Following almost three weeks off, the Seattle Sounders will resume regular season play on Sunday as they host Atlanta United (7:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS) on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field.
The squad last played a competitive match back on July 30 after being knocked out in the Leagues Cup Group stage.
Prior to the pause of the regular season for Leagues Cup, the Sounders entered the competition on the back of a difficult 2-0 loss away to San Jose and a disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Dallas at home. But the coaching staff and front office are confident in the quality and characteristics of the squad to reignite their season starting this weekend.
“This team has been together a long time,” said Sounders FC GM & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “We very specifically kept this group together that won the Champions League last year on purpose. And this team is set to do something really special down the stretch.”
During this time off from competitive fixtures, the players blended some much-needed rest with comprehensive analysis and rigorous training as they gear up for a crucial run of 10 games to close the season.
“We’ve done extensive film work, reiterating what we’ve done well [and] what our principles of play are,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We’ve done a lot of messaging. But talk is talk. We’ve got to actually go out on the field and perform.”
There have been some positive signs for the squad during this mid-season training camp. Veteran striker Raúl Ruidíaz, who has battled injuries throughout the season, tallied a hat-trick during an intra-squad scrimmage over the weekend and looks primed to lead the line when league play resumes.
As the Sounders enter the home stretch of the season, they will need to rely heavily on an experienced core that has reached six finals since 2016, winning two MLS Cups and a Concacaf Champions League title.
“Our veterans are professional,” added Waibel. “I think the break probably rejuvenated their focus. It got them the time, the energy, the time with their families, and the time individually to evaluate where they are and what these last ten games mean."
“Veteran groups like ours tend to pull together when the calling comes. And the phone is ringing.”
Sunday’s match against Atlanta United presents the perfect opportunity for the team to answer the call and jumpstart a strong run of form heading toward the postseason.
Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers
The Seattle Sounders are back at Lumen Field this weekend for a rivalry match against the Portland Timbers on Sunday!
