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Sounders Need Spark Against LA Galaxy

By Ben Renner

Jul 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris (13) is grabbed by Toronto FC defender Steven Beitashour (33) as they battle for the ball during the second half of a 1-1 tie at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris (13) is grabbed by Toronto FC defender Steven Beitashour (33) as they battle for the ball during the second half of a 1-1 tie at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sounders will face the LA Galaxy at home tomorrow in need of a win over their Western Conference rivals.

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There’s still plenty of time in the long MLS season, but the Sounders are still mired in ninth place in the Western Conference and they need to find a spark at some point this summer if they are going to the playoffs. They will have several opportunities to make a move in the standings this month, facing the LA Galaxy tomorrow and again at the end of July. These two matches don’t include the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, in which the Sounders will meet the Galaxy mid-month.

The Sounders will finally be at full strength for tomorrow’s match, with coach Sigi Schmid indicating that forward Clint Dempsey will be available after resting following his sojourn into international competition with the US Men’s National Team. Captain Brad Evans will also return to Schmid’s lineup after recovering from a strained calf.

Although we have time before the MLS playoffs begin, we have reached midseason. With players returning from injury and local star Jordan Morris getting into a recent groove (Morris has now scored three goals in four days in all competitions), the Sounders’ time is now to start hacking away at their deficit in the Western Conference. The Sounders rode a streak to the playoffs last season around this time, and they will have opportunities to get right yet again.

The Galaxy are tied for the MLS lead in goals scored with 30, and they have been the most efficient at capitalizing off of their chances. They lead the league in shot conversion rate at 19.87%. The Sounders defense will once again be put to the test in front of their home crowd.

After struggling to score most of the season, the Sounders hung three on West Ham’s B team. Could this be a sign of more scoring to come? The addition of Dempsey to the lineup will certainly help, as will the rise of Morris in recent weeks in front of the net.

Next: More than a Spot Start for Monty?

The Sounders will face the LA Galaxy at 12p.m. tomorrow at CenturyLink. Tune into ESPN to catch the game on television.

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