Tied with the Timbers, the Sounders jump 3 spots in the standings

They did just that. With two assists by Paul Arriola and some long-range sniper shots from outside the box, Danny Musovski scored the game-winner, while Albert Rusnák sealed the deal. Musovski dedicated his goal to his newborn baby girl, who was born 6 days ago, and Rusnák scored one of his signature goals to the relief of the Sounders fans who have long awaited the joy and jubilation that comes with winning.

Musovski has scored most of his goals for the Sounders with a flick or redirect to knock-in passes while charging the goal, but for this game, he scored from a shot from distance. Rusnák has developed a move where he drifts left, cuts it back and as his defender lunges to block the shot, Rusnák nutmegs the defender, which in turn screens the goalkeeper, who is likely to be too slow to react when the shot is on frame.

There are other players who do the same move, but with that degree of difficulty, those players are generally the top players in the world, and that is just one move in their toolbelt. For Rusnák, who has been the most consistent player this season for Seattle, it demonstrates his skill and intentions as a player who is not focused on his own scoring.

With the win, the Sounders have jumped up in the standings and are now tied with the Timbers for the last playoff spot. The Sounders have one more game left on the schedule than most of the teams vying for a postseason spot.

Jackson Ragen and Christian Roldan started the game together for the first time since May. While that was not the only factor that came into play, according to Brian Schmetzer, it seemed like a more confident defensive unit. Yéimar was on the bench for the first time since he was injured but did not see any minutes, and is expected to be available this weekend as the Sounders host Minnesota.

Minnesota is in a similar position to Seattle as both teams are scrambling to earn points in the standings so they can extend their seasons. Minnesota is currently three points behind the Sounders. A Sounders win would work to solidify their spot in the playoffs with nine games left.

There are two other games to be mindful of this weekend, because their results could affect the Sounders' bid for the playoffs. Both the Galaxy and the Rapids are ahead of the Sounders at the moment, and San Jose and Portland will also factor into the teams vying for the last playoff spot.

A concern entering the game for the Sounders was where the goals would come from. The Sounders lost Paul Rothrock, their leading scorer this year to an injury and their new acquisition, Dejan Joveljić, was called up to play for his national team and would miss the game and the next two after that.
Joveljić has scored three goals in three games since joining the team recently.

With the losing streak and winless streak behind them, what has become apparent for the gold-standard-bearing MLS team is their reliance on the Defiance. Their minor league team has kept a steady stream of healthy players on the roster for the Sounders. With all of the injuries suffered by the key players for the Rave Green, these youngsters have had to compete at a higher level than they are used to, and for some of them possibly before they were ready for it.

Regardless, the players who have earned time with the big club have gained valuable experience that will improve the overall play for the whole organization and will better serve the Sounders if they are needed for some unforeseen reason in the postseason as well as increasing their worth if they are traded or loaned out.

Add us as a preferred source on Google