Raul Ruidiaz has taken to MLS quicker than any other striker in Seattle Sounders folklore.
In his first 14 games with the Sounders, Ruidiaz has scored 10 goals. Those goals have helped lead another second-half surge for the team, including a brace on Decision Day presented by AT&T to resurrect a comeback win and a first-round playoff bye.
Those 10 goals are more than any other player through their first 14 games with the club, quicker than Fredy Montero, Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.
| Season | Player | Goals/first 14 games |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Raul Ruidiaz | 10 |
| 2009 | Fredy Montero | 9 |
| 2013-14 | Clint Dempsey | 7 |
| 2013 | Obafemi Martins | 7 |
Ruidiaz, 28, signed for the Sounders in the summer from Liga MX side Morelia after featuring in the 2018 World Cup with Peru. He was the top scorer in Liga MX with Morelia twice in four seasons, scoring 39 goals in 68 matches with the Mexican club. Prior to his time in Mexico, Ruidiaz had stints in Brazil, Chile and his native Peru.
When he signed, the team had scored a league-low 11 goals and sat 11 points below the playoff line. Now, thanks to Ruidiaz's Decision Day heroics, the team climbed to second place in the conference and earned a Knockout Round bye. Ruidiaz and the Sounders will next be in action on Nov. 4 for the Conference Semifinals.
