Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire Share the Spoils in MLS Thriller
The Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire played out a breathless 2-2 draw in MLS Week 22, with Robert Lewandowski’s 82nd-minute equaliser denying the hosts victory at Lumen Field.
Joveljic Strikes Twice as Seattle Sounders Start Strong
Dejan Joveljic announced himself early, firing Seattle ahead in the 12th minute after latching onto Sebastian Gomez’s incisive pass. The Serbian striker doubled his tally three minutes after half-time, clinically converting Alex Rusnak’s through ball to make it 2-1. Seattle’s compact 4-2-3-1 formation initially frustrated Chicago, with Snyder Brunell’s yellow card for a tactical foul in the 51st minute the price of their defensive discipline.
Chicago Fire’s Relentless Pressure Finally Pays Off
Maren Haile-Selassie had earlier levelled for Chicago in the 38th minute, finishing clinically after Lewandowski’s clever knockdown. The Fire dominated possession (56%) and peppered Seattle’s goal with 20 shots, forcing Andrew Thomas into nine saves. Their persistence was rewarded when Lewandowski – quiet for much of the game – pounced on Pregrado Dithejane’s cross to rifle home the equaliser with eight minutes remaining.
What This Result Means For Both Sides
Brian Schmetzer will rue Seattle’s inability to hold onto leads after Joveljic’s brace, with just one win in their last five now denting playoff hopes. For Mario Barcena’s Chicago, Lewandowski’s late intervention keeps them in the Eastern Conference hunt – the Pole now has five goals in his last three matches. Both teams face crucial derbies next: Seattle host Portland while Chicago travel to Cincinnati in matches that could define their seasons.
Key Moments
12′ ⚽ Seattle Sounders — D. Joveljic (assist: S. Gomez)
38′ ⚽ Chicago Fire — M. Haile-Selassie (assist: R. Lewandowski)
48′ ⚽ Seattle Sounders — D. Joveljic (assist: A. Rusnak)
82′ ⚽ Chicago Fire — R. Lewandowski (assist: P. Dithejane)
