Seattle, WA – February 22, 2025
Seattle Sounders FC and Charlotte FC kicked off their 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaigns with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Lumen Field. In front of a lively home crowd, the Sounders looked set to grab all three points, but a late equalizer from Charlotte denied them victory in an action-packed season opener.
Match Recap
The Sounders entered the game with high expectations, looking to start strong at home after a promising preseason. They came out aggressively, controlling possession in the early minutes. Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute, when Jordan Morris broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot past Charlotte’s goalkeeper, assisted by Albert Rusnák.
However, Charlotte FC responded swiftly. In the 27th minute, Adilson Malanda capitalized on a defensive lapse from Seattle and slotted home an equalizer, silencing the Lumen Field crowd momentarily.
Seattle continued to press in the second half, and in the 56th minute, Morris struck again, displaying his clinical finishing ability inside the box. The Sounders seemed poised to secure all three points, but Charlotte refused to back down.
As the match neared its conclusion, Charlotte FC found their breakthrough. Kerwin Vargas, coming off the bench, delivered a crucial goal in the 88th minute, ensuring that the visitors escaped with a hard-fought draw.
Key Player Performances
- Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) – Man of the Match – Scored both goals for Seattle, proving once again why he is one of the team’s most valuable attacking assets.
- Adilson Malanda (Charlotte FC) – Solid defensive presence and scored a crucial equalizer.
- Albert Rusnák (Seattle Sounders) – Provided a key assist and was instrumental in the midfield.
- Kerwin Vargas (Charlotte FC) – Came off the bench and scored the late equalizer, changing the game in Charlotte’s favor.
Post-Match Reactions
After the game, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer expressed mixed emotions, praising his team’s attacking display but acknowledging the need to improve defensively:
“We showed great energy and attacking intent, but we have to close out these kinds of games. Giving up a late goal like that is disappointing, but credit to Charlotte for fighting back.”
Charlotte FC’s coach Dean Smith hailed his team’s resilience and never-give-up attitude:
“This was a great test of our character. Coming into Seattle and getting a point is no easy feat. We fought until the final whistle, and that late goal was well deserved.”
Match Stats
| Stat | Seattle Sounders | Charlotte FC |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Corners | 7 | 4 |
| Fouls | 10 | 13 |
Looking Ahead
Seattle Sounders will now shift their focus to their next MLS fixture, a road match against LA Galaxy on March 2, 2025. Charlotte FC, meanwhile, will return home to host Atlanta United in what promises to be another thrilling Eastern Conference battle.
Both teams showed early-season promise, with Seattle’s attacking firepower and Charlotte’s resilience setting the stage for an exciting 2025 MLS campaign.
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Photo Credits: Jane Gerhovic / Sounders Comminications
