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Hey all. I come in peace. Looking for anyone who might have an extra 50/50 scarf from the 2024 US Open Cup. I’d love to snag one for my collection.

The winless streak continues, and lots of players are sitting at near zero stock value, but we’re starting to see signs of life and feelings of hope. Let’s get to it.

Stock Up

Dejan Joveljić - Okay last time it was just a theory based on need, but now we can confirm this man’s stock is sky high. It sure didn’t take long for him to score his first goal for the team, knocking one in only 12 minutes into the game. Then he recorded a brace 3 minutes into the second half with a killer strike from the top of the box. Finally, we have someone who has a powerful shot and can shoot from anywhere near the box. I’m hoping we get to see him and Pedro play together sometime, because defenses will be shitting themselves.

Sebastian Gomez - I admit I didn’t feel like he stood out while watching the game, but in retrospect he had a pretty good one overall. Certainly the assist on the first goal goes a long way, but he also recorded 92% passing, 3 chances created, 2/2 dribbles, and 73% ground duels won. He’s not the elite winger we need as a starter, but at 20 years old he still has a lot of growth potential.

Cristian Roldan - Finally! Some minutes played for this crucial piece of the team. The double pivot has been a struggling weak spot, so if we can get him back into the swing of things it will help tremendously. Also, congrats to him and his family on the birth of their child.

Stock Down

You know what? I’m leaving this blank. I don’t think anyone played particularly poorly compared to what we expect of them. A few players had some rough moments, but they all had some equally good ones, so I’m leaving them unchanged.

…and we had a great time. Took my kid and wife to our first ever in person match. My kid loved it when we made a goal and then fireworks and all went off. We took advantage of the Sounders First Full 90 program to get 2 free seats and bought the third. Was shocked at how good the seats were, was expecting nose bleeds.

Appreciate the scarf and even picked up a hat and kit from the pro shop outlet.

Overall fantastic first experience and hope to catch at least one more match this season.

Also can anyone tell me about the green flag with the 3 black arrows pointing down diagonally over in the cheering section?

Am I off base in saying Gomez looks really good and seems to be improving every week? He’s clean on the ball. Dynamic movement. Honestly, felt like he was the better winger yesterday. Paul has a ton of intangibles and hustle, but technically no where near as clean as Gomez. Looking forward to the kid getting more minutes.

Payoff started 12’ into the game

What the f was that Christian band after the game? Super weird. I really feel like the fan experience has deteriorated dramatically the last 2 years. Weird to have a band praising Jesus after. Idk. Maybe I’m overreacting.

Dotson out of position, and Roldan coming up sideline and saving him, thank you captain for being back. Excited for Brunell/Kingston to get to play with him again, going to help them a lot!

The stadium looks full. Imagine that!

I hope lessons were learned in the FO.