Guadalajara Chivas came from behind to beat Seattle Sounders 2-1 in the Group Stage of the Cup of the League at Lumen Field on Wednesday evening. The visitors took control after Sandnes opened the scoring, with Luis Gabriel Rey's two goals in quick succession turning the tie on its head. The result leaves both sides still searching for consistency in what has been an uneven group so far.
Sandnes caught Seattle's defence sleeping and tapped home in the thirteenth minute, a moment that would have had the home crowd leaning forward. But the match shifted by then, and Guadalajara began to string passes together. The hosts struggled to find their rhythm against a side that pressed higher and looked sharper in the final third.
Rey struck in the sixtieth minute and added another a minute later, and suddenly the visitors were in the driver's seat. The home side tried to respond but found themselves chasing shadows. By then the momentum had swung completely, and Seattle were left picking themselves up after a double blow.
The second half brought more drama with Sandoval finding the net in the seventy-first minute, followed by another goal a minute later that sealed the victory. Substitutions were made on both sides as the game opened up, with Seattle turning to their bench in search of something. The visitors saw it out without too much fuss, keeping their composure when the home side pushed forward.
The statistics tell a familiar story. Guadalajara held 74 per cent possession and launched 122 attacks compared to Seattle's 70. The hosts made 41 clearances against 23 for the visitors, suggesting they spent more time under pressure. Shots accuracy was 20 per cent for Seattle against 44 per cent for Guadalajara, and the difference in quality of chances was clear.
The away win puts Guadalajara in a stronger position in the group, while Seattle now face a steeper climb. Both teams have shown flashes of promise and vulnerability in equal measure this season. The group stage is still wide open, and there is plenty of football left to play.