Photo: Nate Koppelman
Botafogo 2-1 Seattle Sounders FC
SEATTLE, WA–Seattle Sounders FC did well to battle back against defending Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo of Brazil, but the comeback came up short as the Sounders lost, 2-1, at Lumen Field in their FIFA Club World Cup opener before a crowd of 30,151.
Photo: Nate Koppelman
Jair Cunha headed in an Alex Telles free kick in the 28th minute to give the Brazilian side the lead. It would be another header just before halftime that doubled Botafogo’s lead. Vitinho’s cross went perfectly to the head of Igor Jesus from 12 yards out.
However, the Sounders were determined to make a game out it and they did. Albert Rusnak and Jackson Ragen came close in the 58th minute, both denied by the goalkeeper John. The Sounders finally got the goal in the 75th minute when Cristian Roldan’s header took a deflection off Igor Jesus and into the net to make it 2-1.
The Sounders then pressed for an equalizer, but ultimately could not get one. However, there were positives to take from the Sounders’ performance.
“We showed that we can play against any team,” said Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas to the Seattle Times. “We just need to replicate that again.”
The Sounders’ next match in the Club World Cup is Thursday against Atletico Madrid. Kickoff is at 3pm PT on DAZN. Botafogo take on Paris-St. Germain at the Rose Bowl on Thursday (6pm PT, DAZN).
Inter Miami 5 - 1 New York City FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--Inter Miami were crowned Eastern…
After two successful seasons in Finland’s top flight Ashley Coffey has found a new home…
Matches at Providence Park unless stated. February 02/21 Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew 02/28 Colorado…
San Diego F.C. vs Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday, November 25, 2025, KO 3:00 PM PST/6:00…
In a remarkable turn of events, San Diego FC is making history. With a standout…
FC Cincinnati 0 - 4 Inter Miami CINCINNATI, OH--It was another dominant performance from Inter…