Sometimes, the stars align. You have the most beautiful day of your life followed by the administration of some public justice, and then you get to play a Minnesota sports team in the playoffs. That’s a recipe for greatness, and the Seattle Sounders’ Will Bruin followed it to a T.
On Nov. 23, Bruin and his wife Caitlin had their second baby. The 31-year-old forward was on Seattle’s bench the next day during the Sounders’ Round of 16 triumph over LAFC.
Look at dapper dude ... and @wbruin! pic.twitter.com/De1dW2USL0
— Jeremiah Oshan (@JeremiahOshan) November 25, 2020
Then, on Dec. 5, Bruin chased down a package thief in his Birkenstock sandals.
For what it’s worth, I caught him and got our packages back pic.twitter.com/BtnnamaEwW
— Will Bruin (@wbruin) December 5, 2020
Finally, trailing Minnesota United 2-0 in the 73rd minute of Monday night's Western Conference final, Bruin’s introduction changed the complexion of the game. Two minutes after coming on, the St. Louis native pulled one back for the Sounders.
We get one back with a goal from @wbruin...
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 8, 2020
From there, it was the most epic of Seattle comebacks mixed with the most predictable of Minnesotan sporting implosions. Bruin was amongst the bodies gunning for Nicolás Lodeiro’s 89th-minute corner kick, which eventually found Raúl Ruidíaz totally unmarked at the far post.
THE SCORING MACHINE! @RaulRuidiazM makes it 2-2! #SEAvMIN | #WiredTogether pic.twitter.com/8PJuGVq3Xj
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 8, 2020
And then — perhaps most importantly — Bruin provided the squeal that was picked up by pitch-side microphones on Gustav Svensson’s 93rd-minute equalizer. It adds a legendary element to an unforgettable moment. (Author’s note: Thanks for the defensive effort, Kei Kamara. Maybe bring on José Aja or Brent Kallman? God dammit.)
WHAT A GOAL! WHAT A MOMENT!
THE GUSTAV GAME-WINNER! pic.twitter.com/cKBCm2McV8— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 8, 2020
Seattle plays the Columbus Crew in MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
