Sounders FC looking for a fast start against Real Salt Lake

With just ten games left in the regular season, the Seattle Sounders are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history.  After winning the CONCACAF Champions League Trophy the Sounders have been the most inconsistent team in MLS.  Injuries have been part of the issue and lack of discipline has been the other.  Last week’s loss to Atlanta United was a microcosm of the Sounders season. Fall behind, tie the game then allow a late goal to lose the match in a heartbreaking fashion.

FAST START

If the Sounders are to jump-start their season and make a late-season run that could end in another MLS  Champions Trophy they will need a  fast start against Real Salt Lake.

This marks the 32nd time these two teams have faced off in the regular season, with Seattle trailing the series 12-14-5.

 The squads have also played each other six times in the postseason,
with Seattle leading that series 3-1-2. However, RSL defeated the Rave
Green on penalties in the first round of the playoffs last season after
120 minutes of scoreless action.

 The two sides met earlier this year on March 5 at Rio Tinto Stadium, with Real Salt Lake playing to a 1-0 victory, scoring its goal early in the second half after a weather delay.

The regular season series has been a true testament to home-field
advantage, with Seattle 11-3-2 record with 25 goals scored at Lumen Field against RSL, and just a 1-11-3 mark at Rio Tinto Stadium, scoring nine goals.

• Following Sunday’s matchup, Seattle travels to Los Angeles for a
matchup against the Galaxy on Friday, August 19 (7:00 p.m. PT /
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM).

MLS REGULAR SEASON WEEK 25 Kickoff:

 Sunday, August 14 | 7:00 p.m. PT
Location: Lumen Field | Seattle, WA
Referee: Tim Ford

Assistant Referees: Chris Wattam, Brian Poeschel
4th Official: Michael Radchuck
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
Assistant VAR: Nick Uranga

SOUNDERS

MLS Record 10-12-2
Last Five Games 2-3-0
Goal Differential +2 (31/29)
Leading Scorer Morris (6)
Leading Assists Lodeiro (6)

REAL SALT LAKE

MLS Record 9-8-7
Last Five Games 1-3-1
Goal Differential -2 (31/33)
Leading Scorer Two Tied (5)
Leading Assists Meram (7)