Sounders hold second spot in MLS Power Rankings after draws at Club León, Austin FC

For the second consecutive week, the Seattle Sounders have been given the No. 2 spot in MLSsoccer.com's Power Rankings, one spot behind the Philadelphia Union. The Rave Green enter the international break on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, picking up wins against Club León and the LA Galaxy at home while securing valuable draws away to León and Austin FC.

"They got the job done in Concacaf Champions League while up 3-0 after Leg 1, which is apparently harder than it looks, and then earned a point on the road despite a lineup made up of rotation guys and guys who should be pretty tired at this point," wrote MLSsoccer.com's J. Sam Jones. "It feels dumb to keep telling y’all Seattle are really good, but here we are again."

The international break is coming at the perfect time for the Sounders, as it gives the squad almost two weeks to recuperate and get healthy. With players like Raúl Ruidíaz, Nicolás Lodeiro and Jimmy Medranda all sidelined through injury, it has created opportunities for younger players to step up and earn minutes. Jones spotlighted one of those players, Homegrown Player Obed Vargas, as one of his reasons Seattle has been successful early in the 2022 campaign.

"Let’s also take a moment to appreciate Obed Vargas, the 16-year-old midfielder who’s received significant minutes this year on a stacked roster and done well," Jones wrote. "That’s at least more interesting than “most consistently excellent team in MLS is consistently excellent,” right? Good work and thanks for your service, Obed. He’s been called up to the United States U-20 national team during this break for good reason."

You can read the full Power Rankings HERE.