With only goal difference separating them in the Western Conference standings, Seattle will host Real Salt Lake at Lumen Field early Thursday morning.
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Prediction: Expect goals in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Seattle Sounders
Starting with the home team, Seattle managed an impressive late comeback against Colorado to end in a 3-3 draw over the weekend. However, they find themselves in a prolonged struggle, having secured only one point in their last five MLS games, drawing criticism throughout the season. Including a disappointing Leagues Cup performance in August, Seattle has surprisingly claimed only one victory in their last 16 matches across all competitions. This slump has persisted since May 14th, and the team has garnered a reputation for significant defensive issues, with just one clean sheet in MLS since early April.
Seattle Sounders Team News
Seattle will again be missing Pedro De La Vega, Jesus Ferreira, and Nikola Petkovic due to ongoing injury concerns. Additionally, star player Paul Rothrock will be sidelined for the next two months with a hamstring injury—a major setback for the Sounders.
Former LA Galaxy striker Dejan Joveljic, who scored against Colorado and netted three goals in his last four MLS matches, is expected to lead the attack.
Real Salt Lake
On the other hand, Real Salt Lake suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Vancouver over the weekend, continuing their troubling MLS form. Struggling to secure a playoff spot, Pablo Mastroeni’s squad has lost three consecutive matches, conceding a total of 7 goals while scoring only 1. They have managed just one point over their last seven MLS games, and have not won in their last nine matchups across all competitions, resulting in seven losses and two draws. Additionally, RSL has not achieved an MLS victory outside of Utah since early March.
Real Salt Lake Team News
The injury list for Real Salt Lake continues to grow, with Juan Jose Arias, Zach Booth, Griffin Dillon, Ariath Piol, and long-term defender Justen Glad all ruled out for Thursday’s match.
Now in his second year in Utah, former Napoli goalkeeper Rafael Cabral is set to start in goal, while Colin Guske, who joined on loan from Orlando City ahead of the 2026 season, is likely to retain his position in midfield.
Key Points for Seattle Sounders vs Real Salt Lake
- In their last MLS encounter on March 1st, RSL won 2-1 in Utah.
- Seattle has achieved only one win in the last 16 matches across all competitions.
- The Sounders haven’t secured an MLS victory at Lumen Field since May 14th, when they beat San Jose 3-2.
- Real Salt Lake is winless in their last nine matches across all competitions.
- RSL hasn’t claimed an MLS victory outside Utah since early March.
Conclusion
Both teams, struggling in the Western Conference, are set to face off in a crucial match on Thursday. With noticeable defensive weaknesses on both sides—Seattle has not kept a clean sheet at home since mid-May and RSL has conceded two or more goals in seven of their last eight outings—fans can expect a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Expect goals in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Fan Take: This match is significant for soccer fans as it represents a potential turning point for both teams amidst their struggles. A victory could ignite a much-needed resurgence, making the race for playoff spots even more exciting as the season progresses.
Source: www.soccernews.com
