SEATTLE — The Seattle Sounders’ return match against Motagua Thursday might have started out with some nervous energy on behalf of the home team. It’s been noted —perhaps ad nauseum at this point — the Sounders premature exit in the 2020 version of the tournament was a bitter disappointment given the team was coming off their second MLS title with a team that was mostly intact, at least at the top of the roster. And a mostly dour 0-0 draw in the away leg of the opening round didn’t do much to brighten spirits.
So after 30 minutes with no score for the home side and Motagua with the clear best chance of the match, fans could have been forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu.