Coming off of three straight losses, the Seattle Sounders finally pulled out a win against Real Salt Lake, defeating them 1-0.
The Sounders were outscored 7-1 in the previous two games, losing 4-1 to Chicago and 3-0 to Kansas City. These games were huge blows to a Sounders team that has not looked much like the team that won a championship just a year ago. There is still a lot of the season to be played, but the Sounders currently sit at eighth place in the Western Conference, with a lot of ground to make up.
The win on Saturday was their first in almost a month. It was the type of win that can help salvage a season before it becomes completely lost. They had a similar situation last year, turning around their team after a poor start to win the MLS Cup. They have a record of 3-5-4 and have scored just two goals in the last four games.
Their game against Salt Lake was going as most games have this season for Seattle. They did a good job with possession of the ball, but had nothing to show for it, constantly missing on their shots. They finally broke through when midfielder Harry Shipp knocked in a deflected goal in the 42nd minute that would prove to be the game winner.
“[The goal] was important for us to turn momentum in the locker room,” Shipp told reporters after the game. “I think it’s easy to sulk when things keep going against you and you’re not putting enough chances and everything. So, I think for us, to get three points, even though we didn’t play perfectly, going into this Portland game next week—it’s a big mental lift for us.”
“The 1-0 victory might not seem like a massive step, but I think deep down inside, they’re going to say ‘We’ve got this, now let’s build on this,’” Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said.
A big issue with the team thus far has been the lack of production from Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey, who were supposed to form one of the best attacking pairs in the league.
“[Morris playing well] changes everything,” Sounders right back Brad Evans said. “It allows us to drop balls in behind and turn everybody around. That means they’re running at their goal and so are we. It’s an advantageous position for everybody onourteam.”
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