After the Seattle Sounders' 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC back on Matchday 2, a talking point quickly emerged:
"Here we go again with the same old Seattle Sounders".
In 2024, dropped points at home were an all too common sight, so the sentiment wasn't unexpected. But I also didn't think it was accurate. Seattle's performance in attack that night was much better than anything we saw in the doldrums of 2024. The blown lead made for a sour ending, but on the whole, I thought the offense looked encouraging – it was mostly fluid and sharp and they were rewarded with multiple goals on the scoreboard. With Pedro de la Vega looking fit and spry, Jesus Ferreira doing some nice work as a facilitator, Jordan Morris banging in goals and Paul Arriola adding another new element, it looked like this team could indeed be headed for a resurgent season in attack.
Fast-forward to Matchday 5's scoreless draw against the Houston Dynamo, and I can't disagree with anyone who came out of that feeling like they'd seen that movie before. The injury situation is undeniably tough – it's an unfortunate reality that the offense might not be at its top level for the next few weeks until the squad is healthier. But scoring at least one goal against a Houston Dynamo side that was also depleted was also a reasonable expectation.
The good news is that it's still early enough where this narrative doesn't have to define the season. The San Jose Earthquakes look improved in their first season under Bruce Arena, but still plenty vulnerable defensively. I don't expect or need the squad to look like Real Madrid out there, but scoring a couple goals and getting a first road win of 2025 sure would be a nice development.
- Niko Moreno talked about his scoop linking the Seattle Sounders to English winger Ryan Kent on the latest episode of Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff.
- I regret to report that the new MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings are out, and they were not too kind to Seattle.
- Jacob Schneider at GOAL.com took a look at Seattle's Club World Cup prospects.
- Jayda Evans has the Seattle Times' game story from Saturday, highlighting the emotions that accompanied Nicolas Lodeiro's return.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here’s what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Saturday, March 29 at San Jose Earthquakes | 7:30 pm PT | MLS Season Pass
- Sounders in advanced talks to sign English winger
- Revenge is a dish best not Served: Sounders tie Dynamo
- Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo: community player ratings form
- Sounders vs. Dynamo: Highlights, stats and quotes
Reign
Next match: Sunday, March 30 at Angel City FC | 5 pm PT
- Reign remain undefeated with rare road win in North Carolina
- Three stats: Seattle Reign vs. NC Courage
- Reign vs. Courage: Highlights, stats, quotes
Defiance
Next match: Wednesday, April 2 vs. Spokane Velocity | 7 PM | US Open Cup | YouTube
Spokane
Next match: Saturday, March 29 at Greenville Triumph SC | 4 PM
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
- FIFA report finds wide discrepancy in women’s soccer pay.
- A look at Mauricio Pochenttino’s Nations League squad.
- MLS Next Pro still thinks they’re going to expand to as many as 50 teams.
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