The Sounders stumbled and stopped their climb up the table

The difference in the games was execution. The Sounders had few chances against the Revolution, but scored 3 goals. On Wednesday they had more chances, but came up empty. The goal they gave up was on a great shot, that more often than not doesn’t go in, but the table only cares who won.

The Sounders outplayed Dallas, but were unable to score regardless of the better chances in the game. According to Brian Schmezter, the sloppy play in the back conceded some early chances for the team from Texas, and when combined with missed opportunities, made for a tough game.

Albert Rusnák attributed the loss to things not going their way. If they had a luckier bounce here or there the result would have been more positive.

Added to the disappointment of dropping points, fan favorite Nouhou Tolo broke his hand, and it is uncertain if he will be able to play this weekend. Dejan Joveljić failed to score on multiple opportunities that were better chances than some of his goals for the Sounders, dropping his average to less than a goal per game. It is foolish to think that he could sustain that production, but he still provides hope in a more efficient scorer which the Sounders have needed since the departure of Raúl Ruidíaz.

With 5 games left, each game is important. The Sounders loss has them 2 points above the Galaxy and 3 points above the Rapids. They are now 4 points behind LAFC, so their chances of advancement up the table has lessened, but if they close out the season in good form, they may move up a spot or two. The bigger danger is that failing to earn more points could see them drop back down the table.

Every team they play has a reason to want to win. While Montréal is on the bottom of the Eastern Conference, it may be a matter of pride to avoid being the worst team in the league. Their next game is at San Diego and they have an outside shot at making the playoffs if they can pick up some wins during the final stretch.

The last 3 games of the season are against teams that are higher in the table than the Sounders including a game against the Division leaders at Vancouver. The Sounders will have to knock out the games against the easier teams to avoid having to beat good teams in order to lock up a playoff spot. The Rave Green’s recent run of form suggests they will be in the playoffs again this year and their form should cause whomever they play to proceed with caution if they wish to advance beyond the veteran squad playing at its best at the end of the year.

So it is once again that time in the season, when fans are locked in, tension is running high, and an entire fanbase try to will their team to advance. Will this be a year for another title, or a conclusion to an injury plagued season. So get your superstitions ready, prepare your snacks, and enjoy the raised excitement of a title run as the best part of the season unfolds before us.

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