The Seattle Sounders are hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday in their second home match of the 2023 MLS season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT at Lumen Field (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Watch every match, all season long by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. No restrictions and no blackouts.
HOW TO LISTEN: The match will air on 93.3 KJR FM, in Spanish on El Rey 1360AM, and KDNA 91.9 FM in the Yakima Valley.
2023 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 1-0-0 (3 points, 1st West), Real Salt Lake: 1-0-0 (3 points, 3rd West)
PREVIOUS MEETING: Real Salt Lake defeated the Sounders 2-1 at Lumen Field on August 14, 2022, despite an equalizer goal from Albert Rusnak in the 62nd minute. A quick reaction goal from Salt Lake defender Andrew Brody in the 64th minute resulted in the loss for the Rave Green.
OFF TO A GREAT START: The Sounders started off the MLS regular season strong after its commanding performance against the Colorado Rapids in the team’s home opener. The Sounders’ 4-0 win puts them at the top of the Western Conference, with most goals for.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: The Rave Green are dominant at home when it comes to playing Claret and Cobalt. Real Salt Lake has only tallied four wins total in Seattle, making the Sounders all-time record at home against the Utah team 11-4-2 in regular-season play.
DANGEROUS ATTACK: Last weekend’s 4-0 victory against the Rapids showcased the immense talent of the Sounders attack. Despite missing star forward Raúl RuidÃaz, the depth up front was evident with new forward Heber, alongside wingers Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan.
RETURNING REINFORCEMENTS: Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said on Wednesday that RuidÃaz and Homegrown midfielder Obed Vargas will be available for selection on Saturday after missing the home opener with injuries.
REAL SALT LAKE TICKETS
Come watch Seattle Sounders FC as we host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 4!
CONNECTIONS ON AND OFF THE PITCH: Prior to joining the Sounders, midfielder Rusnák played for Real Salt Lake from 2017-2021. Assistant Coach Freddy Juarez joined from RSL, serving as an assistant and eventually head coach from 2016-2019. General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer of Sounders FC Craig Waibel was a part of RSL from 2014-2019 as an assistant coach, technical director and General Manager of the club.
BACK WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Real Salt Lake brought back 26 players from last season, many of which were starters. Long-time RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath, 2022 team MVP Justen Glad and 2022 captain Marcelo Silva are among the several players who will lead the way for RSL this weekend.
SIGHTS SET ON WIN NO.2 ON THE ROAD: After defeating the Whitecaps in Vancouver on Saturday, Real Salt Lake is looking to continue its winning streak on the road. Last weekend’s 2-1 win marked Real Salt Lake’s 14th-consecutive result to start a season, which is the longest streak in MLS history.
