The 2017 Major League Soccer regular season is nearing its end, and the Seattle Sounders are right where they want to be. Seattle sits alone atop the Western Conference table with seven regular-season matches remaining before it tries to defend its 2016 MLS Cup title.
As the calendar flips to September and every match becomes more and more crucial, let’s outline the five biggest storylines to watch down the stretch.
FAVORABLE SCHEDULE
Six of the Sounders’ seven remaining games are against Western Conference opponents, with a trip to Philadelphia to battle the Union the lone out-of-conference match. Statistically, Seattle has the fifth-easiest schedule, with its remaining opponents averaging just 1.27 points per game.
Here is everything you need to know about each of the Sounders’ opponents:
VS. LA GALAXY
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10
Record: 7-14-5 (5-6-1 away)
Standing: 9th West
Previous meetings: Won 3-0 away, April 23; Drew 0-0 away, July 29
AT FC DALLAS
Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Record: 9-7-10 (6-2-6 home)
Standing: 6th West
Previous meetings: N/A
AT REAL SALT LAKE
Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Record: 10-13-5 (6-4-4 home)
Standing: 8th West
Previous meetings: Won 1-0 home, May 20
VS. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 27
Record: 11-9-5 (5-6-2 away)
Standing: 4th West
Previous meetings: Lost 2-1 away, April 14; Drew 1-1 away, Aug. 23
AT PHILADELPHIA UNION
Date: Sunday, Oct. 1
Record: 8-12-7 (7-4-3 home)
Standing: 9th East
Previous meetings: N/A
VS. FC DALLAS
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15
Record: 9-7-10 (3-5-4 away)
Standing: 6th West
Previous meetings: N/A
VS. COLORADO RAPIDS
Date: Sunday, Oct. 22
Record: 6-16-4 (0-11-2 away)
Standing: 11th West
Previous meetings: Won 3-1 away, July 4
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
JORDAN MORRIS — Despite recording just three goals in his sophomore campaign, Morris is still one of the best goalscoring threats in the Western Conference because of his timely runs and breakneck speed. He scored three goals and added an assist in the Sounders’ final seven regular-season games last year, and if he can continue his excellent form with the United States national team in Seattle, the Sounders’ offense will be nearly impossible to stop.
GUSTAV SVENSSON —The Sounders Mr. Utility, Svensson has played in all but one of Seattle’s matches this year, a game he missed because his productive play led to a call-up to the Sweden national team for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Svensson, 30, has proved to be one the best signings of the offseason, and his versatility and experience will be massive as the Sounders make their push to the playoffs and beyond.
VICTOR RODRIGUEZ — Signed at the end of the summer transfer window, Rodriguez has looked as good as advertised in his first two appearances. The 28-year-old Spanish winger brings an attacking impetus on the ball and incisive passing ability. He forces opposing defenses to stay on their heels, which opens up space in the middle for Clint Dempsey and Nicolas Lodeiro to operate.
CLINT DEMPSEY RECORD WATCH
By the time the 2017 MLS regular season ends, Clint Dempsey may hold the United States men’s national team and Sounders club goalscoring records. He is tied with Landon Donovan for the USMNT record with 57 international goals and will have two more chances to break it during the U.S.’ final two CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying matches in October. He also has 45 regular-season goals for the Sounders, two away from tying and three away from breaking Fredy Montero’s record of 47.
TRENDING UPWARD
The Sounders enter September on a club-record 11-match unbeaten streak (6-0-5) and have traditionally played their best soccer during the final two months of the regular season. Seattle has only lost six matches in eight years in the month of September (17-6-10) and were undefeated in three of their last four seasons. Last year, the Sounders went 5-1-1 in their final seven games and rode their impeccable form to their first MLS title.
HOME SWEET HOME
Four of the Sounders’ final seven games are at home, including three of the last four. Since taking over the reins, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer is 16-1-6 at CenturyLink Field in MLS regular-season and postseason play. Earning full points at home will be key as the Sounders try and secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.
