Seattle Sounders fall once more to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto

SANDY, UTAH (June 2, 2018) — In the span of seven days, the Seattle Sounders FC faced off against Real Salt Lake.

On May 26, the two sides battled, but it was Real Salt Lake that came away with the 1-0 victory. This time, Real Salt Lake claimed the victory again, but by one more goal.

Despite having an injury list longer than Seattle’s, Real Salt Lake managed to get two goals past Stefan Frei.

Seattle Sounders fall once more to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto

Corey Baird recorded the first goal in the 57th minute. However, the final tally added an increased amount of shame for the visitors.

“I tried to check back a bit, tried to look for a spot to get the ball,” Baird said. “It worked out. Great build up play.”

Baird currently leads the club in scoring with four goals.

“I think it gives me a lot of confidence going forward, knowing I’ve put the ball in the back of the net a few times already,” Baird said. “I just have to keep doing that. That’s what’s gotten me on the field. That and working hard. I just have to keep building off that every game.”

In second half stoppage time, Real Salt Lake wasn’t done. Luis Silva tacked one more goal on Frei and his defenders.

Real Salt Lake’s defense — made up of Brooks Lennon, Danilo Acosta, Justen Glad and Marcelo Silva — held Seattle to five shots. Zero shots were on target, which meant a simple night in net for Nick Rimando.

However, Frei was forced to make four saves.

After the match, Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said the team “can’t play not to lose, they have to play to try to win games.”

“There’s times when we get down into the attacking third of the field and the quality is missing,” Schmetzer said. “I have to try and find a way to give them the confidence to make final passes, to create something to score goals.”

“We’re never going to win games if we can’t score.”

77' Another great save by Frei! 🖐

0-1 | #RSLvSEA pic.twitter.com/DM6aWaZNHr

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 3, 2018

Three Takeaways

Is all hope lost? Seattle got back Will Bruin and Víctor Rodríguez — two key players. However, with an injury list much shorter than Real Salt Lake’s, the Sounders couldn’t scramble for even one point. Is losing Román Torres to the World Cup that hurtful for the defense?
Schmetzer’s seat is on fire: While in the back of my mind, I figure that Seattle’s front office and owners will give Schmetzer more time as coach, his seat has to be red hot. The Sounders are currently in 11th place, with eight points. Right below them is the Colorado Rapids with the same amount of points. For Seattle, it’s not a race for the playoffs right now — it’s a race to stay away from last place.
What will happen in the Open Cup? The next match on Seattle’s calendar is for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Seattle will face USL club, Sacramento Republic FC. Should Seattle lose, it’s only a wonder what will happen to Schmetzer. A win, even against a USL club, would provide some confidence before the team faces D.C. United on June 9.

"I don't think we put enough sustained pressure on them to score goals, and that's on us."

📺 Rave TV Recap | #RSLvSEA pic.twitter.com/sWOgCIkDCR

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 3, 2018