By Our Man in the States
THE SEATTLE SOUNDERS turned on the style at Lumen Field, dismantling a shell-shocked St. Louis City 4-1 to extend their formidable home unbeaten streak to 19 matches.
In a performance dripping with class, it was the “Roldan and Rusnák Show” that left the visitors singing the blues. Cristian Roldan, the heartbeat of the Sounders, proved he’s still the gold standard in MLS with a clinical first-half brace that effectively killed the contest before the half-time oranges.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. Albert Rusnák, playing the role of puppet master, swung in a corner with such precision it could have picked a lock. Roldan was the beneficiary, ghosting to the back post to thump home a header.
Fifteen minutes later, it was a case of déjà vu. Another Rusnák corner, another lapse in the St. Louis backline, and another Roldan finish—this time a sweet volley that bounced past a helpless Roman Bürki.
The second half began as the first ended—with Seattle in total command. Paul Rothrock, a constant thorn in the side of the St. Louis defense, earned a penalty just three minutes after the restart. Rusnák stepped up, sent Bürki the wrong way, and added a goal to his two earlier assists.
While Eduard Löwen managed a late consolation for the visitors in stoppage time, the night belonged to the men in Rave Green. Osaze De Rosario put the cherry on top in the 86th minute, finishing off a slick move involving substitute Jesús Ferreira.
”We wanted to make a statement returning home,” said a beaming Roldan post-match. “The chemistry with Albert was spot on today.”
St. Louis, who arrived with hope, left with a headache. They were simply second-best to a Seattle side that looks increasingly like the team to beat in the West.
