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Inconsistent Sounders Aim to Disrupt Streaking Real Salt Lake
The Seattle Sounders will seek a second consecutive win as they host a Real Salt Lake side on an 11-match unbeaten run on Wednesday night.
Seattle Sounders (4-6-5, 17 points) have struggled to find consistency this season, failing to string together back-to-back wins. Coach Brian Schmetzer’s squad, laden with veteran players, has been coping with a lengthy injury list early in the season.
Interestingly, the Sounders have found it harder to earn points at home, with three of their four victories coming on the road. Their latest triumph, a 2-1 win over St. Louis City on Saturday night, came courtesy of an own goal and a breakaway strike from Jordan Morris. This win moved Seattle above the playoff line into ninth place in the Western Conference. Despite the victory, Schmetzer noted some unevenness in their performance.
“We knew the position we were in in the standings,” Schmetzer remarked. “To me, it’s more important that the team starts to play a little better. Our performances have gotten a little better, there are still some dips and we’re not as consistent as we’d like to be, but scoring two goals on the road gives you a good chance of winning.”
The Sounders face uncertainty regarding prized offseason addition Pedro de la Vega, who did not dress against St. Louis due to hamstring trouble. His availability for Wednesday’s match remains questionable.
Real Salt Lake (8-2-5, 29 points) extended their unbeaten streak by rallying from a three-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw at FC Dallas on Saturday. Anderson Julio, scoring his third goal of the season and second in as many matches, also assisted Nelson Palacio’s equalizer deep in second-half stoppage time. Julio and Palacio were among five second-half substitutes deployed by Real Salt Lake between the 62nd and 70th minutes, helping to turn the match around.
“I’m just really proud of the way that the guys that came in got after the ball,” Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “The last thing you want when you’re trying to chase a game is guys that aren’t getting pressure on the ball and basically ceding a lot of space. What they did was keep our lines extremely high, and the guys in the back did a great job as well.”
This draw marked the second consecutive match where Real Salt Lake overcame a multiple-goal deficit, following a 5-3 home victory over the Colorado Rapids on May 18 after trailing by two goals.
The upcoming match against Seattle presents a significant test for both teams. For Seattle, it’s an opportunity to build on their latest win and address their inconsistency. For Real Salt Lake, maintaining their unbeaten run is crucial to solidifying their position in the standings.
The tactical insights from both coaches suggest a dynamic and unpredictable game. Seattle’s home struggles and RSL’s remarkable resilience set the stage for an exciting clash.
Key Players and Tactical Insights
Pedro de la Vega’s injury status adds a layer of complexity for Seattle. His potential absence could impact their attacking options and overall strategy. On the other hand, Anderson Julio’s recent form for RSL underscores the depth and effectiveness of their squad.
Coach Schmetzer will need to find a way to inspire consistent performances from his team, especially at home, while Mastroeni’s focus will likely be on maintaining the high-pressure, resilient play that has defined RSL’s unbeaten run.
Conclusion
This match promises to be a compelling battle between a Seattle team striving for consistency and a Real Salt Lake side looking to extend their unbeaten streak. With both teams bringing different strengths and challenges to the pitch, fans can expect a thrilling encounter.
