Sounders and Real Salt Lake Look to Bounce Back After Frustrating Openers

The Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake both enter Saturday’s matchup in Sandy, Utah, looking to move past disappointing season openers. While Seattle was denied three points by an unfortunate own goal, RSL was completely outclassed in a heavy defeat. Both clubs now aim to put those performances behind them and secure their first win of the 2024 MLS season.

Seattle Sounders Still Searching for a Complete Performance

Seattle opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC, but the result felt more like a loss after an own goal in stoppage time robbed them of victory.

Despite the frustrating finish, Jordan Morris provided a major highlight, scoring both goals for the Sounders. With his 85th and 86th career goals in all competitions, he tied Raúl Ruidíaz for the franchise record.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer praised Morris’ consistency over the years.

Seattle carried that momentum into Concacaf Champions Cup play midweek, dispatching Antigua GFC 3-1 to advance with a 6-2 aggregate victory. That result should provide a confidence boost heading into their first road match of the season.

Real Salt Lake Hoping for a Stronger Showing

While Seattle’s opener was frustrating, Real Salt Lake’s was downright disastrous. RSL fell 4-0 to San Jose, conceding three goals in the final 15 minutes of the match.

The struggles continued in Concacaf Champions Cup action on Wednesday, where RSL was eliminated by CS Herediano after suffering a 2-1 home defeat. Despite outshooting Herediano 26-8, Salt Lake’s inability to finish proved costly, and a late penalty sealed their fate.

Head coach Pablo Mastroeni didn’t hold back in his postgame comments, calling the performance unacceptable.

“I don’t know how you come away with one goal from that game,” Mastroeni said. “You’ve got to be killers, man. You’ve got to get numbers inside the box. You’ve got to be clinical. That game should’ve been put away in the first half.”

His message to his players was simple:

“If you don’t want to feel like (bleep) on Saturday, then be better (in practice).”

With two discouraging performances in a row, Salt Lake desperately needs a response in front of their home crowd.

Key Factors to Watch

• Jordan Morris’ Record Chase – With one more goal, Morris will break the Sounders’ all-time scoring record. Can he make history on the road?
• Real Salt Lake’s Finishing Issues – RSL had 26 shots against Herediano but managed just one goal. If they can’t be more clinical, another frustrating night could be ahead.
• Seattle’s Defensive Focus – The Sounders have conceded four goals in two games across all competitions. Will they tighten up at the back?
• RSL’s Response to Back-to-Back Losses – After being outscored 6-1 in their last two matches, Salt Lake’s mentality will be tested. Can they put the Concacaf disappointment behind them?
• Momentum from Midweek Success – Seattle bounced back from their MLS opener with a strong Concacaf performance. Will that carry over into Saturday’s match?

Final Thoughts

Both teams are eager to prove their season openers were flukes rather than signs of deeper issues. The Sounders are looking to clean up defensive mistakes and capitalize on their attacking strengths, while Real Salt Lake is simply searching for a much-needed reset.

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Will Jordan Morris break the franchise scoring record and lead Seattle to victory, or will RSL finally find its finishing touch and turn things around? Saturday’s matchup promises to answer some early-season questions.