Aussies Abroad: Smith’s Seattle advance to MLS Cup Final, Goodwin scores in Saudi Arabia
Craig Goodwin scored in Saudi Arabia, Martin Boyle was named in the Scottish Professional Football League Team of the Weeks, and Brad Smith’s Seattle Sounders are in party mode after they came from behind to beat Minnesota to qualify for the MLS Cup Final.
A resurgent Seattle had cause to celebrate after they came back from 2-0 down to claim a 3-2 win against Minnesota to book their place in the MLS’ showcase event.
Smith was introduced in the 69th minute when his side were still trailing 2-0 before three goals in quick succession throughout the final quarter of an hour saw them reverse the score line.
The all-important victory sees the Sounders secure back-to-back western conference titles as well as a secure a showdown with Columbus Crew in the highly-anticipated MLS Cup Final.
If Seattle come out on top, it will be an incredible second MLS trophy for Smith who was also in the Sounders’ side that took out the championship in 2018.
Heading to Saudi Arabia where Goodwin scored Abha’s second goal in their 3-1 win at Al Fateh.
He was a standout performer for Abha and was named in a Pro League Team of the Week as they registered consecutive victories for the first time this season and jump into 9th place on the ladder.
The Socceroos winger will be hoping for much of the same when he prepares to face off against Mitch Duke and his Al-Taawoun this weekend.
Meanwhile, Martin Boyle was named in the Scottish Professional Football League Team of the Week after scoring in a 3-0 win over Motherwell.
Adam Taggart’s Suwon Bluewings have progressed to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League after they overcame Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama F. Marinos.
Taggart did not travel to Qatar due to injury but his side are one step closer to reaching the final with Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe their next test this Thursday.
Aaron Mooy’s AFC Champions League campaign came to an end as his Shanghai SIPG were outdone 2-0 against Vissel Kobe.
The Socceroos midfielder played the second half for Shanghai as they bowed out against an Andres Iniesta inspired Kobe.