The Seattle Sounders eased past Orlando City on Wednesday night with a 2-1 victory, Raul Rudiaz scoring on his return from injury. Here are three things we learned.

The Seattle Sounders continued their quiet assault on the Los Angeles dominance of the Western Conference on Wednesday night, dispatching with a much-changed Orlando City 2-1 at home.

Raul Ruidiaz scored upon return from injury, his first goal in two months for the Sounders, before substitute Handwalla Bwana wrapped up the win, converting a wicked Nicolas Lodeiro cross. Chris Mueller pulled one back with an excellent dribble and strike from the edge of the area, but it was too little too late for an oft-lost Orlando.

Here are three things we learned from the 2-1 win for Seattle.

3. Brad Smith is a beast

It is difficult to impact a game from full-back in a massively positive manner. Although a weakness at the position can be gravely exploited by the opposition, you have to be a special player to hugely affect the game from the position. But on Wednesday night, the whole match ran through left-back Brad Smith, who was absolutely phenomenal.

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He assisted the first goal with a lovely one-two and cross, bursting to the by-line and whipping a low ball across the six-yard box for Raul Ruidiaz to tap in. He was consistent in defence, with two successful tackles and three clearances. And also played a key role in the second goal, his movement off the ball pulling a defender away from Nicolas Lodeiro, who then had the space and time to pick out the required delivery.

Smith has been a revelation for Seattle, roaming up and down the left flank with great athleticism and quality — he made 14 successful passes in the final third, which is sensational for a full-back. His loan from Bournemouth will end in June and his future is still up in the air, but based on his recent performances, the Sounders will be keen to keep him around if possible.