The Seattle Sounders closed out MLS regular season play in dominant form after solidifying a 2-0 victory over No.1 Western Conference seed St. Louis CITY SC.
“This might have been the biggest test for us, and I think the biggest and best response by us as well,” said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “The guys played a fantastic match.”
To come out with a win on the road is already a daunting task, but to also do it under the high pressure that comes with Decision Day goes to show the way the team is coming together as a unit with the postseason on the horizon.
“These are the type of games, type of environments, road games that if you want to do something in playoffs, you'll have to come to places like this and win,” said midfielder Albert Rusnák. “I felt like this was a playoff game for us, so we're very happy with the result, and we're very happy with the performance as well.”
Tonight’s result was an achievement in more ways than one. Not only did it propel the Sounders’ unbeaten streak to nine matches, it added another clean sheet to the team’s resume, giving Frei the club record for most shutouts in a single season (14).
While individual performances from players like Frei sparked the team to a positive outcome in St. Louis, it was a team effort that ultimately pushed the Rave Green to finish the regular season on a high note.
“Kudos to this organization, having a winning mentality and kudos to the players in that locker room,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer post-match. “Overall, this was a great night and we're going to enjoy this moment.”
With the win over St. Louis, the Sounders squad moved up to the No.2 seed of the Western Conference standings, giving them home field advantage for Round One of the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will face off against against No. 7 ranked FC Dallas (TICKETS).
“We played really well in quite a few games on the road this year and now that we’ve finished second and we’re hosting the first game, I feel like it's kind of time to bring this form and these kinds of performances and results also to Lumen Field,” said Rusnák.
Whether it’s building off the past nine matches or honing in on the accomplishments from tonight’s victory, the team is looking to utilize this momentum into their upcoming postseason battles in the weeks ahead.
“This [win] came at the perfect time for us,” said Frei. “It's a clean result in a difficult place and we're taking all the confidence that we can get.”
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