FULL-TIME: The Sounders got their season started on the right foot, securing a 3-1 road win over Antigua on Wednesday. They got goals from Paul Arriola, Pedro de la Vega and Albert Rusnák. They’ll look to secure advancement next Wednesday at home.
ANTIGUA 1, SOUNDERS 3: Albert Rusnák put the final touches on the win, putting away a feed from Georgi Minoungou in the final moments of the match. Obed Vargas started the attack when he picked off a pass from the goalkeeper and push it ahead to Minoungou.
Very satisfying way to put a bow on it.
— Sounder at Heart (@sounderatheart.com) February 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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ANTIGUA 1, SOUNDERS 2: Pedro de la Vega rebounded from a tough first half to put the Sounders back ahead with a wonderful strike from about 25 yards out. Although it took a deflection, it appeared to be on frame regardless.
You just love to see it.
— Sounder at Heart (@sounderatheart.com) February 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
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ANTIGUA 1, SOUNDERS 1: Oscar Santis equalized in the 24th minute after the Sounders got caught up field off a throw-in.
ANTIGUA 0, SOUNDERS 1: Paul Arriola wasted no time opening his Sounders account, scoring a goal in the 3rd minute to give his new team an early lead. Arriola’s shot took a deflection but it came off some nice pressing and a good cross from Jesús Ferreira.
— Sounder at Heart (@sounderatheart.com) February 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
LINEUPS: The Sounders will use the same lineup they used in their preseason finale, with Jesús Ferreira and Pedro de la Vega sitting beneath Jordan Morris in the attack. Albert Rusnák was deemed healthy enough to make the bench, but will not start.
The 2025 season officially kicks off tonight when the Seattle Sounders visit Guatemala’s Antigua GFC at 5 PM PT. This will be the eighth time the Sounders have competed in Concacaf’s premier club competition and it marks the 10th time they’ve faced an opponent from Central America, but the first time they’ve faced Antigua.
This marks the second time Antigua have qualified for this tournament, but the first time in nearly a decade. They got here by making it to the Central American Cup semis, beating Costa Rican power Herediano in the quarterfinals to punch their ticket.
During the current Apertura tournament, Antigua are in second through eight matches. They are powered by an offense which has a league-best 18 goals. In their last league game, they won 6-0.
The Sounders are coming off a preseason in which they outscored their opponents 19-7 over the course of about 600 minutes. Among the top players was Pedro de la Vega, who led all scorers with four goals in four games.
Notes
- Although neither player chose to represent the country internationally, Cristian (United States) and Alex Roldan (El Salvador) are both of Guatemalan descent through their father, who immigrated to the United States from the Central American country.
- The Sounders have an all-time record of 20-16-10 in Concacaf Champions Cup/League.
- Of the 14 players who played for the Sounders in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League final, nine remain with the team.
- The Sounders are the 12th ranked team in Concacaf, while Antigua is 55th.
Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension
Seattle
QUESTIONABLE: Albert Rusnák (quadricep)
OUT: Reed Baker-Whiting (hamstring)
Recent form
Sounders: N/A
Antigua (3-1-1): WWLWD
Officials
REF: Katia Itzel García (Mexico)
How to Watch
Match date/kickoff time: Wednesday, 5 PM PT
Venue: Estadio Pensativo, Antigua, Guatemala
Streaming English: FoxSports.com
Streaming Spanish: Vix+ (paid), YouTube (free)
English TV: Fox Soccer Plus
Lineups
Highlights will be posted as the match progresses.
This is Seattle Sounders at Antigua; watch with us
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