The 49th minute of Wednesday night’s match against St. Louis CITY SC was a picture-perfect moment for Jonathan Bell as he scored his first goal in Rave Green.
“It's a great feeling to score, especially my first one with the club,” said Bell.
Albert Rusnák delivered a beautiful free kick toward the far post, and Bell perfectly timed his headed effort back across the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
“It’s just stuff we took from the training ground to the field, aiming at the back post and getting your head onto it,” said Bell. “And Albert’s been consistent with placing the ball in the right spots for us to get to, so credit to his skill.”
After a back-and-forth first half, Bell put the Sounders firmly in control with his goal just four minutes into the second half.
“It was a timely goal, because we wanted to come out in the second half on the front foot and play a little better and he delivered,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “So kudos to him.”
His goal was even more memorable given it was against his previous club.
“Obviously you go in every game with the focus of you want to win, but it's bittersweet to get that goal against a former team that I used to play for,” said Bell.
The Maryland native was given the chance to start on Wednesday night in the midst of a three-match week, and he took full advantage of it.
“It's not the first time that I’ve sat on the bench for a little bit and have to wait for my opportunity,” said Bell. “And when your opportunity comes, you just have to take it and run with it.”
Just his fifth start with the Rave Green, the center back was impactful on both sides of the pitch. Along with his goal, Bell recorded two interceptions, eight recoveries and four duels won, supporting the team to its eighth shutout of the season.
“[He’s] a guy who was let go by St. Louis and filled in huge shoes of Yeimar who got to rest today and then did exceptionally well,” said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “That's confidence for the squad when you see that.”
Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over St. Louis puts the team at seven consecutive games unbeaten in MLS play, including five straight wins at Lumen Field. Bell and the Sounders will look to lengthen that streak even further as they prepare to face Western Conference rivals LAFC this weekend at Lumen Field.
“This is a massive [upcoming] game for us,” said Schmetzer. “We've only lost twice in 18 games all-comps and that's pretty darn good if you ask me.”
“I’m excited for it.”
