Sounders' Win Streak Dies in Kansas City, and a Cristian Roldan Mistake Is Why

The Sounders dominated. They had 61% possession. They took 27 shots. They should have won. Instead, they're walking out of Kansas City with a 1-1 draw on Saturday and a three-match win streak snapped, all because Cristian Roldan badly mis-hit a backpass that turned into a gift-wrapped goal.

Paul Rothrock got Seattle in front early, putting one past Stefan Cleveland just two minutes in. The Sounders were playing clean soccer, moving the ball, doing everything right. Then came the moment that defines this draw: Roldan, the American World Cup hopeful, tried to play the ball back to his keeper and completely botched it. Dejan Joveljic was there in a flash, and boom, 1-1 in the 18th minute. That unforced error cost the visitors a win they had earned.

Seattle Had Chances. Lots of Them.

After Joveljic leveled things, both teams pushed for the winner, but the Sounders absolutely should have found it given how much of the match they controlled. Danny Musovski flashed a dangerous header over the goal in the 57th minute. Paul Arriola had a strike from a dangerous left-side position blocked accidentally by teammate Albert Rusnak in the 65th. The Sounders created the better chances. They just couldn't finish.

Kansas City's goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made a double save in the 70th minute off Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Musovski to keep it level. On the other end, Andrew Thomas stood tall when he had to, stopping Joveljic in the 82nd and Taylor Calheira on a spinning effort inside the box in the 85th.

The Bigger Picture

For Kansas City (1-7-2, 5 points), this draw snaps a six-match losing streak. They haven't won much lately, winning only twice in their last 23 MLS matches dating back to last July. This feels like survival.

For Seattle (6-1-2, 20 points), the draw extends their unbeaten run to seven matches, but that three-match win streak they were riding is done. One sloppy pass, one moment of carelessness in the back, and the Sounders leave with a point instead of three. That's the margin between dominant and frustrated in MLS.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.