The Seattle Sounders traveled to El Salvador to face Santa Tecla in the CONCACAF Champions League on Thursday night. It didn’t go well. They lost Jordan Morris to injury, couldn’t hold on to a lead and lost 2-1 in the first leg. But that Nicolas Lodeiro goal sure was something special.
Seattle did not have a productive trip to El Salvador, where they found the one club in North America with a green more obnoxious than their own. The MLS club was without five regular starters (including Clint Dempsey) against Santa Tecla, a team founded in the same year as the Sounders (2007). In the long run, the potential loss of Morris could be more damaging to the team than the Champions League setback.
"Our players played a good game, but our opponent was better," Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said.
But the Sounders didn’t come back empty handed; they have a vital away goal for the return leg thanks to a beautiful Nicolas Lodeiro goal.
In the 15th minute a pass from Morris was partially cleared toward Lodeiro. With hardly any time to react to the ball bouncing toward him, the Uruguayan international opened up his hips and first-timed a picturesque chip that soared over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Why not, Nico?! #SCCL2018 pic.twitter.com/zUD0ztrHiu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 23, 2018
So casual, so nonchalant, so silky smooth. It's fitting to have a Rocket League ad on the clip because it looked like something out of a video game.
The Nicolas Lodeiro goal had shades of Michael Bradley’s strike against Mexico at the Azteca last summer, but this came on the midfielder’s first touch and from longer range.
The Nicolas Lodeiro goal was the lone bright spot for Seattle on Thursday in El Salvador. Photo: @SoundersFC | Twitter
Most importantly for everyone, the Nicolas Lodeiro goal checked off a box in the Champions League bingo @MLS is playing.
Forget a shot attempt from 30 yards. Try a GOAL from 45 YARDS. Another box off the board thanks to @NicolasLodeiro. #CCLFever pic.twitter.com/JrYt9wT1PP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 23, 2018
Unfortunately for the Sounders, midfielder Gerson Mayen scored two goals in the second half to give Santa Tecla the victory. His first was a scrappy finish from close range while his second came from the penalty spot nine minutes later in the 76th minute. Mayen was born in Los Angeles and appeared for the U.S. U-20 squad before switching allegiances to El Salvador, having made 27 appearances for Los Cuscatlecos.
Highlights, Leg 1: Seattle Sounders FC at Santa Tecla FC#SoundersMatchday | #SCCL2018 pic.twitter.com/S0Vd4h9pOy
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 23, 2018
Seattle is probably the second-best hope the MLS has of winning the Champions League this year behind Toronto. The reigning league champions beat Colorado 2-0 in Siberia while none of the other MLS sides were able to secure a win. New York Red Bulls drew 1-1 against Olimpia in Costa Rica and Tauro FC surprised FC Dallas 1-0 in Panama City.
Mayen and Santa Tecla will have the advantage against the 2016 MLS champions in the second leg on Thursday at CenturyLink Field. But thanks to the Nicolas Lodeiro goal, the Sounders still have a solid chance to survive and advance.
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