Analyzing the Sounders' Last Six Fixtures

As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the Sounders have been, let’s say, less than consistent. Since the start of May, the Sounders have only won five matches, most of which have not been very convincing. Despite their dreadful form, everyone else in the West has somehow been worse than us, and the Sounders sit second in the table with six games to go.

The Sounders will be in the playoffs no matter what, but I won’t praise that fact unless we start to play at least a little better. However, we’re not here to talk about that. At least, not today.

I’m going to analyze the Sounders’ last six league opponents and their likelihood of winning those games. Let’s dive right in!

FC Dallas

The Sounders head to Frisco later today to take on FC Dallas at 5:30. This is the first of three away games before coming home in October. Only seven points separate these two as FC Dallas is ninth in the West with two games in hand. The last time these two met was another disappointing 1-1 draw in Seattle. It was literally one of the most boring matches I’ve been to in a while.

FC Dallas started the 2023 season HOT but lost their momentum and stayed around the playoff line for a little while. Their form is slightly better than the Sounders, and they took it to Messi and Inter Miami to the very end in the Leagues Cup.

FC Dallas is one of the most dangerous teams on the counter and has shown that all year. Alan Velasco, Jesus Ferriera, and Marco Farfan have led the way and are the ones that the Sounders should look out for the most, especially Velasco, who is coming off of international duty with Argentina. They targeted Ragen and exposed his inability to defend one-on-one, and I expect them to try that again.

If the Sounders can contain the midfield and cut off those passing lanes to Ferriera, they should have no problem taking care of business and leave with all three points. The key to that will be Josh Atencio. I’m going to do a deeper dive into his influence later next week, but just know he could be the key for us going forward.

Colorado Rapids

The Sounders have a quick turnaround as they head to Colorado for a midweek clash against the managerless Rapids. The Sounders played the Rapids in their season opener at home in a commanding 4-0 win back in February. This is when Sounders fans still had high hopes for the 2023 season lol.

The Colorado Rapids have quite literally been the worst team in MLS this season. They sit bottom of the West, have only scored two in their last five, their fans are talking about protesting, and they just fired their manager, Robin Fraser, last week. The club is in absolute disarray, and I honestly feel bad for them. The Rapids fans deserve better. The only notable thing I can say about this team is that our boy Danny Leyva is on loan with them.

In reality, this should be an easy win and could help with the last four games as long as we get another commanding win. This is a game where I want to see Raul on the score sheet and kick off a massive scoring run going into the playoffs.

Nashville SC

The last of the away games has the Sounders heading to Nashville in what could be their toughest game during their final stretch. The Sounders have only played Nashville twice since they came into the league and lost both fixtures 0-1. Those two losses came during our weird 2022 season, where we won CCL but also bombed in the league.

Nashville is an interesting team. They have all the tools to be one of the best teams in MLS, but they find themselves in weird patches of form and somehow make it out. The team is chalkful of players the Sounders need to be careful of, and I’m not sure if they could handle them. Hany Muhktar (second-best player in the league) and Sam Surridge could damage our backline if they don’t shore up and shut down the midfield. This is a game where I’d love to see a Yeimar and Arreaga duo.

I can see the Sounders walking away from this fixture with a draw at best. Unless we see significant changes in the two games before this, I don’t see a scenario where the Sounders get three points in Nashville.

LA Galaxy

The Sounders host LA Galaxy for a midweek matchup in a week where we have our last two home games of the season. The Sounders have played the Galaxy twice this season, with a 2-1 win in Carson and then a 1-3 loss in the Open Cup. These two teams have played each other 42 times, with each team having 15 wins and 12 draws.

Despite a horrendous showing at the Leagues Cup, the Galaxy have only lost one league match since the middle of May. After starting the season riddled with controversy and a fan protest, the Galaxy have been one of the most inform teams in the league. While they have not won all their matches, they have proved themselves by staying in games and grinding out draws. Most people wouldn’t be impressed by this, but after the start they had, they should be.

The Sounders should get a win against the Galaxy at home. But then again, you can never be too sure with the Sounders playing at Lumen. Even with 30,000 fans chanting and cheering them on.

Vancouver Whitecaps

The final Cascadia Derby of the season features the newest Cascadia Cup winners coming to Lumen in the final home match of the season. The Whitecaps will lift the Cascadia Cup in front of Sounders fans, and there could be a potential Guard of Honor for the Canadians. I doubt that will actually happen, but it would be cool.

The Whitecaps have been one of the most in-form teams in MLS. They have been incredible to watch this season, and absolutely nobody expected it. They have been the best team in Cascadia and have shown that they are to be respected as a rival. Ryan Gauld and Brian White have been stupid good, and with the additions of Laryea, Adekugbe, and now Junior Hoitlett, they could make a massive run through the playoffs.

This game could go either way. The Sounders always find a way against the Whitecaps, but this season, you can’t count out the little brothers from the Great North. Depending on how the games leading up to this go, the Whitecaps could be ahead of the Sounders in the West. Either way, this is a must-win.

St. Louis CITY SC

The final game in the Sounders’ regular season sees them head to Missouri to take on the best team in the West, St. Louis CITY SC in the Same Adeniran Derby. Earlier this season, the Sounders put on a dominant display as they beat St.Louis 3-0 in Seattle. Both teams have had very different seasons after that but this could be the game that decides who tops the West.

Maybe, doubt it, but also maybe?

I have been VERY wrong about St. Louis this season. I'm not going to lie; I expected them to be where Colorado is and laughed at the very thought of them doing well. I was wrong, so so wrong. They have been exceptional this season and have set the standard for expansion teams in MLS. They have the best goalkeeper in the league, Roman Burki and their whole team has been incredible. Edward Lowen is one of the best midfielders in MLS this season and sets the tempo for the team.

If we base it on current form alone, the Sounders have very little chance of getting a win in the fortress that is CITYPARK. However, this is one of the hardest to predict cause the Sounders could get their shit together in that time and get a result in the final game of the 2023 season. I have faith in the Sounders to do it, but we’ll just have to wait and see.