Seattle Sounders Clash with Club Tijuana: Big Match Recap
Tonight’s showdown between Seattle Sounders FC and Club Tijuana, held at Lumen Field, wrapped up the opening Phase One of the 2025 Leagues Cup. This decisive clash cemented Seattle’s perfect record and earned them the coveted top position among MLS clubs. Let’s break down how the drama unfolded, what it means for both teams, and what lies ahead.
Final Score & Highlights
Seattle edged out Tijuana with a 2–1 victory, thanks to second-half strikes from Osaze De Rosario (56′) and Danny Musovski (87′), turning the match around after Kevin Castañeda’s first-half volley put Tijuana ahead in stoppage time of the first half . Notably, Club Tijuana’s Ramiro Franco received a red card in added time, further sealing Seattle’s hold-control of the match .
The win propelled Seattle to a flawless 3‑0‑0 record in regulation time, totaling 9 points—the best among all teams in Phase One .
Match Snapshot
| Metric | Seattle Sounders | Club Tijuana |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 (De Rosario, Musovski) | 1 (Castañeda) |
| Phase One Record | 3–0–0, 9 points | 1–2–0, eliminated |
| Home Record at Lumen Field | 11–1–5 in N. America | — |
| Shots (Total / On Target) | 26 / 10 | 11 / 5 |
| Key Incident | — | Red card in stoppage (Franco) |
| Advancement | Qualified | Eliminated |
| Next Match | vs LA Galaxy on Aug 10 | — |
Moments and Tactical Notes
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Seattle’s Turning Point: Trailing at halftime, the Rave Green regained control with De Rosario’s header assisted by Ryan Kent, breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute .
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Clutch Finish: Danny Musovski sealed the win with a header in the 87th minute, assisted by Cristian Roldan—both players continuing their impressive scoring and playmaking form .
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Tijuana’s Setbacks: Down to 10 men late in the game via Ramiro Franco’s red card, Tijuana’s hopes were dashed .
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Seattle’s Dominance: Outshot Tijuana 26–11, including 10 on target versus 5. Their home unbeaten run continues, strong heading into knockout phases.
What’s at Stake & What’s Next
For Seattle Sounders
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Quarterfinals Ahead: Best-in-group finish means Seattle advances to the knockout rounds and awaits a Liga MX opponent.
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Momentum Builder: The team is unbeaten in nine matches since the FIFA Club World Cup and has found sharp scoring form—22 goals in seven games.
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Next Challenge: They return to regular MLS action with an away match against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, August 10 (7:00 p.m. PT).
For Club Tijuana
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Knockout Dreams Over: With an early exit, Tijuana’s Phase One hopes are dashed despite pockets of strong performances earlier in the tournament .
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Rebuilding Mode: Now, the focus shifts back to Liga MX and regrouping for domestic competition.
Three Takeaways
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Seattle’s Depth Shines Through
With goals coming from De Rosario and Musovski—not core starters—Seattle’s roster depth continues to impress. -
Defense Holds Firm
Containing Tijuana's threat and securing the win even with physical playoff intensity shows the Sounders' disciplined defensive setup. -
Momentum to MLS
Riding high from this win, Seattle heads into a competitive MLS fixture with strong confidence and attacking spark.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s 2–1 win over Club Tijuana tonight wasn’t just another result—it was a powerful statement. They completed the first phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup as the only team with a perfect regulatory record, setting the tone for the knockout rounds. Their stars delivered when needed, their defense stood tall, and they earned key momentum heading into a pivotal stretch of the season.
