The Seattle Sounders remain in the top three for Weekly Power Rankings on MLSsoccer.com and ESPN.com after a mixed week in which they picked up a courageous 1-0 win at Austin FC and suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss against Sporting Kansas City at Lumen Field, with the New England Revolution and SKC claiming the top two spots.
It's no secret that the Rave Green have been shorthanded in recent weeks due to a combination of injuries, international duty and suspension. With close to a dozen players missing for a road fixture against Austin FC, a historically young Sounders team picked up a massive 1-0 win. Unfortunately the fixture congestion and depleted roster caught up to the squad on Sunday as they fell to a strong SKC team.
Even with the dropped points, the Sounders currently sit first in the West and are firmly in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield. With key players set to return in the coming weeks, Seattle's recent slate of games have helped strengthen and test the depth of the squad as they gear up for the second half of the season.
From MLSsoccer.com: "Let’s not forget they pulled off a minor miracle in Austin midweek before SKC rolled in Sunday night. Who else could throw out five teenagers in their lineup and still get a road win? Even if it takes a moment for this team to steady itself for the first time this season, the Sounders should know as well as anyone that you don’t have to be healthy all the time in this league. Just the right time."
The Sounders will enjoy a bit of rest ahead of a Western Conference tilt with the San Jose Earthquakes (2:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) at Lumen Field on Saturday.
