Seattle Sounders Seek Bounce Back Against Struggling CF Montreal
The Seattle Sounders enter Saturday’s home fixture against CF Montreal following a 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas that ended a nine-match unbeaten streak. Seattle now holds an 11-10-8 record and 41 points, standing in stark contrast to a Montreal side that has dropped seven of its last eight matches.
Sounders Seek Reset After Ending Nine-Match Unbeaten Run
Wednesday’s loss to FC Dallas halted a run that featured four victories and five consecutive draws following an eight-match losing skid earlier in the season. Seattle opened the year strongly with just one loss in their first 11 matches, compiling a 7-1-3 mark before hitting their mid-season slump.
Midfielder Albert Rusnak viewed the recent setback as a useful interruption. “It was one of those losses that I felt like we were the better team across the whole game,” Rusnak said, pointing to missed opportunities. “We created enough chances to win the game. But maybe it’s a good reset button. We’ve had our ups and downs this year — and remember where we were two, three months ago — to be where we’re at and where we are right now, I think it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll be good.”
Roster additions have steadied the squad during the second half of the campaign. Forward Dejan Joveljic arrived from Sporting Kansas City and scored four goals in his first six matches. Captain Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris also returned from injuries to bolster the lineup.
“I think we showed that we’re a more mature team than we were about a month ago,” Roldan said. “This loss feels sour, of course, but it’s a good thing that it’s sour. It means that we played better than we did a month ago when we would lose road games. It’s a step in the right direction. I think we leave this road trip with a bit of pride, with a bit of confidence going into our next game.”
CF Montreal's chances of making the playoffs are over. Philippe Eullaffroy will surely keep that in mind for his team's long trip to the Seattle Sounders, with 1 eye on the Canadian Championship final 🏆#CFMTL | #SoundersFC | #SEAvMTL | #CanChamphttps://t.co/6WBAeMh5Xw
Montreal Struggles Contrast With Sounders’ Recovery
While Seattle works to recapture its winning form, CF Montreal arrives in the Pacific Northwest mired in a deep slide. Montreal sits at 6-17-6 with 24 points after dropping two consecutive matches, culminating in a 3-0 defeat Wednesday to visiting Atlanta United.
“We came out flat, and honestly I don’t understand why; it’s not like we haven’t played (midweek games) before,” defender Brandan Craig said after the Atlanta loss. “We had an OK stretch of the game where we created a little bit of chances, but ultimately we conceded. It’s tough when we conceded because it almost feels like we don’t have enough to get back into games at times. Today was quite frankly embarrassing.”
Despite the team’s offensive difficulties, forward Prince Owusu remains a bright spot. Owusu leads Montreal with 15 goals this season.
Roldan emphasized the urgency for Seattle to capitalize on the upcoming fixture. “If we don’t take advantage of being at home against Montreal on a short week, then we’re going to have some frustrating thoughts,” Roldan said. “But I thought overall the road trip was decent on our part. We need to now bounce back on Saturday.”