The Seattle Sounders are the reigning MLS Cup Champions, but their record this season is just 5-7-4. They’re an even 4-4 in their past 8 matches but head coach Jason Kreis sees some fire power when he looks at the opponent.
“It’s is a team similar to what you saw last year. Had some ups and downs, their ups are incredibly high and their lows are pretty low - I would say the same about us, actually,” Kreis said. “It’s a team that is trying to find their identity, but when they are on their game they can be extremely dangerous with a lot of dangerous attacking players.”
The Sounders are 4-1-2 at home, powered by a crowd that regularly gets more than 42,000 fans to pack inside CenturyLink Field, creating a tough environment to play in, similar to Orlando City Stadium.
“The city itself, but also the stadium is massive,” goalkeeper Joe Bendik said. “Their supporting crew is very good so that’s always fun to play in front of.”
“They create a great atmosphere for their team,” midfielder Servando Carrasco said. “It’s very similar to what we have. They chant whether you’re winning or losing and sometimes that can be the difference.”
Orlando have won only one road match this season. Picking up three points tonight will be critical since only six points separate spots three through seven in the Eastern Conference. The Lions will head straight to Chicago following the match for a date with the second place Fire on Saturday.
“I think we have a really nice group,” said Kreis. “I think they genuinely like to be together. Ultimately that’s what matters most when you go through the dog days of summer. When you go through some down times you need to stay together and I think the guys have done a good job of that so far.”