The top of the league is in sight and the Supporter’s Shield is within reach. A playoff spot is almost a certainty and winning the MLS Cup sounds absolutely possible. However, will the Sounders actually clinch them?
The Sounders’ remaining five games includes a grand finale against the mighty L.A. Galaxy in their very own CenturyLink Field. This upcoming fixture looks promising for the Sounders. Among other reasons, the game is played at their own turf and may display Clint Dempsey’s highly anticipated comeback in good form.
So far, the Sounders have won 15, lost 10 and drawn six games. Although they typically do not score a lot of goals, the Sounders boast a strong line of defense. They have conceded one of the least numbers of goals in the MLS and have Gspurning as goalkeeper, a consistent goalkeeper nicknamed “The Wall”. Such may be why the Sounders are defeating teams and have a position in the top of the table.
Unfortunately, the Sounders are showing signs of slipping from their good run. They are in no danger of finishing in a disappointing position, but first place does not seem as feasible as before. Their most recent form involves two crushing losses against Colorado Rapids and Vancouver Whitecaps, which may just be clear signs that the Supporter’s Shield can no longer be ours. An unconvincing draw against New York Red Bulls on Sept. 29, three games ago, may be the turning point of Sounders’ good run.
The game was played on a rainy night. Music from the band played loudly, and the chilly and blowing wind would make anyone feel fortunate they are not playing on the field without a thick jacket. The chants of almost 40,000 fans in green creates an atmosphere like no other, truly welcoming the east-coast visitors to “Green Hell”.
Despite soccer legends Thierry Henry and Clint Dempsey failing to make an appearance due to personal injuries, the field was still shining with talent as big names such as Tim Cahill, Obafemi Martins, Fabian Espindola and Eddie Johnson battled for the pride of their cities. Everyone in the stadium was in for a memorable night.
The Sounders dominated the first half. They finally broke through the Red Bulls’ defense right before the half time break through a Brad Evans penalty, awarded from a handball. Thanks to this, the fans went into the half time break happy and content with the score and with a good mood, unaware of what would be a rather displeasing second half.
Although the Sounders continuously succeeded in taming the Red Bulls, Everton FC legend Tim Cahill changed the game. He showed great leadership and an aggressive desire to triumph and even scored an equalizer with a curling ball on the 76th minute. The Sounders failed to bounce back and the fans would have to accept the tied score line.
The Sounders’ fate now depends on their remaining games and their key players. Will Rosales, Martins, Yedlin and Alonso continue their good form? Will Clint Dempsey find his form any time soon? Will the Sounders finally bring glory to Seattle? Emerald city will know after three more league games and the playoffs.