The Seattle Sounders stayed busy on their bye week, hosting Mexican club Necaxa in front of yet another big crowd at CenturyLink Field on Saturday night, a festive occasion that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Alvaro Fernandez appeared to have won it for the Sounders – who fielded a reserve-heavy lineup and have a bevy of players out on international duty – when he finished Harry Shipp’s service in the 83rd minute.
But Jesus Isijara crossed to substitute Alejando Diaz to conjure up an injury-time equalizer for Necaxa, who currently sit fourth from bottom in the Liga MX standings, in front of 38,045 spectators at C-Link.
The defending MLS Cup champions return to league play in front of a national-television audience on Friday night, when they’ll host Eastern Conference pacesetters Atlanta United (10 pm ET| FS1 in US, MLS LIVE in Canada).
Lineups
Seattle Sounders FC: Tyler Miller; Jordy Delem (Brian Nana-Sinkam - 78'), Gustav Svensson, Tony Alfaro, Nouhou; Cristian Roldan - captain, Zach Mathers (Seyi Adekoya - 67'), Henry Wingo, Harry Shipp, Alvaro Fernandez; Will Bruin
Club Necaxa: Marcelo Barovero (Yosgart Gutiérrez - 45'); Xavier Baéz, Nicolás Maturana (Alejandro Díaz - 67'), Diego Riolfo (Jesús Isijara - 45') Jorge Sánchez; Manuel Iturra (Michel García - 62'), Félipe Gallegos, Maximiliano Barreiro (Jairo González - 82'), Jonas Aguirre, Mario De Luna - captain; Diego Hernández
