The playoffs aren’t about looking good. They are about winning, advancing and then winning again.
Todya’s match is the last low-pressure moment in a season that has had too many high-pressure moments. Brian Schmetzer’s team can play relatively loose. Thanks to the convoluted playoff structure, Match 2 of the first round is relatively pressure free for the team that won Match 1.
Yes, the LA Galaxy looked extraordinary in Colorado and Minnesota United got a huge celebration when they each their Match 2s. But neither team gets bonus points. They just get rest for three weeks, waiting for the rest of the West’s best to join them in the conference semifinals. Some with rest, others without. Some with healing players, others with injuries due to playing more games.
When you are playing with house money the trick is to take more money.
Seattle could use a break. Jordan Morris left the first match early and Albert Rusnák picked up a knock in training. Both could certainly use a little extra rest.
With a defense good enough to make a deep playoff run, Seattle’s offense will determine how far it goes. The offense is weak and getting weaker.
Pulling off a victory in Houston will mean taking advantage of the Dynamo’s backup shuttler. Either Sebastian Kowalczyk or Latif Blessing will get the start in place of Coco Carrasquilla, ejected in leg one with a violent conduct red.
Because Kowalczyk hasn’t been with Houston long his record against Seattle is 0-2-1. Blessing has a stronger record against the Sounders, mostly because he was with LAFC. Latif is 8-7-4 with four goals and two primary assists in his matches against Seattle. He’s never won a playoff game versus the Sounders, though.
If there is one bit of good news for Seattle’s attack it is that defensive midfielder Obed Vargas is again available.
Another big shame of Obed Vargas' questionable red card is that it disrupts an attacking breakout from the youngster. His dribbles keep getting closer to goal and more dangerous. pic.twitter.com/KGEc7TFD5t
— AP (@Interpearsonal) October 27, 2024
There’s a second bit of good news – Raúl Ruidíaz has never lost to Houston. His knockout performances outshine his regular season performances. And Seattle could use a bit of shine, even if it is from some old silver they need to pull out from the cabinet.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Sunday at Houston Dynamo at 3:30 pm PT on MLS Season Pass. Seattle advances with a win. If there's a game three it would be Nov. 10 at 4 pm PT.
- Obed Vargas welcomed back with open arms
- Sounders preparing as if Raúl Ruidíaz will start Game 2
- Jordan Morris questionable for Game 2 after leaving early
- Sounder Strategy: A trio against the Dynamo
- Nos Audietis: Tactical preview of Houston Dynamo
- Postgame Pontifications: Playoff wins all count the same
- Win’s a win: Sounders outlast Dynamo in penalties
- Nos Audietis: Comfy or not, Sounders are in driver’s seat
- Lobbing Scorchers: Is Pedro De La Vega a Bust?
Reign
The Seattle Reign dropped their season-finale 3-2 to the Orlando Pride, getting goals from Jordyn Huitema and Maddie Mercado.
Defiance
Defiance ended the season 4th in the league and lost their semifinal match.
Spokane
Zephyr lost on Halloween. They play next on Nov. 9.
Velocity won their first-ever playoff game, beating Northern Colorado Hailstorm 3-0 on the road. NoCo finished 2nd in the league and won the midseason Cup. Velocity hadn’t won in seven matches.
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
It’s not just the Sounders who are losing their home-field advantage. The Seattle Seahawks are also mediocre at home these days.
JP may not be coming back next year.
Women’s sports has changed dramatically in the past couple decades. The WNBA is now profitable. Women’s soccer has a stable top tier league, plus one with other options for players. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe take you through all of the changes. Also, the Seattle Storm are the most valuable WNBA team.
Sounders U-19s were the MLS Next Team of October. They are 5-1-1 on the season.
Remember the calls of S2 to Boise? Well, Boise is now on the short list for USL expansion that will include pro men's and women's teams. The stadium zone would also include a pro baseball field.
Apple TV insists that more people watched Messi’s first playoff match than any other sporting event in their history. They provided no numbers.
Rest in Peace Holden Trent. The Philadelphia Union keeper passed away last weekend.
Ryan and Rob are selling a bit of Wrexham to the Wrexham Lager owners. The famous Americans now be foreign owners the lager company.
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