The Sounders have not tasted victory in four weeks. Before their 4-0 drumming by the Galaxy at home, the sounders were just over .500 and were still in the thick of the battle for second place in the MLS’ Western Conference.
The New York Red Bulls, who defeated Seattle 1-0 during Week 2, play host to the Sounders today at 4:30 p.m. on Kong 16, 97.3 FM and 1210 AM. The two teams are both coming off 4-0 losses, although the Red Bulls were handed their loss courtesy of San Jose, traditionally one of the league’s worst teams.
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While both clubs played horrifically last week, the two teams are as far apart as their respective cross-town neighbors, the Yankees and Mariners. Sounders FC (2-2-3) is currently last in the West; the Red Bulls (5-2) are sitting atop of the East. New York has made many improvements this year and have already matched their win total from 2009.
Seattle may have an easier time choosing which players to field as many of their injured players are healing up nicely. The team expects to have Nate Jaqua and Pat Noonan ready for today’s lineup, but do not be surprised if they do not play, just to err on the safe side. Jaqua is coming off an abdominal surgery and the team will most likely let him suit up, but will keep him off the field, just to be certain he has as much time as possible to heal.
In the last meeting at Qwest Field Seattle had 17 shots and a team-record 12 corner kicks despite losing. This bodes well for a team struggling on both sides of the ball, showing that despite the inability to finish; at least the Sounders are creating chances to score. Perhaps some of the luck that has benefitted Seattle’s opponents in the last month will swing and favor the Rave Green, allowing them to claw their way back into relevance in the West.
Reach Galen Helmgren at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
