What the Seattle Sounders Need to Get to the MLS Cup Final

The Seattle Sounders are in their second Western Conference final in 3 years. What do they need to do to make it to their first ever MLS Cup Final?

It wasn’t pretty but Seattle got the job done, beating Dallas 4-2 on aggregate in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Now the Sounders have a chance of making it to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in their 8 year MLS history. What needs to happen for the Rave Green to punch their ticket?

Jordan Morris Needs To Get Healed

MLS Rookie of the Year finalist Jordan Morris was subbed off at halftime in Frisco, Texas with a hamstring strain. Since then we haven’t been given much information. All we know is Schmetzer said he is day-to-day for the first game of the finals.

Without Morris on the field, this Sounders team would definitely have a different look to it. Seattle has been able to take advantage of Morris’ speed and strength getting in behind the defense, whether it be as a number 9 up top or on the wing, Morris has been extremely successful setting up and scoring goals after out running the back line of opposing teams. Without Morris, the Sounders lose that speedy threat up top that keeps the defenders honest.

Seattle Needs to Take Advantage on the Wings

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Going into this game and seeing how well Nicolas Lodeiro plays when he is given space, Colorado would be stupid not to clog the midfield. If the Rapids make that their game plan, space will open up on the wings for the Sounders to attack through. This means that 1) Ivanschitz, if he is fully recovered by game day-which he should be-will have a hay day on the wing and 2) full backs, specifically Jones and Mears, will need to be part of the attack and be able to play in good crosses from the wide areas.

Solidify Things Defensively

There have been times where the Sounders‘ backline have looked very suspect, mostly before Schmetzer took over. But those lapses have come up every once in a while, especially from the fullbacks. If the Sounders are going to move on to their first ever MLS Cup Final, they cannot gift Colorado with a chance by not tracking a runner or a miscued pass falling to the feet of an onrushing Doyle.

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Seattle has a great opportunity to take this series. It will not be easy and it probably will be extremely close. If anything, it will be a great 2-game series to watch. Keep following us here on MLS Multiplex and @MLSMultiplex for the latest news and analysis leading up to the conference finals.