The Seattle Sounders’ struggles in Utah have become one of MLS’s most perplexing ongoing narratives.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake extended their winless run at America First Field to 0-11-3 since their last victory in 2011. This pattern spans multiple rosters, coaches, and tactical approaches, suggesting something beyond mere coincidence.
Seattle entered 2025 with renewed optimism following an active offseason. The addition of Jesús Ferreira was meant to address the scoring inconsistencies that plagued their 2024 campaign. A season-opening 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC, featuring Jordan Morris’s record-tying brace, further fueled expectations.
The Sounders also showed promise in continental competition, securing back-to-back victories over Antigua GFC in Concacaf Champions Cup play.
However, as coach Brian Schmetzer acknowledged in his post-match press conference, “If you want a dose of reality, we’ve won two games against a team from Guatemala. That’s not to disrespect Antigua because they brought as much as they could, but they play in a league that’s not as strong as ours.”
So, Saturday’s match in Utah represented the first true test against comparable competition, a test the Sounders failed.
What went wrong
It’s too early to judge the Sounders’ 2025 campaign, but the midfield is showing concerning signs that demand immediate attention. Schmetzer’s rotation strategy, while necessary given the congested schedule, disrupted Seattle’s rhythm and connectivity.
The coach made significant changes from the midweek Concacaf lineup. The official match notes confirm: “Brian Schmetzer rotated his lineup from Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup match versus Antigua, with Stefan Frei, Nouhou, Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Georgi Minoungou, Albert Rusnák, Paul Rothrock replacing Andrew Thomas, Jackson Ragen, João Paulo, Danny Leyva, Pedro de la Vega, Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola.”
Additionally, emergency starter Kalani Kossa-Rienzi filled in at right back with Alex Roldan staying back in Seattle for the birth of his child.
“I thought the lineup we put out today was good,” Schmetzer defended. “I was enthusiastic, hopeful, but we just didn’t make the plays we needed to make.”
Three critical issues emerged throughout the match:
First, defensive communication broke down at crucial moments. The own goal that put RSL ahead came from a basic miscommunication between Nouhou and goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “Steph said he called ‘keeper ball,’ so Nouhou has to step out,” Schmetzer explained, highlighting a fundamental failure in basic defensive organization.
Second, attacking efficiency remained problematic. Despite generating 12 total shots, only three tested RSL’s goalkeeper. Jordan Morris, celebrating his 250th appearance for the club, couldn’t find the finishing touch that had served him well against Charlotte.
Third, the midfield failed to control the game’s tempo. While Albert Rusnák created four chances against his former club, the overall structure lacked cohesion, with players seemingly unfamiliar with each other’s tendencies.
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What Needs to Change
As Schmetzer returns to his drawing board, several adjustments appear necessary before Wednesday’s Cruz Azul match and Saturday’s LAFC showdown:
- Rotation management: The extensive lineup changes, while necessary for managing a congested schedule, disrupted team chemistry. Finding a better balance between rest and continuity will be crucial.
- Tactical flexibility: Schmetzer hinted at potential solutions when discussing last year’s playoff adjustment against LAFC: “We switched to a back five, played more compact, and looked for transition moments.” This approach could serve Seattle well against both Cruz Azul and LAFC.
- Attacking integration: The new additions and old players need more playing time together. Jesús Ferreira, Pedro de la Vega, and Jordan Morris require minutes to develop the chemistry necessary for consistent goal scoring.
- Midfield balance: Albert Rusnák’s creative performance was a rare bright spot. Building the midfield structure around his vision while ensuring adequate defensive cover should be prioritized.
- Mental reset: Schmetzer acknowledged the psychological component, noting, “Maybe it’s a mental hurdle, similar to what LAFC did to us last year.” Breaking this mental block could be as important as any tactical adjustment.
For a club with Seattle’s championship pedigree, responding to adversity often defines a season more than any single result. The Sounders now face a pivotal week that could establish their trajectory across multiple competitions.
“We have three games in a week, so we have to get right back on the horse,” Schmetzer emphasized, recognizing the opportunity that lies ahead.
Wednesday’s Cruz Azul match will test Seattle’s continental ambitions, while Saturday’s LAFC showdown could define their early MLS standing.
Success in these home fixtures would render the Utah defeat a mere footnote, however, continued struggles would suggest deeper issues requiring more substantial reconstruction.