Analysis The numbers behind the result
Austin clinical late surge outguns Seattle's higher xG
Austin deserved their 3-1 win despite Seattle Sounders posting a marginally higher expected goals (1.25 vs 1.15), with clinical finishing in the closing stages proving decisive. Though Seattle matched Austin's total shots (10 each), the hosts were more efficient with their opportunities, landing six on target compared to Seattle's three. Austin's greater threat inside the box (8 shots vs 5) and higher pass accuracy (87% vs 89%) underpinned their dominance in possession (53% vs 47%).
The game turned in Austin's favour with two late goals, as M. Uzuni struck in the 86th minute via an E. Torres assist, before C. Ramirez sealed the win in stoppage time. Earlier, I. Sanchez opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a B. Sabovic assist, but Seattle equalised through P. Rothrock's 26th-minute effort. The moment that best encapsulates the outcome is Austin's final goal, Ramirez's strike, which came amid a period of sustained pressure and effectively killed off the contest.