Sounders FC Falls 3-2 on the Road to San Jose Earthquakes

March 24, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release

Seattle Sounders FC take on the San Jose Earthquakes
(Seattle Sounders FC)

SAN JOSE, CALIF. – In a back-and-forth match on Saturday evening at PayPal Park, Sounders FC (0-2-2, 2 points) fell 3-2 to the San Jose Earthquakes (1-4-0, 3 points). After surrendering a pair of first-half goals, the Rave Green stormed back with second-half strikes courtesy of Raúl Ruidíaz and Danny Musovski, but the home side was able to find a late winner from Jeremy Ebobisse. It marked the second goal in as many games for Ruidíaz, who became the club’s all-time leading scorer with his 80th tally across all competitions since coming to Seattle in 2018. The Rave Green return to action next Saturday, March 30 with another road match in California, this time facing the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).

MATCH NOTES

Sounders FC now has two points through four games this season (0-2-2) and sits last in the Western Conference.

Raúl Ruidíaz became Sounders FC’s all-time leading goal scorer with his penalty kick in the 72nd minute. It marked his second goal of the season and 80th across all competitions since coming to Seattle in 2018, passing Fredy Montero’s previous club record of 79.

Danny Musovski scored his first Sounders FC goal with the 74th-minute equalizer. The 28-year-old joined Seattle this offseason after tallying 45 career goals over six professional seasons in MLS and USL Championship.

Cody Baker recorded his first career MLS assist with the cross on Musovski’s strike.

Seattle is now 15-15-9 all-time against the Earthquakes in MLS regular season play since joining the league in 2009, but has not won in the past five meetings against San Jose (0-4-1).

Saturday’s matchup marked the first of this year’s Heritage Cup, a competition between Seattle and San Jose as the two teams that kept their same club names originally used in the North American Soccer League. The teams are also celebrating their 50th anniversary season this year, both being formed in 1974 while competing in the NASL. The second and final fixture between the two sides is set for September 18 at Lumen Field.

Stefan Frei made his first start of the season in goal after suffering a hamstring injury prior to the season opener. Andrew Thomas made four appearances in goal for Seattle with Frei out.

Sota Kitahara made his first career start for Sounders FC alongside Danny Leyva. Sounders…