Matthew Martinez

Make up whatever cup or trophy you want, sounders are hosting it

Oof. Today is definitely a no social media day.

My daughter won an art contest to decorate a utility box here in a University Place. We had no idea she won until today. We were at a red light and she pointed and yelled out “that’s my art!”

Bar Rosa is such a wonderful gem in Tacoma. Absolutely outstanding pizza. The baked brie with the apple compote they are serving right now is lights out.

I’ve been so busy traveling across Washington since October and I have loved the experiences and challenges of working in the non-unified trial courts across the state.

I finally get a chance to breathe with this next week off before hitting the road again in a few weeks.

The Cougar Gold lobster Mac and cheese at Birch & Barley is incredible

Birch & Barley in Pullman is top notch.

I also really enjoyed Fonks Coffee House in Colfax. Wonderful little coffee shop with an interesting history.

All packed up and ready for a week in Pullman. Should be the last work trip for a few months, definitely the last one of the year.

I made sure to save plenty of room for some cougar gold.

I’m all but certain Chappell Roan is going to end up on my Spotify wrapped. Question is, how high up on the list?

Going to my 4th show in three weeks tonight,

Senses Fail (20th anniversary of Let it Enfold You) and Saves the Day (25th anniversary of Through Being Cool).

The past three weeks have been a blast from the past. Feels like I’m getting to see all the bands I missed in high school.

I am straight up not having a good time right now

Had full control for 85 minutes. This one slipped away and it stings.

Plenty of time left

Frei got a hand on it. Alex is gonna wish he had that one back. Unfortunate touch

Tough

Morris all the way back playing defense is a testament to sounders playoff experience. This squad knows what needs to be done.

It’s Ruidiaz time

Wouldn’t be mad with Leyva

Big fan of black boots.Just one of many reasons to love JP

Didn’t think JP would be subbed in for Rusnak but here we are. Minoungo poised to do something great tonight

This type of sequence was what the Sounders had in mind when they spent almost $8m on Pedro de la Vega this winter. It's taken him a while to get healthy and adapt to MLS, but flashes like this get me really excited for 2025.

💯

Minoungou has been the star of the second half. Left side has been dangerous

I’m feeling like JP is the move.

Taylor brings up a great point. Not quite sure what sub would fit this game right now. Feel like Cristian needs some rest.

Still a little too early to worry about that for now.

Great build up from the sounders. Really great stuff to see to start the half

Not mad with the first half. It’s almost exactly what I expected. Rusnak had a great look at goal. A set piece goal could be the difference

Rusnak! What a shot. So close

I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous about today’s match. I’m confident about our defensive ability but I think we are going to need more than one goal to get the win today.

No matter what happens it’s good to see the Sounders in the western conference finals again.

Happy Sounders Matchday everyone.