Sounders continue to flail offensively in 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – For the seventh time in their last ten attempts, the Sounders have lost. Seattle fell to Real Salt Lake in their August 14th matchup by a score of 2-1, dropping the Sounders back out of playoff seeding. Time continues to run out for Seattle, who continue to flail and lack any sort of legitimate consistency. The Sounders now have nine matches left to find their way to the postseason, as their playoff streak is in jeopardy.
Raul Ruidiaz had a goal early, but replay review found an offsides that had not been called, overturning the goal (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sounders Twitter)
Defensive mistakes remain
Once again, this season, the Sounders had defensives lapses that would hinder the club's ability to secure three points. Looking at Seattle’s last three losses (tonight, Atlanta, and LAFC) all saw goals that would normally not be allowed by the Sounders. Seattle's backline has not improved from these mental mistakes as the season has progressed. A defense that led all of MLS last season in several key categories and was generally regarded as one of the best, has not seen near that success this season.
Whether it has been leaving men unmarked, miscommunication, or just not being able to clear balls, the fall off by the Seattle defensive unit is greatly concerning. The Sounders defense was mainly what made their 2021 club so great, keeping them in matches through injuries and national team appearances. Taking that into consideration, the clubs attack has not done it’s defense any favors.
Midfielder Danny Leyva played well in the match, and head coach Brian Schmetzer said he may have earned more starting time (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sounders Twitter)
Offense continues to fail to convert chances
The Sounders offense has been flopping, and have failed to score more than two goals in a match since June 25th. Coach Schmetzer himself said post-match that the club “has to figure out a way to score more than one goal a game.” Even with Raul Ruidiaz back and the rest of the main attack healthy, the Sounders simply cannot put away their chances. Since the loss of Joao Paulo to injury in the Concacaf Champions League Final, it is hard not to wonder what this season would be likely had the MVP finalist been able to remain healthy.
Looking at the statistics, Seattle dominated multiple key statistics such as expected goals, shots, passing, except for a key one: big chances created. The Sounders nearly doubled their opponents in passes completed and total shots, tripled passes in the opponent half, and really truly had nothing to show for it outside of Albert Rusnak’s goal. Only one of the Seattle shots that was not Rusnak’s goal had an expected goal in double digits. Seeing the lack of any real production from this club is frustrating, and that frustration seemingly grows each match.
Midfielder Albert Rusnak had the only goal for Seattle (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sounders Twitter)
Is Seattle’s playoff streak in jeopardy?
Simply put? Yes, very much so. The Sounders have now lost five games at home in the MLS regular season, which is a far cry from the Seattle teams of old. Lumen Field used to be considered a fortress, and the club has failed to establish that presence this season, and in a way that has stretched from the last few seasons as well.
In order to continue their postseason streak that has run since the clubs MLS iteration, Seattle needs to look itself in the mirror AND actually correct its issues. The mission of righting the ship and getting back to the playoffs is on the entirety of the club, and the message from head coach Brian Schmetzer was clear.
“Message is that you have to win home games. This was a critical moment where we could have pushed ourselves into a good position. We have to figure out how to score goals,” Schmetzer said.
What’s Next?
The Sounders continue their quest to right their ship when they travel to California to take on the LA Galaxy. Kickoff at Dignity Health Sports Park is at 7PM PST on August 19th. Seattle battles the team that currently sits at sixth in the Western Conference, and each point matters. With a win, the Sounders could leap up to the sixth spot in the standings.