The Sounders flew to Ft. Lauderdale to take on Inter Miami, their second matchup in 16 days. Although they didn’t have as much to play for as in the Leagues Cup final, Seattle should have played better than they did. They came out flat, ran into a motivated Miami team, and went down multiple goals quickly. The Sounders did adjust and had some chances that, if converted, would have made the game more interesting. But in the end, they only finished a single shot and lost 3-1. Seattle limped home to regroup and fix the errors that have plagued them in the past two disappointing outings.
Hard Truth: Many of us were amused by Miami’s play in the Leagues Cup final, but in reality they have some great soccer players. Playing at home against a Seattle Sounders team that wasn’t fully dialed in, Miami dominated from the opening whistle, showcasing their superior individual skill. Seattle’s performance in Florida was full of errors and simply not good enough to secure a win. To suggest the Sounders shot themselves in the foot would be false; they probably would have missed even that.
Live and Learn: There were plenty of moments of individual skill disparity, but Seattle remarkably remained in contention late into the match, and at times they even appeared to be the better team. With a little more effort and skill, and a bit of luck, the Sounders could have made this a close contest. Their improved performance in the second half was a testament to their resilience.
Goalkeeper
Stefan Frei – 5 | Community – 4.9
Frei had a rough game against Miami, who scored three before Seattle grew into the match. With a different defensive central pairing in front of him, Stefan was rarely used, attempting only eight total passes. He had four saves.
Hard Truth: Stefan’s performance in this match was noticeably subpar. It began with an awkward and delayed play at the near post in the 33rd minute, where a routine save became a struggle. Just minutes later, Miami scored their second goal, and Frei looked dreadful. His attempt at a save was a complete mess, lacking conviction and precision.
Live and Learn: As Seattle gained control during stretches of the second half, they mounted a genuine push to narrow the deficit. During this period, Frei made a crucial save in the 76th minute to deny a Lionel Messi shot with a kick save. This intervention gave his team a chance to close the gap and build momentum.
Defense
Nouhou – 6 | Community – 5.4
Nouhou returned to the lineup in Miami and did a solid job. A majority of the Miami success came from the opposite side through Jordi Alba, but Seattle was unable to adjust across to support the flagging right. Nouhou’s 88 percent passing and seven recoveries were two highlights in a mundane effort on the left of defense.
Hard Truth: Nouhou was responsible for several significant errors throughout the game. One was his failure to keep Messi offside in the 28th minute, a positioning error from which Seattle was fortunate not to concede a goal. These lapses in concentration proved costly throughout Seattle’s rough first half.
Live and Learn: Nouhou also exhibited flashes of brilliance. A few excellent moments were highlighted by a great defensive play in the 38th minute, which he followed up with an impressive cross. These instances showcased the upside when he’s fully engaged.
Kim Kee-hee – 5 | Community – 5.2
Kim started for Jackson Ragen and from a stat standpoint looked great. His 98 percent passing had but a single misplay over 44 attempts. Despite good passing accuracy, however, the range and aggressiveness of those passes was muted, and Kim wasn’t driving the offense. Instead, he made safe, controlled passes to teammates who didn’t do much with the ball. And Kim struggled to connect with the backline, as Miami had success in pulling Seattle apart.
Hard Truth: Kim Kee-hee struggled to fill the void left by Ragen, failing to establish cohesive positioning with his defensive teammates. This was glaringly evident in the 41st minute, when he inexplicably abandoned Messi to watch Yeimar defend, directly leading to Messi’s run on goal and subsequent score. His decision-making in critical moments was questionable.
Live and Learn: In an unfortunate turn of events beyond his control, Kim was stepped on in the 49th minute. While he was off the field receiving attention, Seattle conceded a third goal, highlighting his importance to the defensive structure even when struggling.
Yeimar – 5 | Community – 5.0 (off 46’ for Ragen)
Playing only a half, Yeimar struggled to connect to Kim and Kalani Kossa-Rienzi around him, spraying passes that sometimes were thoughtfully aggressive and other times horribly executed. Seattle struggled to deal with Miami in transition, and the home team feasted on the Sounders’ right side disconnection.
Hard Truth: Yeimar appeared to be a victim of the “contagious stupidity” that afflicted Seattle in the first half. He made a number of inexplicable decisions, none worse than taking a free kick in the 19th minute with no teammates prepared, launching the ball directly into the middle of the field for Miami to easily reclaim possession. This type of poor decision making was unfortunately common for Seattle throughout the match.
Live and Learn: While Yeimar had a rough outing overall, it was still surprising to see him substituted at halftime. That decision reflected the coaching staff’s concern with his performance and the need for a tactical change.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – 4 | Community – 3.9
With 75 percent passing and a key pass, there were some high points for Kalani, but this was a mess of an outing. Unable to find consistent positioning behind Paul Rothrock, KKR was a sieve defensively. He had 10 recoveries, mostly chasing behind the play from a disadvantageous position.
Hard Truth: This match stood out as one of the worst performances of Kossa-Rienzi’s career as a Sounder. It was particularly lowlighted by terrible defensive positioning throughout much of the game. This directly contributed to multiple huge chances for Miami, who scored twice behind him, before he was brutally beaten for the final home team tally.
Live and Learn: Even with his struggles, Kalani managed to produce a few nice offensive moments. This included a perfectly weighted pass that put Osaze De Rosario in behind the defense in the 26th minute, demonstrating glimpses of his attacking potential.
Defensive Midfield
Cristian Roldan – 5 | Community – 4.3 (off 60’ for Brunell)
Another player who struggled was the usually dependable Cristian Roldan. Instead of the lockdown defense and immaculate central midfield pairing from the previous Miami match, Cristian struggled to get the ball off his feet in a timely manner. He didn’t move the ball quickly enough to take advantage of the opponent’s lack of midfield speed, and it played right into the Miami press in some devastating moments. He ended with 86 percent passing and was subbed at 60 minutes.
Hard Truth: After playing a full 90 minutes for the USA just days prior, Cristian struggled significantly in this match. He and other Sounders appeared visibly tired and lethargic, a consequence of extensive travel and hot, humid conditions. Cristian battled with the pace of the match, especially in the first half, where he was uncharacteristically dispossessed on multiple occasions. The most damaging instance occurred in the 12th minute when Miami capitalized on his stolen possession, transitioning directly into the opening goal and securing a lead they would not relinquish.
Live and Learn: Despite the overall difficult performance, there were fleeting glimpses of the player who had outplayed Messi just a few weeks prior. However, this performance highlighted how crucial Roldan’s peak form is to ensure Seattle’s best results.
Obed Vargas – 6 | Community – 6.2 (MOTM)
While not struggling as much as his midfield partner, Obed was missing in the first half, both mentally and physically, which contributed to the Sounders’ struggles. He grew into the match as Seattle added more defense and better spacing in the second half, leading to a number of dynamic attacks through Obed’s smart movement.
Hard Truth: Vargas was largely absent from the flow of play, exacerbating the team’s struggles by missing a wide-open Jordan Morris in the 65th minute. This missed opportunity was one of several poor decisions made as the midfield was consistently overrun.
Live and Learn: As Seattle gradually began to identify and exploit gaps in Miami’s defense, Obed pushed forward with increased aggression. This proactive approach paid dividends in the 69th minute when his perfectly-timed run was rewarded with an even finer pass from Morris. Vargas finished cleanly, injecting some hope for the Sounders.
Attacking Midfield
Georgi Minoungou – 6 (MOTM) | Community – 5.9
Minoungou earned a start and was up to the task. Creating the most chances on the team (four), Georgi not only built attacks through his dynamic dribbling, he also made smart choices when Miami was forced to push multiple defenders his way to intercept. He did lose nine duels, and he needs to improve his physicality against opponents.
Hard Truth: A dangerously high kick somehow went uncarded, and Georgi was fortunate not to face disciplinary action. His pressing angles were unrefined and consistently out of sync with the rest of the team, which allowed Miami to easily transition forward and bypass Seattle’s attempts to counterpress.
Live and Learn: Minoungou was the primary offensive force for much of the night. He continually beat one, two, and three opposing players, winning set pieces or creating promising scoring opportunities for Seattle. He even showcased some excellent two-way play, like his stellar defending in the 65th minute.
Jesús Ferreira – 6 | Community – 5.6 (off 85’ for Musovski)
Ferreira started in the middle of the field and had two shots but little luck combining with the shuffled pieces around him. Taking all the set pieces for the Sounders, he produced a mixed bag of service. After Albert Rusnák joined, Jesús shifted to the right and showed smart spacing, allowing Seattle more consistent offensive push.
Hard Truth: With recent form as a dynamic creator in the team’s attacking play, Ferreira was inconsequential for much of this match, frequently forced into defensive duties rather than contributing offensively.
Live and Learn: A well-taken shot in the 23rd minute nearly scored and was a solid reply from Seattle after conceding an early goal. Later, it was his sliding defensive play that initiated Seattle’s goal-scoring sequence, showing Jesús’ willingness to contribute defensively and spark counterattacks.
Paul Rothrock – 4 | Community – 4.7 (off 46’ for Rusnák)
Paul had a rough outing, leading to his replacement at halftime. With only 21 touches, he was mostly a non-factor. That would have been okay, except he made some critical mistakes that allowed Miami to take control of the match. He won three of eight duels and wasn’t able to pressure the opponent like he has for most of the season.
Hard Truth: Paul couldn’t replicate his strong performance from the previous match against Miami, and in this one he was a turnover machine. The most glaring moment was in the 41st minute, with Seattle trying to hold on as halftime approached. Rothrock appeared to be fouled and lost possession, then tried to grab the ball to stop play, but missed. Miami instantly capitalized on this sequence, going into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Live and Learn: Rothrock usually adds a ton of hustle and intangibles to his play, but the underlying control and connection have to be there for these moments to have impact. Against Miami, they were missing.
Forward
Osaze De Rosario – 6 | Community – 4.5 (off 60’ for Morris)
Osaze started at striker and played well, even while starved of service. He turned 19 touches into four shots, hit the woodwork, and added three recoveries. Unlike in the prior match, De Rosario found himself closely marked for most of his shift.
Hard Truth: Even struggling, Seattle had a golden opportunity to score first, but Osaze missed connecting with Georgi. Had that worked, the Sounders might have seized an early lead, fundamentally shifting the match dynamic. The “what ifs” linger.
Live and Learn: Osaze continued his aerial prowess in the 38th minute. Rising powerfully to meet a header, he nearly replicated his successful Leagues Cup tally, only to be denied by a crucial save from the Miami keeper. This moment underscored his continued threat and ability to create chances, and it might have deserved a penalty.
Substitutes
Albert Rusnák – 6 | Community – 5.1 (on 46’ for Rothrock)
Rusnák was an excellent sub who came on and immediately helped Seattle control the match better. His calm play led to 26 touches and 86 percent passing, including a key pass, in his half of work.
Hard Truth: The introduction of Albert at halftime provided Seattle with better midfield control. His presence allowed the Sounders to assert greater authority in the central areas of the pitch, dictating the tempo and distribution of the ball through both Rusnák and Ferreira. Seattle was still unable to prevent Miami from scoring their third goal.
Live and Learn: Rusnák’s immediate impact helped with possession, as he seamlessly connected with both Minoungou and De Rosario, becoming a fulcrum for Seattle’s attack. His vision and passing range were on full display, particularly in the 69th minute when he delivered a masterful vertical ball to Morris. This pass, splitting six defenders, directly led to Obed’s goal moments later.
Jackson Ragen – 6 | Community – 5.7 (on 46’ for Yeimar)
Ragen entered and was a boost both in defense and control of the match. With 92 percent passing and seven defensive contributions, he did it all, showing why he is the usual starter.
Hard Truth: It made sense to rotate the team after recent schedule congestion, but Seattle desperately missed Ragen in the first half. His passing is always a highlight, but his underrated positioning and ability to connect, especially defensively, with the players around him, were things Seattle was clearly lacking before he entered.
Live and Learn: Jackson Ragen’s entry into the game immediately provided a discernible upgrade in Seattle’s passing from the back. From his center-back position, he began to exert a controlling influence on the game’s flow, demonstrating composure and accuracy in distributing the ball and initiating attacking sequences from deep within his own half. This improved ball progression from the defense was a key factor in Seattle’s ability to build attacks more effectively after the break.
Jordan Morris – 5 | Community – 5.5 (on 60’ for De Rosario)
Morris is slowly ramping up game time and looked strong but disconnected against Miami. He did everything you want, from making dynamic runs to creating for himself and others, and he ended with half his touches in the Miami box.
Hard Truth: While it was encouraging to see Jordan Morris back on the field, his performance shows he’s still not quite at full game speed. More critically, there was a noticeable lack of cohesion between his movements and those of his teammates. For Seattle to succeed with Morris in the striker position, this synchronization, understanding of his runs, and positioning must improve to maximize his potential.
Live and Learn: Morris isn’t at peak form, but he still managed to make his presence felt on the scoresheet. Demonstrating his attacking instincts, he made a diving run at goal at the end of a Rusnák pass. Showing awareness and unselfishness, he then adeptly squared the ball to the trailing Vargas, who scored in the 69th minute, pulling Seattle back into the match and giving them a lifeline.
Snyder Brunell – 5 | Community – 5.8 (on 60’ for C. Roldan)
Brunell entered and was excellent in his time. Immediately dropping in to be a controlled defensive presence, his coverage pushed the entire Sounders team forward, freeing up Obed and others to attack more directly. He had 91 percent passing, four defensive actions, and a key pass.
Hard Truth: A critical turnover by Snyder in the 76th minute nearly proved costly. A swift counter-attack by Miami, culminating in a powerful shot from Messi, showed how quickly defensive errors can be punished at this level of play.
Live and Learn: Despite the earlier turnover, Brunell’s overall performance after entering the match represented a clear upgrade for Seattle. He proved more than capable of handling the physical challenges of the game, demonstrating excellent control of the ball in tight, congested areas. This was most evident in the 88th minute when he held possession among multiple opponents before spinning away and finding Minoungou for a promising chance, showcasing his composure and technical skill under pressure.
Danny Musovski – 5 | Community – 4.9 (on 85’ for Ferreira)
Moose entered late as Seattle threw everything at Miami, looking for a miracle. He completed both his pass attempts and earned a good look that he put on frame three minutes after entering.
Hard Truth: In the 88th minute, a promising attacking sequence saw Danny Musovski combine with his teammates, showcasing good link-up play and contributing to the build-up. However, despite the intricate passing and promising approach, he was unable to convert the opportunity. His attempted shot failed to find the back of the net.
Live and Learn: The tactical decision to pair Jordan Morris and Danny Musovski up front late in the game was intriguing. This pairing allowed the team to strategically adjust their approach: they could flood the box with more aerial options. The team’s tactical flexibility is something to keep an eye on as their strikers all compete for playing time.
Referee
Guido Gonzales Jr. – 6 | Community – 5.0
Unlike previous referees, this one was not on camera a lot. He kept control of the match, calling 25 total fouls and giving two yellow cards, both to Miami. This game was more about the depressing play on the field than the referee, which was a big improvement.
Hard Truth: There were several times when fouls looked to be committed but went uncalled, raising questions about the reffing consistency. A particularly contentious moment occurred in the 40th minute when Osaze De Rosario attempted a header in the box. No VAR.
Live and Learn: In the 28th minute, when the referee ignored a blatant flop from Rodrigo De Paul, an angel got their wings.
Inter Miami MOTM
Leo Messi gave a glimpse of his greatest ever credentials, a far cry from his lackluster performance in the previous meeting between these two clubs, the one that mattered. He finished with a goal and an assist. His assist on the opening goal came after he pounced on a poor Roldan giveaway to create a 4-v-3 break. He could have scored 13 minutes earlier than he did, putting an effort he typically buries off the post. He scored his goal following another poor Seattle turnover, as neither CB opted to mark him, and a perfect curled ball in from Alba rewarded a simple run.
Upcoming: US Open Cup finalist FC Austin. They aren’t the pushover they were a while back.
