Sounders ‘energized’ for stretch run

RENTON – As the Seattle Sounders enter the final stretch of the 2024 season, the gap between a frustrating and successful season remains perilously small. They currently sit seventh in the Western Conference, four points out of fourth and six points ahead of 10th. Over the next week, they’ll play two league games against Western Conference opponents sitting just below them in the standings that sandwich a U.S. Open Cup semifinal against LAFC.

It’s a three-game stretch that will go a long way toward determining which side of the “success” line the Sounders find themselves.

The first challenge comes on Saturday against Minnesota United, the ninth-place team in the Western Conference that sits just four points behind the Sounders.

“Ask me again after the match, but I think we’ve done a good job of setting the stage for this last push,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said following Friday’s training session at Longacres.

The Sounders come into the match on their normal weekly cadence, having just been eliminated from Leagues Cup last Saturday. Minnesota hasn’t played since July 30.

That’s a potential advantage, but only if the Sounders can actually get off to a strong start.

“For us, it’s really important to have a good number of games,” Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan said. “That can create some tired legs, but I think our guys are energized to get back into the league and make a good run for the playoffs.”

Injury updates

• Jackson Ragen was a full participant in training on Friday and will be available against Minnesota after he cleared concussion protocol.
• Pedro de la Vega won’t start, but will play some minutes, according to Schmetzer.
• Braudilio Rodrigues is getting close to fitness. Since signing a first-team contract in the offseason, various injuries have limited him to just one appearance with Tacoma Defiance.