Seattle Sounders 1, Houston Dynamo 0 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

An early wonder strike from Cristian Roldan was the difference for the Seattle Sounders, as they collected a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.

Roldan’s 5th-minute volley was hit with venom and precision, as he went chest-drop-shot into the top corner. It was midfielder’s second straight golazo, as he left Minnesota United’s Vito Mannone with no chance last week before doing the same to Houston’s Joe Willis.

The Dynamo registered one shot on target all evening, though they enjoyed no shortage of quality chances. Alberth Elis, Mauro Manotas and Tommy McNamara all had golden opportunities to equalize, but were off the mark. It was just one of those days for Houston.

Raul Ruidiaz made his return to the XI for the Sounders, though Victor Rodriguez was subbed off in the 15th minute for Harry Shipp with a hamstring injury. Shipp forced a brilliant save from Willis in the 47th minute, while Nicolas Lodeiro struck the crossbar in the 43rd minute. 

Goals

• 5' – SEA – Cristian Roldan | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: Houston entered with a league-best 2.38 points per game and often carried play against the Sounders. But the Dynamo lacked conviction in the final third and promptly dropped their second road game of the year. Seattle, slowly getting their full XI back healthy, will take the three points to keep the pack tight atop the Western Conference standings. Alongside New York City FC and LAFC, they’re one of three teams with one loss all season. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Take a bow, Cristian Roldan. For the second straight week, the
US national team
midfielder struck a picture-perfect volley to get the Sounders on the scoreboard. Chest, bounce, strike. It was a thing of beauty to make it 1-0 in the 5th minute. 

MAN OF THE MATCH
: There’s no guarantee that
Brad Smith
finishes the year in Seattle, with his loan from Bournemouth set to last through June 30. However, the Australian left back keeps on putting in solid performances for the Sounders. His latest assignment was keeping Alberth Elis under wraps, and he passed the test with flying colors. Smith also boomed forward and joined the attack, whipping in crosses and combining with teammates.

Next Up

• SEA: Wednesday, May 15 vs. Orlando City SC (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
• HOU: Wednesday, May 15 vs. Portland Timbers (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)