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Ruidiaz winner helps Sounders book place in Leagues Cup final

Sep 14, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against Santos Laguna during the second half of the Leagues Cup semifinal at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Sounders were the only Major League Soccer team to survive the quarterfinal round of the newly-formed Leagues Cup tournament, and on Tuesday moved a step closer to being the first team to lift the trophy after their latest thrilling late victory.

Raul Ruidiaz scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to break a goal-less deadlock and give the Sounders a 1-0 victory over Santos Laguna on Tuesday night.

The Sounders will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Club Leon and UNAM Pumas, two teams that eliminated MLS competition to reach the semis.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer trotted out a first-choice lineup for the second straight Leagues Cup match, and the Sounders stood toe-to-toe with Santos Laguna throughout regulation, but ultimately needed Ruidiaz to work his magic with the late finish.

The Leagues Cup final is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.


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