The Seattle Sounders on Tuesday were named as the No. 2 team in the league for the Week 20 and Week 21 Power Rankings put out by MLSsoccer.com and ESPN.com.
The Rave Green's status as one of the most in-form teams in the league comes on the back of a historic nine-point week on the road. Seattle's 6-2 victory over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park was followed up by a gutsy 1-0 win at FC Dallas and a dramatic 2-1 comeback win away to Columbus Crew.
With the three consecutive road wins in seven days, which is a new a record in Major League Soccer, the Sounders sit atop the Western Conference standings and seven points back with a game in-hand on the New England Revolution in the Supporters' Shield race.
"They’re healthy, they’re cohesive and Brian Schmetzer has created a culture where there is an unshakeable belief among everyone involved that they’re going to win each game," wrote MLSsoccer.com's J. Sam Jones. "And now they’re three points on top of the West."
ESPN.com's Kyle Bonagura echoed that positive assessment of the Sounders: "Wins against FC Dallas and Columbus Crew SC propelled the Sounders back into first place in the Western Conference. Their win against the Crew featured one of the best finishes in MLS all year: Xavier Arreaga and Will Bruin scored 88th- and 89th-minute goals to pull off a dramatic 2-1 comeback win."
The Seattle Sounders return to action on Sunday as the host the Portland Timbers (7:30 p.m. PT; ESPN, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS) at Lumen Field as part of the PNW Experience Doubleheader with OL Reign.
