Key Takeaways
- Seattle Sounders lost 2–1 to Botafogo in their Club World Cup opener despite a spirited performance
- Botafogo scored twice from first-half set pieces; Cristian Roldán pulled one back with a deflected header
- Seattle dominated possession (60%) and outshot Botafogo 23–12, but lacked a clinical edge
- Substitutes Obed Vargas and Christian Roldán brought energy and impact late on
- Seattle must now beat Atlético Madrid and hope for help to progress from Group B
In front of a roaring home crowd at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders put on a display full of grit and heart—but it wasn’t enough. Botafogo capitalized early through two headers from set pieces, exploiting defensive lapses. Seattle responded in the second half when Cristian Roldán’s effort took a deflection and found the net.
The Sounders controlled the tempo with 60% possession and created more chances than the Brazilian side. But in the final third, sharpness was lacking—numerous shots missed their mark or lacked venom.
Bright spots came from the bench. Obed Vargas and Christian Roldán added urgency and drive, pushing Botafogo into retreat for stretches. The final whistle left Seattle with pride, but no points.
A Sounders fan summed it up best: “That was probably the most fight we’ve put up all year… proud of our guys tonight.”
Tactical Takeaways
- Set-Piece Fragility: Two first-half goals from dead-ball situations cost them dearly
- Ball Dominance: Seattle dictated play but failed to convert control into goals
- Impact Subs: Vargas and Roldán brought late-game urgency that nearly flipped the script
Final Whistle
The scoreboard may say defeat, but Seattle showed they can go toe-to-toe with international heavyweights. If they bring this same fire against Atlético Madrid, their Club World Cup journey might still have life.
Follow Goal Drift for full coverage of Seattle’s next moves, knockout scenarios, and behind-the-scenes stories as the Club World Cup drama unfolds.
