Not every game is a must-win, but Saturday’s game between the Seattle Sounders (7-9-5) and the New York Red Bulls (7-10-5) is a must-win for the Sounders, who are winless in their last five MLS matches. Going into Saturday’s match, the Rave Green will play six of their remaining 13 games at home. They are no doubt at the business end of their schedule.
Getting a result is critical for a team sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. A win would put them back in playoff hunt with 29 points. Minnesota currently sits in the last playoff spot with 29 points. The match is a must-win game after building momentum- if you call a 2-2 draw a momentum builder. Dejan Joveljic scored a brace in his Sounders debut; the other Sounders signee was midfielder Caden Clark, who arrived midweek. The well-traveled 23-year-old will bring added depth to the Sounders bench while basically on a three-month tryout with the Sounders.
A WIN IS THE BEST MOMENTUM CREATOR
Two signings and a 2-2 draw built momentum; what it did not create was a win for a team desperately in need of one. Saturday is an all-or-nothing contest. So how do the Sounders bag that coveted three points with a win and build momentum?
WIN THE BATTLE FOR SPACE
The Sounders must win the space battle in the defensive third, midfield, and final attacking third. When defending, they have to make sure they win the individual duels and defend the space around the goal. When attacking on the counterattack, the Sounders must get the ball into the primary assist position with quick passes, then be creative and expansive, moving the Red Bulls’ defense.
A TARGET UP FRONT
Joveljic will create space and garner the attention of the Red Bulls’ center backs due to his ability to put the ball into the back of the net. The double team from the Red Bulls’ center back will create space for Albert Rusnák to move into the middle attacking area in front of goal. Rusnak pushing into the attacking third will also create space for Cristian Roldan to slot into an advanced position. The Sounders will need to be decisive and clinical in their finishing, and no one player can do it all. The Sounders were unable to hold the lead due to lackluster defending.
DEFENSE IS GOING TO BE KEY
When they lose the ball, the Sounders have to find a way to slow down the Red Bulls with well-executed tackles. The midblock and the backline must stay compact. More importantly, the Sounders will need to be steadfast when defending set pieces. On the flip side, the Sounders will need to convert set pieces, something they have been subpar at since they returned from the World Cup break.
BIG TAKE AWAY
If the Sounders are to build momentum, they must win on Saturday. To win, they must be lethal in counterattacks, resolute in defense, clinical in finishing, and ride the energy of the home crowd the moment they walk onto the pitch for the pregame festivities.
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