Player ratings for Seattle Sounders 2-1 loss against LAFC

In the first match of the MLS regular season, the Seattle Sounders traveled to Los Angeles to take on LAFC at the BMO Stadium and suffered a 2-1 defeat. Tillman gave LAFC the lead in the final minute of the first half with a clinical finish. Bogusz doubled the advantage with a stunning strike at the 55th minute mark. The Sounders pulled one back at the 73rd minute through debutant Pedro de la Vega, who converted a penalty kick.

Here are the Seattle Sounders player ratings split into three groups: better than expected, as expected and below expectations. You can see the Sounders game recap here.

Better than expected

1. Pedro de la Vega

The Argentine debuted on the 64th minute of the match, replacing Léo Chú. He converted the penalty kick in the 73rd minute and showed that he could be the playmaker that the team had been looking for.

2. Nathan

This was also the debut match for the Brazilian center back. He played for 64 minutes before Arreaga substituted him in the second half. He made nine clearances, one of them on the goal line. He had a solid performance, especially considering that Denis Bouanga was playing on his side.

3. Raul Ruidiaz

With Albert Rusnák injured, the Peruvian striker seized his opportunity. He demonstrated his scoring appetite with three shots on target and two blocked, resulting in an expected goal (xG) of 0.24. He also completed all of his 21 passes with 100% accuracy.

4. Andrew Thomas

The goalkeeper had his first game against a formidable offense in the Western Conference. He let in two goals, but he was not at fault for either of them. He made four saves, including two from close range.

As expected

5. Jackson Ragen

The center back had a reliable performance. He attempted to position Nouhou to stop the shot in the first LAFC goal, but it was unsuccessful.

6. Josh Atencio

The young midfielders were overwhelmed by the new 4-4-2 formation. Atencio had 78 touches on the ball and completed 63 passes with an accuracy of 84%. He attempted two shots, but one was blocked and the other missed the target.

7. Obed Vargas

Vargas stepped in for João Paulo in this game and made an impact. He had three tackles, one interception and one blocked shot. He also tried a shot on goal, but Lloris saved it comfortably.

8. Léo Chú

The Brazilian winger had another difficult game against Hollingshead. He was replaced by Pedro de la Vega in the 64th minute. He touched the ball 36 times and attempted 19 passes with a 74% accuracy.

9. Xavier Arreaga

The center back from Ecuador substituted Nathan in the 64th minute. He made two interceptions and two tackles in his 26 minutes on the pitch, preventing LAFC from scoring more goals.

10. Cody Baker

The substitute defender came on for Alex Roldan in the 58th minute. He struggled to cope with Bouanga's pace and skill. He offered little support in the offensive end.

Below expectations

11. Cristian Roldan

Rusnák's absence was supposed to give Cristian more opportunities to create chances for the team. However, the new 4-4-2 formation did not suit Cristian's style of play. He completed only 68% of his 38 passes, despite making four key passes. It was a long pass from Cristian to Jordan Morris that resulted in the penalty kick.

12. Jordan Morris

Morris missed a great opportunity in the third minute when he shot straight at the keeper. The only other notable thing he did in the game was to win a penalty after VAR review. He had a mere 16 touches of the ball throughout the match.

13. Alex Roldan

The two LAFC goals originated from Alex Roldan's side. He was substituted by Cody Baker in the 58th minute. While he was on the field, he had trouble dealing with Bouanga on his flank. The LAFC player hit the crossbar twice on plays against Alex.

14. Nouhou

The Cameroon left back had a poor performance. He failed to follow Ragen's instruction to step forward in the first goal from LAFC, and hesitated instead. LAFC attack was able to create some opportunities on his back. He also forfeited some balls by appealing for fouls.

15. Danny Musovski

Musovski had a disappointing debut with the Rave Green. He played for 32 minutes, but he only touched the ball five times, with one pass and one shot.