The Seattle Sounders, after a challenging start to the 2024 MLS regular season, continued their resurgence with a fourth consecutive victory and extended their unbeaten streak to six games on Saturday night. They secured a 1-0 win over Austin FC at Q2 Stadium, propelling themselves to seventh place in the MLS Western Conference with a record of 9 wins, 7 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 34 points.
Jordan Morris netted the lone goal of the match in the 63rd minute, shortly before Austin’s Brendan Hines-Ike received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 77th minute.
“We have a strong squad that believes in their ability to win. The coaches have done an excellent job in ensuring everyone understands our objectives, and the players have delivered,” stated Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer after the match. “Players are stepping up and making crucial plays, which is essential, especially on the road. Even when Austin went down to ten men, they didn’t give up.”
“We had some tough breaks and were our own worst enemy earlier in the season.”
Morris continues to shine Starting the season winless in their first five matches, the Sounders have orchestrated a remarkable turnaround mid-season. They have not only climbed back into contention for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs but also secured a spot in the US Open Cup semifinals against LAFC earlier this week.
Amidst their resurgence, Jordan Morris has been a standout performer. The 29-year-old forward has been in prolific form, scoring eight goals in his last ten appearances, including the decisive goal in Matchday 26. He also found the net in Seattle’s mid-week US Open Cup victory.
With 9 goals and 1 assist in 23 league games this season, Morris is just three goals shy of matching his career-high of 12 goals set during his rookie year in 2016.
“For strikers, confidence plays a huge role,” Morris explained. “There are times when it feels like you’ll never score again, and then there are spells where you’re scoring in every game. A lot of credit goes to my teammates for supplying me with excellent opportunities. I’m obviously pleased with my current form.”
This match was unconventional for the Sounders’ homegrown talent, as Morris came off the bench for the first time since a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake on May 15. It was also his first goal as a substitute since March 1, 2020, in a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire.
“When I found out I wasn’t starting, my personal goal was to make an impact whenever I was called upon,” Morris added. “Watching the first half, I saw areas we could exploit because they were pressing forward.”
“As soon as I stepped onto the pitch, I focused on working hard and supporting the team.”
Seattle adjusted their strategy in the second half to capitalize on Morris’ speed with a higher press, maintaining a solid defensive effort that secured goalkeeper Stefan Frei’s 112th career clean sheet. This victory sets a positive tone as the Sounders prepare for their upcoming showdown on Matchday 27 against St. Louis CITY SC at Lumen Field on Wednesday (10:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
“It’s a great confidence boost for the team and individuals like Jordan, who came on and scored,” Frei commented. “Everyone is firing on all cylinders, and it’s fantastic to witness. We’ve always believed in our depth, and when the entire squad gains confidence, we become a formidable force.”
