The Winnable West

There's a basic theorem in several U.S. sports that a team cannot be more wins away from a title/playoff line than there are weeks left in the season after the All-Star Game. Basically, as time runs shorter the gap between the chasing team and the leader is more important.

The soccer version is probably points per week, especially when there are more teams between the chaser and the target. Let's visit the MLS Western Conference – the Shield isn't a concern for Seattle Sounders.

With three teams ahead of Seattle, plus a charging quality side with a game in hand, the window of opportunity for a run to the Western Conference title – a run that would qualify the Sounders for the Concacaf Champions Cup – is shortening. Since April 12 only San Diego is better than Seattle in the West. San Diego FC may still crash out – expansion teams don't challenge for a Shield (well, Sounders did, but that was 2009).

Minnesota still seems to be playing with some tactical fire. Vancouver is fading. LAFC is slightly worse than the Rave Green.

There are also reasons for disbelief. That's inarguable.

Injuries keep stacking up
That goal differential is woeful, as is the xGD
- The non-pen xGD is good but not great
Reds/pens/own goals dampened enthusiasm even during claimed points
- They also damage the ability to rotate
A Leagues Cup run could stall out the charge
- Four wins would put Seattle in the CCC while adding five games to the squad thought
It's still a lot of teams that need to fade a bit

But team ownership, team leadership and fandom isn't about misery. It's about hope, community and in Seattle soccer it's about silverware.

Transfer Window is open

Until Aug. 21, players needing an international transfer certificate or a trade within MLS can be added to the roster. Frees and those from lower leagues can be added until Friday, September 12 (these tend to be replacement level talents and the Sounders would need to be within two wins or so for that talent to make a difference).

Resources aren't shallow.

Craig Waibel and his scouting department know they have at least two U22 slots to use (Obed is likely to take one). They know they have Allocation Money and cap room. They know the payout from the Club World Cup was more than anyone expected a year ago.

The needs are clear, not just for this year but next – attacking strength, depth at forward, depth at central midfield and a future at left fullback/wingback.

Noah Ohio may address two of those questions.

But there are two senior roster spot open. Filling one slot helps, for sure. Even if Ohio himself doesn't fix the attack, maybe the competition or recent developments by a DP (Pedro season is fun!) and someday-again DPs (Ferreira season can be) can solve those same questions.

Activity in the transfer market would show belief in the team's ability to make up a eight point deficit in 11 games.

More importantly it would demonstrate to a fanbase that's seen shallow activity and a continual reduction in interest from their friends that the club wants to be the best in the league again.

Yes, several of the top teams in the West are making themselves weaker, losing top talents. But when a lead rider fades you don't win a tour by staying in the peloton.

Within the past week the following teams added talent: