Seattle Sounders edge past Santos Laguna 2‑1 at Lumen Field to remain perfect in Leagues Cup Phase One Seattle Sounders vs Santos Laguna match. Read the full match recap, player breakdowns, history and implications 🚀.
⚽ Background Details
Seattle Sounders FC 🇺🇸 have been in fine form during Leagues Cup 2025. After their historic 7‑0 demolition of Cruz Azul in 1st Matchday Sounders hosted Santos Laguna at Lumen Field on August 3, 2025 seeking to maintain their momentum and secure qualification to the Knockout Round.
Historically meetings between Seattle Sounders and Santos Laguna have been competitive. Their last clash was in the 2021 Leagues Cup semifinals which Seattle won 1‑0. As of this latest game Seattle’s all time record vs Santos stands at 3‑2‑1 in competitive play .
🏟️ Seattle Sounders vs Santos Laguna Match
First Half: Early Lead
- In the 8th minute defender Haret Ortega of Santos by Mistake scored an own goal that was a cross from Paul Rothrock deflected off Ortega into the net which gave Seattle a 1‑0 lead.
- Sounders showed their domination on Ball possession and created multiple chances including a controversial moment with a potential penalty and a red card that was overturned or didn’t materialize.
Second Half: Sealing the Win & Drama
- In the 72nd minute Danny Leyva broke through midfield and provided the assist for Georgi Minoungou who slotted home to make it 2‑0.
- Celebration turned sour: Minoungou lifted his shirt after scoring and received a second yellow/red card forcing Seattle to finish the match with 10 men.
- In stoppage time Cristian Dájome pulled one back for Santos their first goal conceded by Seattle in this tournament but it proved too little, too late at 2‑1.
Final result: Seattle Sounders got 2 Goals where Santos Laguna only scored 1 Goal at Lumen Field.
🔥 Key Player Performances
Danny Leyva – Man of the Match
At just the age of 22 Leyva impressed in midfield completing 90% of his passes and assisting the match winner. Schmetzer praised his impact as crucial: “we will need everybody in tournaments like these”.
Georgi Minoungou – Season’s First Goal
Minoungou earned his first goal of the season with a composed finish from Leyva’s feed. However he’ll miss the next match against Club Tijuana due to suspension from his red card.
Defense & Jackson Ragen
With 10-men, Sounders’ defense held firm. Jackson Ragen was singled out for outstanding composure and leadership in the backline.
😃 Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s Reactions
Schmetzer expressed satisfaction with the performance:
“Games are never easy against Liga MX teams. They have a lot of quality.”
He emphasized tactical flexibility, interchange between players, and squad depth as critical for tournament success.
📊 Implications & Leagues Cup Standings
- With 2 wins, 6 points and a +8 goal difference Seattle tops the MLS side of the Phase One group table unmatched in form and numbers so far.
- Santos Laguna however has been eliminated from contention: still winless in their Leagues Cup history (0‑2‑0) and out after two group matches.
- Seattle’s final group game is against Club Tijuana on August 6, 2025 where a draw or win would confirm qualification to the Knockout Stage.
🧾 Historical Rivalry & Trends
- Seattle vs Santos meetings favor the Sounders in recent memory they’ve never lost to Santos in Leagues Cup and now hold 3‑2‑1 record across CONCACAF Club competitions.
- After earlier heartbreaks and departures such as long time scorer Raúl Ruidíaz the current squad has rebuilt around new names like Jesús Ferreira, Danny Leyva and others solidifying midfield and attacking fluidity.
📋 Tactical Breakdown
| Aspect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Formation & Setup | Schmetzer rotated for da Vega, Roldán, Ferreira—rolled with 4‑2‑3‑1 featuring Leyva & Vargas in double pivot |
| Press & Transition | High pressing unsettled Santos; counter‑attacks led to both goals |
| Squad Rotation | With Cruz Azul thrashing in midweek, key players were rested allowing squad depth to shine |
| Discipline | Minoungou’s red card—highlight discipline risk in celebration culture |
📣 Fans & Social Buzz
Reddit r/MLS threads echoed the late goal drama and methodical Seattle dominance. One comment noted:
“7′ Own Goal by Haret Ortega… Seattle Sounders FC 1, Santos Laguna 0.”
The sentiment: All the Fans applauded the efficiency and gritty they showed by defending even after playing down to ten men.
The perfect ending to a Sounders Matchday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wHfUm4CXGz
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) August 4, 2025
🚀 Coming Up?
- On Aug 6, 2025: Seattle is up against Club Tijuana on Phase One in a home match at Lumen Field. This will clinch Knockout Round position with a draw or win.
- Tactical points to watch: backup attackers reaction without Minoungou further squad rotation and depth usage.
Leave a Reply