Can a languid Sounders attack come to life against a stout RSL side that’s only conceded five goals in their last six games?
By Toby Dunkelberg
It’s been a frustrating season for the Rave Green. They had a commanding lead of the table in June, only to watch it wither away as they lost eight of nine over the doldrums of summer. And yet, the Sounders are still poised to enter the playoffs. Win and they’re in. Tie and as long SKC and San Jose don’t both win, Seattle’s still in the playoffs. Even if the Sounders do lose there’s a chance they still progress to the post-season as regardless of today’s result at CenturyLink Field, a SKC or San Jose loss ensures Seattle’s through to the playoffs.
But for a team with the talent and pedigree of the Sounders you expect more. It’s a testament to their front office and coaching staff that Seattle’s made the playoffs every year, and yet, here we sit, with a sole 90 minute match set to decide whether that streak ends.
How did Seattle put themselves in this position? Let’s get this clear, the only reason Seattle even has a chance of getting into the playoff since the end of August they’ve got the second best record in the Western Conference. They’ve gone on a remarkable run of form to get here, but that form’s stalled in recent weeks. Three uninspiring 1-1 draws to SKC, LA, and Houston have netted them a dismal three points, only Vancouver, with two points, has done worse over the same time span. And over the last five matches they’ve gotten the exact same number of point (9) as their opponent today, Real Salt Lake.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go for the Sounders and Sigi Schmid. With the return of Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, and Chad Marshall, as well as four big additions over the summer were suppose to catapult Seattle into MLS Cup contention. But even with all the new stars, Seattle’s struggled to score goals. With 41 goals on the season the Sounders stand tied with the Philadelphia Union for 14th in MLS. Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins haven’t been able to rekindle that goal scoring flame that served Seattle so well in last years Supporters Shield winning campaign.
With the goals drying up it’s been an MLS leading defense that’s propelled Seattle to their current position. That stat is a huge testament to Stefan Frei’s development as a goal keeper and the effectiveness of Tyron Mears at right back. But if the Sounders are to advance far in the MLS Cup playoffs they can’t rely solely on a resolute backline. They’ll need goals eventually and for that they need Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey to play well, and they’ll get no better shot than at home against a weak Real Salt Lake Side. The Sounders as a whole need to show something if they’re to convince the fans in attendance that there’s a real shot at post season silverware. At the very least it’s a challenge that the Sounders and Captain Brad Evans seem up for as he told ProstAmerika’s John Zielonka after practice on Thursday,
“The home finale for the regular season, generally speaking guys are leaving it al on the line for this game and I think it goes without saying that this is now our last chance to get into the playoffs. We’re battleing that red line like we have for a couple months now even though we’ve gone undefeated in seven or eight we’re still battling to get into the playoffs. So it’s pretty crazy but it makes for an exciting weekend and I know the guys will be up for it. ” (For the rest of the interview click here)
Sure the Sounders can limp into the playoffs with a draw, it’s even likely that they advance even if they lose as a San Jose loss to FC Dallas wouldn’t be that surprising. But this is a Sounders side that’s lost it’s swagger. They’ve forgotten how to play like the best team in MLS despite the fact that on paper they’re just as talented as anyone else. Against RSL in front of a full stadium I think they’ll once again find that form and walk into the playoffs knowing that they’ve got what it takes to go far, and for that reason alone, the Sounders will win tonight.
MATCH PREDICTION
Seattle Sounders 2 – Real Salt Lake 0
Sounders FC
Real Salt Lake
