SEATTLE — There are all sorts of reasons the Seattle Sounders have struggled to get results over the past few months. But all of those excuses were absent when they lined up against Atlanta United at home for a nationally televised match on Sunday. They went a long way to easing any concerns with a 2-1 win over an admittedly hobbling opponent that was more convincing than the result suggested.

Key moments

• The Sounders probably should have opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Kim Kee-hee got an open look at the back post, but sent his shot over the crossbar while falling back.