Seattle Sounders: 3 Keys Versus the Philadelphia Union

By Paul Taylor | Apr 15, 2016

Jun 24, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan (7) controls the ball past the defense of Philadelphia Union defender Raymon Gaddis (28) during the second half at PPL Park. The Union won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Andreas Ivanschitz (23) and forward Jordan Morris (13) react after a play during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Time for the Sounders attack to step up

There’s no way of getting around the fact the Sounders have been below average in attack. This is evidenced by a paltry total of four goals in five games, second-fewest in the league.

Yes, the loss of Obafemi Martins on the eve of the season was a crushing blow, but Clint Dempsey is the only forward to score so far this season, ironically when he was playing in a deeper position. Top US prospect Jordan Morris has failed to make an impact, likely feeling the pressure of expectation.

A lot of analysts believe the ineptness come down to the team’s struggles to adapt to the 4-3-3 formation which was implemented for this season. The question is, how much longer will Sigi Schmid stick with the new system if the Sounders continue to be ineffective in front of goal?

Next: Can the Sounders get past this guy?

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