"LAFC's Hugo Lloris Shines as Short-Handed Sounders Fall in MLS Opener"

Seattle Sounders faced a challenge replacing injured player Albert Rusnák in their regular-season opener, leading coach Brian Schmetzer to make tactical adjustments, including bringing in Raúl Ruidíaz and shifting to a 4-4-2 formation. Despite a 2-1 loss to LAFC, Ruidíaz performed reasonably well in his new role, while the team coped with other injuries and absences. Schmetzer expressed frustration with the result but was generally satisfied with the team's adherence to their playing principles, acknowledging that there are still issues to work through early in the season.