When a team has the successful history of the Seattle Sounders, matchday routines establish our pattern, our community. But when they struggle for months upon months, the routine starts to feel like an obligation or chore, rather than joy.
It took just a few minutes for the barely adjusted lineup to go from chore to joy again, when Yeimar knocked in a header, only for the Sounders to take their foot off the pedal and once again look like they were obligated to play soccer.
Seattle never took advantage of the shifted gamestate from Yeimar's opening goal. They were bound to give up something late.
The lesson from Sunday's 1-1 draw that felt like a draw – and one that will pop up in the Defiance victory – is that when a team shifts the gamestate they have to take advantage of the new circumstances and dominate, rather than be passive and accept the other side's desires.
The draw was earned because Seattle started strong and then did what they've done for too long. They are passive, letting other teams come to them. Since the phrase "we're the Seattle frickin' Sounders, bro" was uttered, the team has looked like a team far from greatness, and yet they're third in the West after the single point.
Their place in the standings and the routine of watching a team in the doldrums creates a disconnect between national columnists and those obliged to watch the team.
Matt Doyle is higher than Sounders fans regarding the club. He expects Seattle to be in the playoffs, as a top 10 team. Which is what the standings say they are, but that's not how we feel.
How we feel is probably influenced by this line.
What needs to happen next: Two things. The big one is they need to remember where the goal is, and how to make that round thing go into it.
Our feelings make a lot of sense, when you reread that assessment and see the line just above it.
And yeah, Sounders fans, you should enjoy Nico, Raúl, et al. now, because I suspect this year’s the last they’ll be wearing Rave Green.
It's hard to enjoy the talent that's not scoring nor assisting except once a solstice.
For the Seattle Sounders to make a run at a trophy they'll need to follow up road draws with home wins. And rediscover that the Enemy's Goal Is Down. - Dave
Jeremiah dropped a mini podcast. Catch up on the match, the future and what happened with a one-time prospect who was traded away.
Looking Back
Gen Z soccer fans like MLS; Luis Rubiales, Michele Kang
Gen Z fandom is different than Millennial and Gen X fandom of soccer, in that the local league is number one. Also, that Messi guy is their favorite player.
Spain won't stop protecting their football association's president, despite a massive coaching resignation. Now, Luis Rubiales mother is on a hunger strike trying to convince Jenni Hermoso that Jenni actually wanted Luis to kiss her.
Remember when Michele Kang ripped apart a global women's soccer partnership in order to start the "first ever" global women's soccer partnership? She's making some progress on getting dedicated training grounds for Washington Spirit and Lyon women, but hasn't even completed the purchase of Lyon women yet because the powers that be who must approve such transactions are still waiting for OL to get their ducks in a row on the Reign sale.
Puget Sound Soccer
A speed run through what happened with the local pro sides and occasional mentions of other teams.
Sounders draw Minnesota, move up to third?
Yes, the Seattle Sounders are third in the West. Yes, they are almost certainly going to make the playoffs.
Yes, they aren't fun to watch.
It's a double-game week for Seattle. On Wednesday August 30 they're in Austin (5:30 pm PT, MLS Season Pass) and on Saturday September 2 they host the Portland Timbers (7:30 pm PT, MLS Season Pass), still with a chance at taking control of the Cascadia Cup race.
Reign struggle in Angel City, lose 2-1
Do you remember the last time Laura Harvey lost three regular-season matches in a row as the Reign head coach? No, you don't. She hadn't done that since the miserable 2013 season we've collectively agreed to forget ever happened... until this weekend's loss. The 2-1 loss featured a penalty finish from Megan Rapinoe, but that was it for the offense.
Here's Susie's recap of the rest of the league's action.
Sunday September 3 OL Reign are back home again. Hosting Orlando Pride at 3:00 pm PT on FOX 13+ in Seattle and Paramount+, Lumen Field should be rocking with a large crowd. Last year when the Reign hosted the then-lowly Pride it was a party atmosphere as Seattle secured the Shield. This year it's suddenly become a key match in the playoff hunt for both teams.
Defiance take early lead, run up score to 4-2
If there's a thing that Wade Webber's men like to do it's run up a score. Josh Atencio had a goal and an assist in his 72 minutes of play, earning Man of the Match.
They never let their foot on the gas, which meant when the game was in their favor the swing of momentum late didn't matter. They sit third in the conference, but the Rapids2 stumble against T2 won't be enough for Defiance to snag the top spot.
Like last week, Defiance play the same opponent as the Sounders, unlike last week, their match is on Monday, two days after the first teams play. Defiance hosts Timbers2 at Starfire, 8:00 pm PT (MLS Season Pass)
Spokane Velocity, the new-next-year USL League One team is hiring a coach.
