Sounders roll in MLS Cup
Seattle beats Toronto 3-1 for its second title in four years.
SEATTLE — Kelvin Leerdam scored his first career postseason goal on a deflected shot in the 57th minute, substitute Victor Rodriguez connected in the 76th and Raul Ruidiaz scored in the 90th to give the Seattle Sounders a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC on Sunday in the MLS Cup for their second title in four seasons.
Playing in front of 69,274, the second-largest crowd for an MLS Cup final, the Sounders capitalized on their opportunities in the second half.
“The players persevered because again it was a first half we needed to make some adjustments and they never quit,” coach Brian Schmetzer said.
Leerdam scored when what looked to be a cross deflected off the shin of Toronto defender Justin Morrow and past goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.
It was Seattle’s first goal in a final in 267 minutes after being held scoreless in each of the two finals played in Toronto.
Rodriguez received a pass near the top of the penalty area, took a couple of touches to find space, and Westberg couldn’t get his hand on the shot to the far post.
Ruidiaz beat Chris Mavinga to a clearance and scored his fourth goal of the playoffs.
Jozy Altidore scored for Toronto in the third minute of stoppage time.
Seattle became the sixth franchise in league history with multiple titles. The Sounders joined Houston, Sporting Kansas City and San Jose with two titles. The Galaxy have five and D.C. United four.
Toronto connected passes more often and seemed comfortable while Seattle seemed uneasy.
“I thought things were going our way . ... They come down and score, and it’s tough after that,” Morrow said.