FULL-TIME: A pair of Jordan Morris goals and two Victor Rodriguez assists paced the way as the Sounders overcame an early 1-0 deficit to dispatch expansion FC Cincinnati 4-1 in their season opener on Saturday.

SOUNDERS 4, FC CINCINNATI 1: Somehow the game didn’t quite feel right without a Raúl Ruidíaz goal. He got one in the 86th minute, collecting a Victor Rodriguez pass in traffic, dribbling through a couple defenders and then finishing it for his 14th goal in 17 Sounders appearances.

SOUNDERS 3, FC CINCINNATI 1: Moments after giving the Sounders the lead, Jordan Morris breaks through for his first-ever home brace. Morris put away a perfect cross from Victor Rodriguez, hitting his shot with his left foot.

SOUNDERS 2, FC CINCINNATI 1: Jordan Morris’ first goal in 18 months gives the Sounders their first lead of 2019, as he finished off a Nicolas Lodeiro pass in the 33rd minute. Morris had not scored a goal at CenturyLink Field since March 19, 2017, almost two full years ago.

SOUNDERS 1, FC CINCINNATI 1: Kelvin Leerdam pulls the Sounders even in the 27th minute, putting away a chance on the doorstep after Przemyslaw Tyton couldn’t handle Nicolas Lodeiro’s cross. Victor Rodriguez’s pass to Lodeiro started the sequence, as he slipped in his teammate who was all alone on the left side of the box.

SOUNDERS 0, FC CINCINNATI 1: After dominating the first 10 minutes and nearly taking the lead on a couple occasions, the Sounders find themselves in a familiar position as last year’s season opener after Leonardo Bertone scored in the 14th minute. Bertone was able to line up a volley off a deflected ball from about 22 yards out and hit it perfectly for the surprising 1-0 lead.

TIFO: ECS’s season-opening display read “Heroic journeys are never taken alone.”

LINEUPS: Anyone who was paying attention should have been able to predict the Sounders’ lineup in their season-opener, as it will mimic the same group they used in each of the matches they fielded a first-choice side.

FC Cincinnati counters with a lineup that is ... probably first choice? Being totally honest, it’s hard to know.

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If you are able to get to the match this is one to target an early arrival. The Seattle Sounders will be honoring the 2009 squad including Sigi Schmid. It is good to reflect on our past journeys as we start the 11th season in MLS and our 36th season as Sounders. Today we welcome a newcomer to the ranks of MLS. FC Cincinnati is about to be in awe of the atmosphere in CenturyLink Field.

They have some injury issues which should enable Brian Schmetzer to see exactly what he wants from Jordan Morris. With both of FCC’s speed options at outside forward be minimized due to injury that could also mean an easier time for Brad Smith and Kelvin Leerdam on the flanks. Fanendo Adi is still the force he was with Portland.

It’s time be heard in 2019, as we have since ‘74.

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Seattle: Henry Wingo is questionable with groin pain.

FCC: Jimmy McLaughlin is on the season ending injury list. Their questionable list is long — Greg Garza (quadriceps), Kekuta Manneh (ankle), Darren Mattocks (leg contusion), Emery Welshman (hamstring).

Chris Penso is the center referee. His video assistant is Hilario Grajeda

nos audietis in somniis | nos audietis in alto
you will hear us in your sleep | you will hear us from the deep
this is our Sound

Keys to the Game:

• Us — welcome them with the thunder of thousands.
• Morris flank speed and newfound crossing.
• Fullbacks that play like wingbacks.
• Marshall-Kim v Adi’s big body.

How I'm watching

Outfit: Emoji history

Scarf: Enemy’s goal is down

Where: Sec 214 with my flags

How to Watch

Match date/time: March 2, 7:00 p.m.

Venue: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington — the heart of Cascadia

Online Streaming: YouTube TV, Fox Sports Go, Fubo TV (affiliate link)

National TV: FS1 (Strong, Holden, Sakovits)

Local Radio: 950 KJR-AM Seattle (Johnson, Keller, Zakuani)

Local Spanish Radio: El Rey 1360 AM (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia)

International TV

Lineups

when available

Highlights will be posted as the match progresses.

This is Seattle Sounders vs FC Cincinnati Lions; watch with us