Seattle Sounders Fc vs St. Louis City Picks and Predictions July 17th 2024

Road-weary St. Louis City face stern test at Sounders

St. Louis City SC, grappling with notable struggles on the road, is set to face a formidable challenge as they visit the Seattle Sounders. This match is crucial for St. Louis, who have yet to secure an away victory this season. On the other hand, Seattle Sounders boast an impressive home record, making this encounter a significant test for both teams.

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St. Louis City’s Away Struggles

Current Season Performance

St. Louis City is one of only two Major League Soccer teams without a road win this season, the other being FC Dallas. This away game challenge is a significant hurdle as they prepare to face Seattle Sounders, a team with a strong home performance.

Interim Coach John Hackworth’s Impact

Since the firing of Bradley Carnell on July 1, St. Louis City has been under the guidance of interim coach John Hackworth. Under Hackworth, the team has shown mixed results with a record of 1-0-2. Their only victory came against San Jose Earthquakes, a 2-0 home win, followed by disappointing losses, including a 4-1 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps.

Key Players and Performance

Joao Klauss, leading the team with five goals, and Nokkvi Thorisson, who scored in the recent match against Vancouver, are crucial players for St. Louis. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, and they need a strategic overhaul to secure away victories.

Seattle Sounders’ Dominant Home Form

Home Record and Current Streak

Seattle Sounders have lost just once in 11 home matches this season. Their current four-match MLS winning streak highlights their formidable form. This consistency makes them a challenging opponent for any visiting team.

Jordan Morris’ Impact

A key player for the Sounders, Jordan Morris has been instrumental in their recent success, scoring four times in the last four matches and eight times in his last ten appearances. His confidence and form are vital to Seattle’s attacking prowess.

Previous Encounters

Seattle has a strong track record against St. Louis, having won all three previous meetings. Their last encounter saw Seattle secure a 2-1 victory with goals from an own goal and Morris.

The Challenge Ahead for St. Louis City

Rebuilding Confidence and Strategy

For St. Louis City, this match is more than just another game; it’s an opportunity to rebuild confidence and demonstrate resilience. Interim coach Hackworth needs to address the defensive weaknesses that led to recent heavy losses.

Fan Expectations and Club Responsibility

The recent performance against Vancouver was described as “embarrassing” by Hackworth, highlighting the club’s accountability to its fans and the city. St. Louis City must deliver a performance that reflects their potential and commitment.

Conclusion

As St. Louis City prepares to face Seattle Sounders, the road ahead is undeniably tough. With a challenging away record and the Sounders’ strong home form, St. Louis must rise to the occasion, addressing their weaknesses and leveraging their strengths. This match will be a critical test of their resolve and strategy as they strive to turn their season around.

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