For the first time in over 50 years of existence, the Seattle Sounders have dropped six straight regulation matches, two of which came against our arch-rivals, Portland. This isn’t just a bad run; it’s a historic slide that just saw the Timbers jump above us in the standings, pushing the Rave Green into the final playoff spot at 9th in the Western Conference.
Another Derby Heartbreak: Close, But No Juice
This latest loss to Portland at Providence Park really stings, especially since we scored first and held our first lead in seven matches! Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, who was forced into action early after Paul Arriola got injured in the 4th minute, grabbed the goal. We had real attacking intent and a solid first half, creating the majority of our chances and that lone goal in a 10-minute burst midway through the first. Schmetzer even said post-match, “Going into halftime leading 1,0 would have been fair.” But Kevin Kelsy’s late first-half equalizer took all the wind out of our sails, and the depleted squad, riddled with injuries, just didn’t have the juice in their legs for the second half. We spent almost the entire 45 on the back foot, eventually conceding a Brandon Bye winner with just 10 minutes left. Yeah, we finished with more shots and were within 0.50 expected goals of Portland, but they had more and better possession, which led to their quality chances. We chased the game hard after that first-half burst, and it just wasn’t enough.
The “Mixed Group” and What’s Gone Wrong
This game against Portland was probably our best performance, and definitely the best first-half we’ve seen since the World Cup break. That says something about how tough things have been. Our squad is clearly hurting, with Yeimar sidelined and Jackson Ragen serving a red-card suspension. Brian Schmetzer had to make three personnel changes from the Philadelphia loss: Paul Arriola shifted to right back, Jesus Ferreira took his spot at right wing, Kim Kee-hee made only his second start replacing Antino Lopez at center back, and Peter Kingston got his third MLS start, but his first in midfield, replacing Hassani Dotson. Stuart Hawkins made his third consecutive start at center back after a call-up from Tacoma Defiance. Think about it: we went into that match without a single true midfielder on the bench, and Albert Rusnak was the only highly experienced MLS midfielder in the squad. Osaze De Rosario got his second straight start, playing 134 minutes since the break. Schmetzer called it a “mixed” group of starters, subs, and prospects out there. We’re pushing through, but the results just aren’t coming.
Looking Ahead: We Need to Fight Back, Now
So, here we are, 9th in the Western Conference, clinging to that last playoff spot. Portland, our biggest rivals, just leapfrogged us. This isn’t where we want to be, Seattle. We know first halves rarely win soccer matches, but that gutsy effort and early lead against Portland showed glimpses of what this team can be, even with all the injuries and changes. We’ve gotta dig deep, find that fire, and turn this historic run of poor form around. The season isn’t over, but we need to show up and prove we belong in that playoff conversation. Let’s see what this “mixed group” can do to climb out of this hole.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Sounder at Heart.
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