Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake: A History of Struggles and a Chance for Change

The Seattle Sounders are looking to overcome a significant hurdle this Saturday as they travel to face Real Salt Lake. A regular-season road win against RSL has eluded the Sounders since May 28, 2011. While they secured a playoff victory in 2012 and a U.S. Open Cup win in 2016 (after a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout), the narrative hasn’t shifted in their favor. This weekend presents a fresh opportunity to rewrite that history.

Schmetzer on the Challenges at Rio Tinto Stadium

Head coach Brian Schmetzer addressed the team’s historical difficulties after Friday’s training session. “We’ve always struggled there with our possession a little bit,” he explained. “We’re going to try and make sure we’re able to keep the ball. The ball flies there because of the altitude.”

However, the challenges extend beyond the unique playing conditions. Schmetzer believes the altitude also has a psychological impact on the players. “The altitude has some minor effect on the psyche of the players,” he continued. “I don’t think it’s so much a physical deal, but it’s mentally in their head sometimes.”

Past Scheduling Woes and a More Favorable Outlook

Historically, the schedule hasn’t been kind to the Sounders when visiting Sandy, Utah, often involving short rest periods or unusual circumstances. Last season’s match, occurring almost at the same point in the calendar, was sandwiched between legs of the Concacaf Champions Cup, forcing Schmetzer to field a lineup with several rotational players. The team quickly found themselves at a disadvantage after an early own-goal.

This time around, the schedule is more forgiving. A bye in the Concacaf Champions Cup provides the Sounders with valuable rest before potential fixture congestion. They enter the game off a positive start to the season with a strong performance against the Colorado Rapids.

Focus on Self-Improvement and Energy

Despite the past struggles, the Sounders are prioritizing their own performance. “I don’t think the guys are too worried about it,” remarked Hassani Dotson. The team’s focus is on “making sure we have a lot of energy. We’re a little bit more disciplined in our shape, don’t let it get too stretched, and then obviously play our brand of football.”

Dotson acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Rio Tinto Stadium, emphasizing the importance of “starting with good energy and then play what the game gives you.”

RSL’s Roster and Injury Concerns

Real Salt Lake has revamped its roster in the offseason, aiming to improve upon last season’s 9th-place finish in the Western Conference. However, the availability of their new signings remains uncertain, potentially compounded by existing injuries to key players like Emeka Eneli (knee), Diego Luna (knee), and DeAndre Yedlin (hamstring).

Schmetzer noted, “A few unknowns… They got a couple of guys that they signed that they’re waiting for their clearance… Pablo does a good job, we’ll see what we get.”

Georgi Minoungou (foot) is questionable, while Kim Kee-hee (calf) has been upgraded to questionable after participating in training. Stu Hawkins (quad), Jordan Morris (quad), and Ryan Sailor (knee) are all ruled out. The Sounders have added Tino Lopez on a short-term loan to bolster their centerback depth.

Looking Ahead

The Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake match promises to be a compelling contest. Can the Sounders finally break their road curse and secure a vital three points? Stay tuned to find out!

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