Sounders beat Atlanta on goals from Ruidiaz, Shipp (video)

The game in 200 words (or less): While Los Angeles FC runs away with the 2019 Supporters’ Shield, the Seattle Sounders can call themselves the “best of the rest” of MLS… for now, at least. Sunday’s 2-1 victory over defending champions Atlanta United sent Brian Schmetzer’s side (35 points) into second place in the Western Conference as well as the single-table Shield race. LAFC, however, remain 11 points clear. Atlanta, meanwhile, remain third in the Eastern Conference, still six points back of first-place Philadelphia Union. Raul Ruidiaz and Harry Shipp grabbed Seattle’s goals on Sunday, sandwiching a Josef Martinez equalizer, all occurring during a 13-minute explosion of action. The Sounders have now won three of their last four games, while Atlanta have just one win from their last five (three losses).

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Three moments that mattered

58′ — Ruidiaz makes magic all by himself — There aren’t many players in MLS who could create this chance, let alone maintain their composure to put it away after the slaloming and the flicks.

A moment of individual brilliance from @RaulRuidiazM! 😍😍 #SEAvATL pic.twitter.com/K5fiuC5gVB

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 14, 2019

65′ — Josef’s thunderous header levels it up — Martinez scores goals in so many different ways, including with his head despite being just 5-foot-6.

Put it in the air.
Let the 👑 feast.

LETHAL header from @JosefMartinez17! pic.twitter.com/QChkqb8LH4

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 14, 2019

71′ — Shipp places a header of his own to make it 2-1 — While Martinez’s header was powered into the back of the net, Shipp’s was precisely placed off the (intentional) bounce to avoid a sea of outstretched legs.

"There's the chance, there's the goal!"

Go on, @championShipp11 👏👏👏

SEA 2 | ATL 1 #SEAvATL pic.twitter.com/SC5YApDIwa

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 14, 2019

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Man of the match: Raul Ruidiaz

Goalscorers: Ruidiaz (58′), Martinez (65′), Shipp (71′)

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