The current champion of the MLS, the Seattle Sounders started with a series of preseason friendly matches at their stadium, the CenturyLink Field, with Raúl Ruidíaz as part of the starting lineup, who ended last season as the team's top scorer.
Ruidíaz started as the sole forward as instructed by coach Brian Schmetzer and scored a powerful shot from outside the box just two minutes into the match against Sacramento Republic from the USL.
Raúl remained very active in the attacking zone and contributed to the dangerous plays that resulted in the other goals for Sounders. The final score was 6-2 in favor of the home team.
The Seattle team presented an approximation of the lineup that the coach will develop for this season, including their latest signing, Brazilian midfielder Joao Paulo. The match consisted of a first period of 45 minutes, a second period of 30 minutes, and a third period of 45 minutes.
Seattle Sounders will have their first official match of the season on February 20, where they will face Olimpia from Honduras in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16. For the MLS, their debut will be on March 1, facing Chicago Fire at home.
