Is a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes the greatest result of all time?
It's not. But I'll be damned if it didn't feel good to see Albert Rusnák absolutely smash that ball into the net.
It was sorely needed goal, not just for the road point it salvaged in the standings, but for the psychological boost. The Sounders were just 10 minutes away from getting shut out for a third straight game. Instead, they'll head into Matchday 7 at San Diego FC with something like positive momentum.
I'm really looking forward to this game for a few reasons: For one thing, it's a chance for Seattle to build on a much-improved second half against the Quakes. Count me among those who would like to see Brian Schmetzer run it back with Danny Musovski playing as the No. 9 with Jesus Ferreira out wide. Moose may be haunted by the ghost of Héber, but I don't think it's a coincidence that the offense functioned that much better after he came on the field. Schmetzer said as much after the game, and I think he was right.
The opposition will also offer up a great test. Sometimes, first-year expansion clubs can rack up points purely based on vibes and not on quality (see 2023 St. Louis City SC). That does not appear to be the case with this San Diego team. They're playing at a 1.8 points per game clip to start their MLS existence through a combination of excellent game management, tempo control and a much more productive offense than I thought they would be fielding when I took a first look at their roster.
He won't be match-fit for a while, but I'm also intrigued and looking forward to seeing what this Ryan Kent character can bring to the table. His YouTube highlights show a very goal-dangerous player with good pace and technical ability, which are all things this attack could use. But he also has a bit of an edge to him – a hard-charging, all-out playing style and swagger that could inject some fun and personality into the squad. And that's before you even get to the pet crocodiles.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Saturday, April 5 at San Diego FC | 7:30 pm PT | MLS Season Pass
- Ryan Kent officially joins Sounders
- Seattle Sounders at San Jose Earthquakes: community player ratings form
- Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff: The Ryan Kent era begins
- Earthquakes vs. Sounders: Highlights, stats and quotes
Reign
Next match: Saturday, April 12 vs. Orlando Pride | 4:30 pm PT
- Defeated at last: Reign fall 2-1 to Angel City
- Valkyratings: Jordyn Bugg absolutely clowns on the Courage
Defiance
Next match: Wednesday, April 2 vs. Spokane Velocity | 7 pm PT | US Open Cup second round
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
- Bayern Munich is considering suing the Canada Soccer over how they handled Alphonso Davies' injury. (Yahoo)
- David Blitzer is reportedly getting ready to sell controlling interest of Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals. (Sportico)
- They say it couldn't be done, but Sporting KC has fired Peter Vermes as head coach after they lost for the 12th time in 13 games. (Backheeled)
- FIFA is considering how they might replace Léon in the Club World Cup and are apparently considering between Club America and LAFC. (Guaradian)
- Jessica Fishlock was on the Goal Power podcast. (YouTube)
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