN
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 26, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Stefan Frei made some big saves, but it was a special night for Raul Ruidiaz. He was active right from the start and looked to have some chemistry with Nico Lodeiro and Cristian Roldan.