Houston Dynamo set a new club record for road wins in a single season last time out, and Ben Olsen is hoping to see more "character" when they travel to Seattle Sounders.

Their 1-0 victory over Austin FC last weekend was their eighth away victory of the season, and it lifted them to fifth in the Western Conference on 48 points.

Houston are unbeaten in their last five outings in MLS and have won their last four road games on the bounce.

Despite their impressive recent run, Olsen is still pushing his team, with a playoff spot not yet secured.

"The road wins situation is great - it shows we're growing in character," Olsen said.

"To win on the road in this league, you need personality, along with talent and game plans. We always ask the guys for that, and it's good our road form has been good because our home form hasn't been great.

"We're not in the playoffs yet, and we have to keep pushing. Hopefully, when or if we get in, we can just keep trying to put points on the board."

Meanwhile, Seattle sit just one point and one place below Houston in the table, and are in good form themselves, having lost just one of their last five matches in the league.

They have are unbeaten in their last three, and head coach Brian Schmetzer is keen to keep their momentum heading into the final four games.

"Everything to play for in tight standings," Schmetzer told reporters.

"We've been in a good run of form, but we've been at a pretty good clip, and we need to finish these four games at the same level. We'll see if the actions in these games match the talk."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Jordan Morris scored both Sounders' goals in their 2-2 draw with San Jose Earthquakes on September 18.

Morris has nine multi-goal games in his MLS career, tied for the second-most by an American since he made his MLS debut in 2016 (Gyasi Zardes – 14).

Houston Dynamo – Steve Clark

The Dynamo have kept clean sheets in three of their last four away matches, including the last two in a row, after managing just one clean sheet in their previous 21 away matches in all competitions.

Houston have not kept three straight clean sheets on the road in all competitions since 2011-12, a record Steve Clark will be looking to achieve on Saturday.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

The Sounders are unbeaten in 16 all-time home matches against the Dynamo in all competitions (W13 D3), including winning the last seven meetings in Seattle. Houston have not collected an away point against the Sounders since October 2016.

Indeed, the Sounders have lost only two of 44 all-time home matches against Texas opposition (W32 D10) in all competitions. Seattle have outscored opponents 80-24 over those games.

However, the Dynamo have won four straight away matches in all competitions for the second time in club history. Houston's only longer road winning streak was a six-match run spanning the 2011 and 2012 seasons, including two wins in the 2011 playoffs.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 43.8%

Draw – 26.8%

Houston Dynamo – 29.4%

Seattle Sounders will hope to make the most of their home advantage when they host San Jose Earthquakes, as Brian Schmetzer's side aim to further their MLS playoffs bid.

The Sounders are fifth in the Western Conference standings after their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City last time out.

Schmetzer's men are nine points adrift of West leaders LA Galaxy heading into this clash at Lumen Field, where the Sounders hope to improve further in their post-season chase.

"[We have] to keep the momentum going, but one game at a time," said centre-back Jackson Ragen. "Keep winning, and then keep that going in the playoffs.

"This is the home stretch, and every game is huge, because it's going to come down to our position in the playoffs."

Midfielder Paul Rothrock echoed a similar sentiment, adding: "We have threats from a lot of different areas, and that's what's brought success this season.

"I think having a lot of weapons going into the postseason is going to be crucial and also having a locker room full of guys that are pushing together."

San Jose have endured a tough season to date, sitting bottom of the Sounders' division, but the visitors did defeat Seattle 3-2 in the reverse meeting this campaign.

They are the only team out of playoff contention already, owing to a woeful term, with Ian Russell's men only winning five games all season.

Russell will be desperate the tide turns on the road in Seattle on Thursday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz

The Earthquakes must be wary of Raul Ruidiaz, given he has scored nine career regular-season goals against San Jose, having only managed more against the Timbers (10).

Only three players (Jeff Cunningham and Preki – 11, Paul Bravo – 10) have scored more goals against the Earthquakes in MLS history, with Ruidiaz dangerously close to reaching those heights here.

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Espinoza

Seattle may be quaking in their booths thinking of San Jose's Cristian Espinoza, who has been involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in five matches against the Sounders since the start of the 2022 season.

The only player to record more goal contributions against a single opponent in that time is Espinoza himself against Los Angeles FC (nine), and the Earthquakes star will fancy carrying that run on here.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

The Sounders are the overriding favourites for this clash, given their strong recent head-to-head record and San Jose's drab form.

Seattle have won six of their last seven regular season home matches (L1), including the aforementioned win over SKC on Sunday.

The Sounders had managed just four wins in their previous 19 home league matches (D10 L5) dating back to May 2023, but have since turned a corner – and things may continue to improve here.

San Jose's defeat at Vancouver on Saturday was their 21st loss in 28 matches in the 2024 regular season. Another reverse would equal the second-most losses in a single season in the post-shootout era (since 2000) as only D.C. United (24 losses) in 2013 lost more than 22 times in a season.

Yet not all visiting hope is lost, considering San Jose have won three straight matches against Seattle for the second time (also in 2012—13). Overall, The Earthquakes are unbeaten in four straight visits to Seattle in all competitions (W2 D2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 68.5%

Draw – 17.5%

San Jose Earthquakes win – 14%

Brian Schmetzer was under no illusion that the Seattle Sounders’ upcoming MLS fixture against Sporting Kansas City will be anything but easy.

The Sounders returned to winning ways in style, comfortably dispatching Leagues Cup winners Columbus Crew 4-0 away from home last time out.

Schmetzer’s side find themselves sitting fifth in the Western Conference table, with the advantage of having four of their remaining six MLS fixtures at Lumen Field.

And the Sounders head coach insisted their home form would be critical until the end of the season, but he acknowledged the task awaiting his players in their next game.

“It is critical. We need to tell the players the importance of home games because last year Sporting KC came here and beat us and it gave them life, while also putting them on a little bit of a run,” Schmetzer said.

“They have an Open Cup final to look forward to, so they are a dangerous opponent. We want to make sure that we get as many points as possible in these home games because we have this advantage.

“They are a similar team to us. It is the MLS, there are ebbs and flows in every season with every team, so we have to be careful.”

Kansas City, meanwhile, are riding the crest of a wave having gone unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions, including securing a place in the US Open Cup final.

But their latest result saw them concede an 89th-minute equaliser against the New York Red Bulls, taking their total to 22 points dropped from winning positions this season, the joint-most in the MLS.

But despite that late setback, head coach Peter Vermes is relishing the battle against a side right in the thick of the playoff picture.

“We have had a lot of good matches against each other over the years,” Vermes said.

“I always think that if you are a fan, or just an innocent bystander watching the game, it always winds up being something that you enjoy because it’s always a good game to watch.

“Both teams try to play and there is a lot of competition between the two teams. It’s physical but it’s never dirty and all of us enjoy participating in those kind of games.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Rusnak netted his first career MLS hat-trick in Seattle’s 4-0 win over Columbus last time out.

He became the first Slovakian to score an MLS treble, the 51st different country to have at least one of its representatives score a hat-trick in regular season MLS play.

Kansas City – Johnny Russell

Russell has scored a career-best seven regular season goals against the Sounders, including netting one in the meeting between the sides in June.

Only Chris Wondolowski (12), Robbie Keane (nine) and Fanendo Adi (eight) have scored more regular season goals against Seattle than the Scot.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

While Seattle are predicted to emerge victorious according to Opta’s data-led simulations, the Sounders have lost back-to-back home matches, both against Los Angeles FC, in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup.

Seattle have only lost three of their last 17 matches going back to the beginning of May, with all three defeats coming at the hands of LAFC (W10 D4 L0 vs. all other teams).

Kansas City have enjoyed recent trips to Lumen Field, however, winning four of their last five visits to Seattle (L1) after recording just two wins in their first 11 matches against the Sounders in all competitions (D2, L7).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 53.5%

Draw – 23.8%

Kansas City – 22.6%

Albert Rusnak's hat-trick propelled the Seattle Sounders to a shock 4-0 win over the 10-man Columbus Crew.

The short-handed Crew were dealt a huge blow when, in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, goalkeeper Abraham Romero saw red for a foul on Jordan Morris.

With regular goalkeepers Patrick Schulte and Nicholas Hagen on international duty, Crew coach Wilfried Nancy had to turn to centre-back Sean Zawadzki.

But it took Seattle just four minutes to get the better of the stand-in, with Rusnak converting the resulting free-kick following Romero's foul.

Morris doubled Seattle's tally on the hour mark, with Rusnak then completing his hat-trick with a quickfire double.

Columbus are third in the Eastern Conference, while Seattle are fifth in the West.

Data Debrief: Rusnak turns from provider to scorer

Rusnak had never scored a hat-trick before, but this one will be memorable for several reasons. It also came on the back of the midfielder creating six chances in last week's loss to the Portland Timbers, which was the most by any Sounders player in a single regular-season game in over three years.

The defeat was just Columbus' second at home in the space of 39 matches, though Seattle have now won six of their nine regular-season visits to Columbus, the highest winning percentage of any MLS team to have played the Crew eight or more times on the road.

Wilfried Nancy commended his Columbus Crew players for their commitment to the cause after a hectic schedule since their Leagues Cup victory, continuing with the visit of the Seattle Sounders in the MLS this weekend.

Since beating Los Angeles FC in the final at the end of last month, the Crew returned to league action with back-to-back wins, the latest of which came in dramatic fashion against New York City FC.

Derrick Jones and Jacen Russell-Rowe struck twice in injury time to seal a 4-2 win on home soil, keeping them within touching distance of FC Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference table.

And while head coach Nancy was not overly satisfied with his side’s most recent display, he acknowledged the physical impact has taken its toll on his players.

“This is another way to win. I'm really proud of that,” Nancy said. “This is what I told my players, I said, ‘Yes, I was frustrated a bit by the fact that we didn't control the game the way we wanted to do it, but we found ways to score goals.’

“Knowing that this is our seventh game in 21 days, I cannot be frustrated. This is impossible for me. I have to respect what they did.

“Yes, it's been a long time that we haven't had the possession [over the opponent]. In first half, they had the possession for 56 or 57 percent. We suffered with that, but again, we were able to go back and to be together and to be clinical. This is what we did.”

Seattle, meanwhile, lost to Portland Timbers last time out, three days after being knocked out of the US Open Cup at the semi-final stage by LAFC.

The Sounders remain on course to reach the playoffs this season, currently occupying eighth place in the Western Conference table, six points ahead of Austin FC, down in 10th.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer believes his squad’s latest setback was part of their journey this campaign and is looking forward to seeing his players bounce back against the Leagues Cup winners.

“We have got seven games left and that is life,” Schmetzer started. “When there is adversity, you are going to have to get up and pick yourself back up.

“We have a tough road trip in Columbus, then we have three home games. Then we have more road games, and we end with Portland at the end of the year.

“There is still everything to play for.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

Rossi has 49 goals and 25 assists in regular-season MLS play after recording one of each on Saturday against NYCFC.

Since his MLS debut in 2019, only six players have totalled at least 50 goals and 25 assists in regular season play.

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Rusnak created six chances during Seattle’s defeat to Portland last time out, the most by any Sounders player in a regular season match in over three years.

The last player to achieve that total was Joao Paulo against Atlanta United in May 2021.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

The Crew have lost only one of their last 38 home matches in all competitions (W26 D11) dating back to May 2023. 17 of those wins in that time have been by a margin of at least two goals.

However, the Sounders have won five of their eight regular season visits to Columbus (D1 L2). Seattle (.625) has the highest road winning percentage of any MLS team that has played at Columbus eight or more times.

But they suffered consecutive defeats in all competitions for the first time since April last time out. It’s been over two years since the Sounders lost three straight games in all competitions (July 2022).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 64.1%

Draw – 19.1%

Seattle Sounders – 16.7%

Phil Neville knows the Portland Timbers' meeting with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday will be "pivotal" to the outcome of their season as the Cascadia Cup rivals battle for a playoff place.

Portland enter Saturday's game seventh in the Western Conference standings, two places and three points behind the in-form Sounders.

The Timbers were beaten 2-1 on home soil by their rivals when they last faced off in May, but they have not lost a regular-season home game since, winning seven and drawing two of their last nine.

Neville knows the importance of carrying that form into this weekend, saying: "We're looking forward to another big game.

"When we looked at the fixtures at the start of the season, to play Seattle home and away in the last eight games, we knew these games would be pivotal to our success.

"That's how it's panned out and we're all excited for it. When you get into football, you want to be involved in the biggest games.

"It's against our biggest rivals. I think both teams are in really good form, outstanding form. They get success with their group of players but this is about us. We're playing for three big points."

Seattle, meanwhile, have only lost one regular-season game since early June, though they were dumped out of the U.S. Open Cup at the semi-final stage by Los Angeles FC in midweek, losing 1-0 on home soil.

Boss Brian Schmetzer, though, senses a desire to set the record straight in this week's derby.

"They understand the importance of Portland. This is a proud group that has overcome a lot of adversity already this year," he said.

"I don't see any reason why they can't continue that and do it again."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Evander

Evander has recorded an assist in seven straight home matches, equalling the longest single-season streak in MLS history. 

The only player to record an assist in eight straight regular-season home matches was Eric Wynalda, who did so spanning the 1996 and 1997 seasons.

Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz 

Ruidiaz has scored 13 goals against the Timbers in the regular season and playoffs. No other player has more than 10 goals against a single opponent since Ruidiaz made his MLS debut in July 2018.

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

The Sounders are unbeaten in three straight matches against Portland (one win, two draws) including a 2-1 road win on May 12. Seattle haven't gone four straight MLS matches without defeat against Portland since 2014-15, though.

The Sounders have won six of their last seven regular-season matches (one loss), but they are facing a Timbers team that have won seven of their last nine at home (two draws), scoring 28 goals throughout that run.

Portland drew 4-4 with St. Louis City last week, marking the fourth time they have scored four goals in a match but failed to win since joining MLS in 2011. If they can tighten things up at the other end, they could continue their fine record on home turf.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 42.9%

Seattle Sounders – 30.4%

Draw – 26.7%

Seattle Sounders midfielder Joao Paolo insists every game matters and wants his team-mates to prove that against Minnesota United.

The Sounders return to MLS action on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal but will meet them again in the US Open Cup semifinal next week.

Seattle sit seventh in the tightly contested Western Conference, and Paulo has warned against the danger of looking past their test against Minnesota and focusing on the wrong game.

"We need to make a good game this weekend against Minnesota," he said.

"We need to try to build some momentum again and go in strong for the last few games. I think it's a good test for us ahead of next week [US Open Cup semi-final].

"The most important game is the next one, so we need to go in with that mentality."

Meanwhile, Minnesota sit four points below Saturday's opponents in ninth in the table.

They suffered disappointment in the Leagues Cup, bowing out in the group stage having lost their opener 2-0 to Seattle.

Minnesota suffered a dip in form prior to the break, but new signing Kelvin Yeboah says he buys into the club's promise.

"The project intrigued me, and speaking to the coach drew me to the club," Yeboah said.

"I made this decision based on the club's project and on the league, it's all growing, and that's what intrigued me."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Robin Lod

Robin Lod has been involved in a career-high 17 regular-season goals in 2024 (six goals, 11 assists).

Only Darwin Quintero (26) in 2018 and Emanuel Reynoso (21) in 2022 have been involved in more in a single regular season in Minnesota's MLS history.

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Jordan Morris has scored a team-high nine regular-season goals for the Sounders in 2024.

With another goal, the American would become the ninth player in MLS history, and the first for Seattle, to have five double-digit scoring seasons with a single team.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

Minnesota have won only one of 16 all-time meetings with the Sounders in all competitions (two draws, 13 losses). All three matches in which the Loons avoided defeat against Seattle came at home, including a 1-1 draw at Allianz Field last August.

The Sounders have won 10 of their 12 matches in all competitions dating back to late June. Both defeats in that time were 3-0 home losses to Los Angeles FC.

Meanwhile, Minnesota have won their last two home matches in all competitions, recording a 2-0 league win over San Jose Earthquakes before defeating Necaxa, 1-0, in the Leagues Cup. This is the first time the Loons have kept clean sheets in two straight home matches since a run of three straight in August-September 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 34.2%

Draw – 25.8%

Seattle Sounders – 40%

Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake produced two stunning saves to assist Philadelphia Union to a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Liga MX side Mazatlan in the 2024 Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.

Blake’s heroics were required after Mikael Uhre’s late first-half goal was cancelled out by Alonso Escoboza just shy of the hour mark, as the teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in regulation and extra-time.

The 33-year-old Blake, who won the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup Golden Glove, showed his class with two diving saves in the shootout to send Philadelphia Union to the semi-finals.

Interestingly, the other semi-finalists—Columbus Crew, Los Angeles FC, and Colorado Rapids—are also Major League Soccer (MLS) outfits, and with the top three Leagues Cup finishers guaranteed a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup, it means that all three qualifiers will be United States-based MLS teams.

Columbus Crew, a 2024 Champions Cup finalist, moved closer to a Champions Cup return as they too registered a close 4-3 penalty shootout win over New York City FC.

Both teams played out a 1-1 stalemate as Alonso Martinez gave New York FC a first minute lead, which was cancelled out by Cucho Hernandez. Like Blake, Columbus Crew’s custodian Patrick Schulte also produced a stop in the shootout to help secure his team’s passage.

Elsewhere, 2020 and 2023 Champions Cup finalists Los Angeles FC powered their way into the final four with a commanding 3-0 victory over the 2022 Champions Cup winners Seattle Sounders. Ryan Hollingshead and Kei Kamara logged first-half goals, before Denis Bouanga completed the win with an early second-half strike.

Meanwhile, there were plenty of thrills in the final match of the evening as Colorado Rapids slipped past seven-time Concacaf champions Club America of Mexico 9-8 on sudden-death penalties after they battled out a scoreless encounter.

The Liga MX giants were poised to win the shootout on their fifth kick, but Rapids’ goaltender Zack Steffen denied Igor Lichnovsky. The two teams then converted their next four kicks each, before Steffen scored his kick from the 12-yard spot, while his counterpart Luis Malagon hit wide and handed Colorado Rapids the victory.

Los Angeles FC kept rivals LA Galaxy within touching distance as they got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

Denis Bouanga scored in both halves, either side of Mateusz Bogusz's strike, to earn a resounding win at Lumen Field.

The hosts got off to a terrible start as Nouhou Tolo was penalised for a handball during a scramble in the box, with a spot-kick being awarded to LAFC.

Bouanga made no mistake from 12 yards, giving Stefan Frei no chance as he rifled a powerful effort high down the middle.

LAFC doubled their lead 10 minutes later, with Seattle failing to clear their lines following a free-kick before Bogusz volleyed brilliantly across goal.

Despite a flurry of chances in the second half, the Sounders failed to test their opponents and were caught on the break when Bouanga neatly turned two defenders before beating Frei for power.

He could have had a hat-trick late on as he got one-on-one with Frei, but the goalkeeper stood his ground, saving brilliantly to deny him.

Seattle finally found their fight in the dying moments, with Hugo Lloris called into three huge saves to keep his clean sheet and ensure LAFC go into the Leagues Cup break just two points behind the Galaxy in the Western Conference with two games in hand. 

Data Debrief: Bouanga closing in

Bouanga's second goal of the match was his 16th this season, the most of any LAFC player. It also moves him just one behind Real Salt Lake's Chicho Arango in the race for the Golden Boot. 

At the other end of the pitch, Lloris' impressive late show saw him earn a ninth clean sheet of the season in 24 games. No team has had more shutouts in MLS this campaign than LAFC.

The Seattle Sounders will be "flying" if they can beat Los Angeles FC on Saturday.

That was the message from coach Brian Schmetzer, who is relishing a huge occasion at Lumen Field, where the Sounders have been outstanding.

Seattle are on a five-game winning run in MLS, with four of those matches coming at home. They have lost in Seattle only once this year, back in April.

After a slow start, there are now only five teams above them in the Western Conference, but one of those are LAFC.

It was a defeat in Los Angeles that set in motion the Sounders' five-game winless run to start the campaign, while their 2023 season ended with a defeat to LAFC at Lumen Field.

Seattle should not be short of motivation then, and Schmetzer is now shying away from the significance of this game.

"Saturday is such a big game against LAFC," Schmetzer said. "Everyone needs to come out and show up.

"This is a massive game for us. We've only lost twice in 18 games. That's pretty darn good if you ask me.

"We come out with a result on Saturday, and we're flying."

A win would close the gap between sixth-placed Seattle and second-placed LAFC to just four points, with this weekend's visitors wobbling in recent weeks against elite opposition.

The performance in the midweek draw with Real Salt Lake was merely "a little better" than in the prior humbling 5-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew, according to coach Steve Cherundolo.

"No, I was not happy with the performance [against RSL]," he said.

LAFC had won nine of their previous 10 ahead of the Columbus game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Rusnak assisted Jon Bell's first Seattle goal in the midweek win over St Louis City, continuing his fine form. That was his sixth consecutive home match in which he had registered a goal contribution.

Obafemi Martins is the only Sounders player with a longer such streak in a single regular season, with a seven-game run in 2014.

Los Angeles FC – Mateusz Bogusz

Olivier Giroud officially became an LAFC player this week, but Bogusz has contributed handily while the team have waited for the World Cup winner to arrive.

Bogusz has contributed to goals in each of his past five away matches, the longest active streak in MLS. Only Carlos Vela has had goal contributions in more consecutive road games in the regular season for LAFC (six matches in 2018).

MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN

Across MLS and the US Open Cup, the Sounders have won six games in a row, their longest winning run since a streak of the same length ended in MLS Cup glory in 2019.

But LAFC are the Sounders' bogey side right now. They have won three in a row against Seattle and are unbeaten in seven in this fixture.

The Rave Green have not beaten LAFC since May 2021, and Saturday's visitors will hope to provide another reality check.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 32.1%
Los Angeles FC – 42.5%
Draw – 25.4%

Brian Schmetzer's message was simple to Seattle Sounders ahead of St. Louis City's visit in MLS, with the home side's coach demanding more of the same.

The Sounders are on a five-game winning run across all competitions, having edged out Austin FC with a 1-0 road triumph last time out.

That run of form has helped Seattle up to seventh in the Western Conference standings, four points clear of 10th-placed Austin and the playoff-chasing pack.

Head coach Schmetzer just wants his side to keep delivering as they aim for a post-season challenge.

"We've got a good squad. They believe that they can win," Schmetzer said.

"The coaches have done a great job of getting the players to all understand what we want, and the players have been delivered.

"Guys are making plays…we had bad luck and were shooting ourselves in the foot earlier in the year."

Jordan Morris scored the only goal of the game in that Austin triumph, and hopes to add to his tally when struggling St. Louis – who are 13th in the West – visit Lumen Field.

"For goalscorers, when you're playing with confidence, it obviously helps," Morris said.

"You can go through times where it feels like you're never going to score again, and then sometimes you're scoring every game and quick chances.

"A lot of it's up to the group that's playing well and gave me really good balls. So obviously, I'm happy with the form."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Morris scored the aforementioned lone goal in Seattle's win at Austin on Saturday, his ninth of the season.

Seattle's star is one goal away from becoming the ninth player in MLS history, and the first for the Sounders, to record five double-digit scoring seasons with a single team.

St. Louis City – Nokkvi Thorisson

St. Louis have become somewhat set-piece specialists this season, scoring their 12th such goal this season – including penalties – on Saturday.

Nokkvi Thorisson curled in a fine free-kick to extend that tally, with only four MLS teams managing more set-piece goals this campaign.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

Home side Seattle are the dominant favourites heading into this clash, considering recent form and their head-to-head record in the fixture.

The Sounders have won all three of their matches against St. Louis, including a 2-1 road win on May 25.

Seattle are also the only opponent the visitors have faced more than once without ever earning a point.

The hosts have won five straight matches in all competitions, too, for the first time since closing the 2019 season with six straight victories culminating in an MLS Cup Final win against Toronto FC.

St. Louis, meanwhile, have suffered defeat in three of their last four matches, conceding four goals in all three losses in that time, and may be concerned about that run continuing here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 56.5%

Draw – 22.5%

St. Louis City win – 21%

Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer has praised his side’s resilience in coming back from a poor run of results to go five games unbeaten in the MLS.

The Sounders travel to the Q2 Stadium this weekend to face Austin FC, hoping to continue their winning streak and move further up the Western Conference table.

Schmetzer’s side currently sit in seventh place in the standings and booked their place in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup following a 2-1 victory over Sacramento Republic last time out.

The head coach was able to detail the reasoning behind his side’s upturn in fortunes in recent weeks, going on to say the players within the group have changed their mindset as part of their new-found success.

Schmetzer said: "I have seen goal production; I have seen a little bit of a rebound just in the mindset of the entire group.

“It has always been a pretty resilient group, but I think they are also a proud group, and I don’t think they were happy in the place that they were a month ago.

“They started to dig, so it’s a combination of things.”

Austin also come into the encounter following an impressive victory against New York City FC last time out, coming from a goal down to claim their eighth win of the season.

Josh Wolff’s side sit right on the play-off line in the Western Conference table, currently occupying ninth place on 30 points but have Minnesota United breathing down their necks.

The Verde and Black head coach acknowledged the challenges that await his side as the season reached its conclusion, but lauded his players and staffs efforts for coming through a difficult period having suffered several injuries within their squad.

“Obviously, the pressure will build with each game whether you take points, or you don’t, but if I am being honest, I am very pleased with our group’s efforts to get to this position and be inside the play-off line,” Wolff said.

“We are four points from being higher and four or five points from being in a much lower spot, but that is what the Western Conference is.

“The ability from our high performance and technical staff to keep these guys healthy and in a good space, in some games we had four subs, and we knew we were going to have tough times.

“But the guys, to be able to get results home and away to put us in a position now after the Leagues Cup, the season will go quickly. We have a big week ahead of us and it starts with Seattle.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Gyasi Zardes

Gyasi Zardes was the man of the moment for Austin in their comeback victory against NYCFC, ending his streak of 28 MLS games without a goal.

His previous longest goal drought came between 2016 and 2017 when he was playing for LA Galaxy, going 18 games without finding the back of the net. His brace will surely give him confidence heading into the encounter.

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Albert Rusnak’s growing influence within the Seattle Sounders side continues to grow, notching a goal and an assist in their 2-1 triumph over New England in their last MLS fixture.

Rusnak has either scored or assisted in seven of Seattle’s last eight goals (four goals, three assists). Prior to this rich run of form, the Slovakian had managed just seven goal contributions in the MLS prior to June 19 (one goal, six assists).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Both sides come into the contest off the back of impressive MLS victories, but it is the Sounders who hold the edge when looking at their record at the Q2 Stadium.

Seattle are unbeaten in three all-time visits to Austin (W2 D1), one of two teams (Colorado Rapids) to visit Austin three times without ever losing.

But Austin showed their powers of recovery once again in their victory over NYCFC. Having fallen behind in the fifth minute. However, it was the 14th time they have conceded the first goal in a game this season, tied with Inter Miami and Chicago Fire.  

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 39.4%

Draw – 26.6%

Seattle Sounders – 34.1%

Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer has praised his side's attitude in recent comeback wins as they look to extend their streak against the New England Revolution.

The Sounders are on a four-match unbeaten streak, having come from behind to salvage points in each of the last three and scored stoppage-time winners in the last two.

They are now up to ninth in the Western Conference and are closing in on the teams above them after a slow start to the season.

Despite their impressive run, Schmetzer stressed there was still a lot of room for improvement.

"There's a combination of a couple of things," Schmetzer explained. "There were some sloppy, uncharacteristic, untimely giveaways and the group defending was not good, we weren't compact enough.

"We weren't consistent enough, but the guys have a lot of pride and as the excitement built, we got it done.

"This team doesn't quit. We've got quality on this team."

Meanwhile, the Revs are up to 11th in the Eastern Conference after losing just one of their last six.

They got back to winning ways against Atlanta United, though they lost more players to injury in the process, and head coach Caleb Porter admitted his squad is a little thin after their busy schedule.

"It does take pressure off winning against Atlanta on Wednesday; we look at it as bonus points," Porter said. "We took a few more injuries, so we're looking at all options to fill our bench.

"Seattle are in good form, and it's obviously a long trip across the country. It's not going to be easy, since they're usually very good at home.

"We have to be very organised in this game - we just don't have much depth right now, we can't afford to play an open game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Albert Rusnak leads the assist charts for Seattle, having set up seven goals for his team-mates in MLS.

He found his shooting boots last time out though, scoring twice from the spot as the Sounders came from behind to beat the Chicago Fire.

New England Revolution – Giacomo Vrioni

Giacomo Vrioni scored twice as New England beat Atlanta in midweek, having also scored twice in their victory against Cincinnati FC.

He now has five goals in his last four games, finding his form at the right time.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

Seattle opened the season with just one win from their first nine matches in the league, but have since gone on to win six of their last 12, including their last two outings.

It has been almost five years since the sides last met in MLS, with nothing to separate them that day in a 3-3. New England edge the head-to-head record though, recording six wins compared to Seattle's four.

In fact, the last three meetings between the sides have ended level, with both games in Seattle ending 3-3, with a goalless draw in New England sandwiched between them.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 49.7%

Draw – 25.4%

New England Revolution – 24.9%

Brian Schmetzer urged Seattle Sounders to rediscover their home form ahead of Saturday's meeting with Chicago Fire in MLS.

The hosts sit ninth in the Western Conference standings, but are 12 points adrift of the top three sides in the table.

Schmetzer's side have not won back-to-back MLS games all season, though that is a possibility when the out-of-form Chicago visit Lumen Park.

Seattle will be invigorated by last-gasp drama in their 3-2 win over FC Dallas last time out, and the head coach hopes his team can utilise that momentum going forward.

"We need to follow up that crazy, exciting, perfect for the fans, but horrible for the coaches win," he said. "We've got two more home games to come, and we need to re-establish some home form.

"I haven't mentioned it to the players, but we have discussed it internally among the coaches, how to get them more consistent and delivering on a regular basis.

"[Let's] see if we can generate some more results. We're still below the playoff line, but seven points in a week is a good number.

"Now, we talk about keeping the momentum at home going, not necessarily winning two in a row, but just re-establishing what we do here and how we go about things."

The Fire appeared to be finding form with a four-match unbeaten streak, though that was snapped with a 4-2 defeat in Orlando last weekend.

Chicago are languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and have struggled on the road, managing just one win in nine away matches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Jordan Morris scored the 88th-minute equaliser and stoppage-time winner in Seattle's comeback win over Dallas on Saturday.

Morris is the first player in Sounders history to score both the match-tying and winning goals in the 80th minute or later of an MLS match.

Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers

Hugo Cuypers has scored in four consecutive matches for the Fire, the longest active goalscoring streak in MLS.

If he scores against Seattle, Cuypers will equal the longest regular-season scoring streak in the Fire's MLS history: five games by David Accam in 2017 and Robert Beric in 2020.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

With the Fire enjoying a favourable head-to-head record and the Sounders in fine form, this clash was difficult to split the pair, though Seattle appear favourites for a narrow victory.

Seattle have lost only two of their last 13 matches in all competitions (won six, drawn five), with both of those defeats coming on the road.

Indeed, the Sounders are unbeaten in seven straight home games, including winning three of the last four at Lumen Field (drawn one), but Chicago should still not be ruled out.

The Fire have won their last two meetings with Seattle, one at home and one at the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020. Prior to that, Chicago had won just two of 17 meetings with the Sounders (drawn four, lost 11).

They also remain winless in Seattle in nine all-time visits (drawn two, lost seven), but have won their last two trips to the Pacific Northwest, winning 3-1 at Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022 and 2-1 at Portland Timbers in 2023.

Prior to the last two matches, Chicago had never won at any of the three Cascadia MLS teams in all competitions (drawn four, lost 19 at Portland, Seattle and Vancouver), a feat they will hope does not come back to haunt them here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 54.6%

Draw – 23.3%

Chicago Fire win – 22%

Petar Musa scored a hat-trick in FC Dallas’ thrilling win over Minnesota United in midweek, and he is thrilled with the attacking set-up under interim coach Peter Luccin.

Dallas beat Minnesota 5-3 at home on Wednesday, making it three games unbeaten.

The club dismissed Nico Estevez on June 9, and Musa suggested Luccin has let the team off the leash from an attacking standpoint.

“I think we play more vertically towards the goal,” said Musa.

“We are more offensive now, we have a lot of players who run behind and we started playing more attacking football.

"We scored five goals at home so you can see from the build-up that we play attacking soccer. I am very happy about the new style we are implementing.”

Luccin added: “I’m thankful and grateful for the effort from the players. It’s very important for me that the effort has been fantastic. I’m very pleased with some of the sequences that we had, playing good football and very vertical.

“Overall, the goals that we conceded, sometimes we need to be a little bit smarter. All the players have been fantastic. Five goals at home, I think the fans were very happy.

“I’m sure they would’ve liked fewer goals conceded but it’s part of the game. We are making progress. It’ll be step-by-step but you can see the attitude from the players is excellent. They want to play, they understand. Now we need to adjust to find that balance. I really think we deserved to win.”

Next up for Dallas is a trip to the northwest, to face the Seattle Sounders.

Dallas are one place and two points below Seattle in the Western Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Jackson Ragen

Ragen scored his first MLS goal in Seattle's 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo last time out. He is the seventh different player from the United States to score for the Sounders in MLS play this season, equalling their number from all of last season.

FC Dallas – Petar Musa

Musa’s hat-trick took him onto eight MLS goals for the season, four more than any other team-mate.

He is the sixth Dallas player with a hat trick for the team since the beginning of 2017, tying them with D.C. United for most such players with a hat-trick in that time.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE WIN

The Sounders are unbeaten in 20 straight home matches across all competitions against Dallas (16 wins, four draws), in a run dating back to August 2011.

They could equal the longest ever unbeaten home run by one MLS team against another here (21, achieved twice).

With Dallas winless in 11 MLS road games dating back to last October (three draws, eight defeats), we expect the Sounders to claim a slice of history.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 47.5%

FC Dallas – 26.4%

Draw – 26.2%