The weekly accolades keep rolling in for the Seattle Sounders.
Following the win over LA Galaxy on Saturday -- their second straight three-point outing on the road -- the Rave Green have earned the No.1 and No. 3 spots in the Matchday 6 Power Rankings for ESPN.com and MLSsoccer.com, respectively.
League pundits were especially impressed with the depth and tactical versatility of the squad. With Jordan Morris operating as a striker and Léo Chú filling his vacancy on the left wing, there has been plenty of buzz around the sheer number of elite attacking players on this squad as Raúl Ruidíaz and Héber work their way back to full fitness.
"Brian Schmetzer stuck with Jordan Morris at striker despite having both Raúl Ruidíaz and Héber available," wrote MLSsoccer.com's J. Sam Jones. "It seems like it’s going to take a lot to get Morris back to the wing and Léo Chú off the field though. Chú found Morris in the first half of a 2-1 win at LA Galaxy for their fifth goal-assist combo in two games. Then, Chú decided he wanted a goal for himself. Seattle’s biggest issue right now is that their players are too good."
ESPN.com contributor Ryan Rosenblatt is even more bullish on the Sounders. He spotlighted the squad's grit and determination to withstand a barrage of pressure int he second half against the Galaxy while still managing to secure three points on the road.
"The Sounders' performance against the Galaxy did not please manager Brian Schmetzer, but when you can struggle and still win away from home, you've got a good thing going," he wrote.
The Sounders return to the pitch this weekend with one of the marquee matchups of the early season, hosting St. Louis CITY SC (7:30 p.m. PT; Watch free on Apple TV | TICKETS) at Lumen Field on Saturday. It's a clash between the two top teams in the Western Conference, with the winner taking first place in the standings. It also features the league's top two scorers in Jordan Morris (eight goals) and St. Louis CITY's João Klauss (five goals) in what promises to be a thrilling, high-flying match.
St. Louis CITY SC Tickets
Come watch Seattle Sounders FC as they face MLS newcomers St. Louis CITY SC at Lumen Field on Saturday, April 8!
