The Sounders had a very quiet month of June with only three matches in MLS play that resulted in two wins and a loss.
June Record: 2-1-0
MLS Results: at Chivas USA (2-0); vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3-2); at Real Salt Lake (0-2).
Overall Record: 6-5-3 (7-8-4 overall).
For the first time all season, Sounders FC had a month with just one competition in focus, playing three MLS matches in June. The light month was marked by the first Cascadia Cup win of the season and a win and loss on the road.
Seattle started the month with a 2-0 win over Chivas USA to close out a long and winding road trip. Sounders FC followed it up with a comeback win over the Whitecaps in front of the team's largest crowd of the season. Things were looking up for Sounders FC, but a 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake ended their hopes of a perfect month.
“When you only have three games in a month, sometimes it’s tough to get your rhythm and to keep your rhythm going,” Schmid said. “Having games come in succession is not a bad thing. It’s good because it will keep them in a rhythm.”
In all, Sigi Schmid used 16 different starters over three matches, using different starting lineups in each match.
Lamar Neagle again highlighted the month for Seattle, as the Federal Way native notched a goal and two assists, bringing his season totals to four goals and three assists, both tied for the team lead.
Obafemi Martins and Andy Rose each had a goal and an assist as the Sounders continued to get production out multiple players.
However, key players like DeAndre Yedlin, Mario Martinez, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans and Eddie Johnson all missed time due to injuries and international duty. Re-integrating those five players into the regular playing rotation will undoubtedly help the consistency for Sounders FC, even if Martinez does not return to the Sounders after the expiration of his loan on Sunday.
They will be helped, moving forward, by being able to focus all of their energy on one competition – MLS play – for the rest of the season. And while they may miss players for international competitions, those absences will be fewer and farther between.
Seattle will play five matches in the month of July, including three at CenturyLink Field where they have posted a 3-1-2 record. They are unbeaten in their last five at home and have won their last three, outscoring their opponents 11-4 in those three victories.
