To quote Cristian Roldan from the ECS newsletter “We’re not trying to push for a playoff spot, we’re trying to get that first round bye. This team, talent-wise, is potentially better than our past two teams, but the biggest thing for me is playing as a team. If we continue to do so, teams will be dreading to play us.” The Seattle Sounders are playing as a team, winning eight in a row and yes, others dread playing them.

They’re about to get greedy again, targeting a top two spot in the Western Conference.

This week the New York Red Bulls assured themselves of a playoff spot. San Jose Earthquakes were eliminated from contention.

Those Above

Real Salt Lake - 44/1.57 ppg - 3 home/3 away

Last Game

RSL vs. LA Galaxy: Six winners, two losers from 6-2 win - RSL Soapbox

How good was RSL’s game? Good enough that one of our losers is the duck.

Next week: Bye during the international break

Seattle Sounders - 41/1.58 ppg - 4 home/4 away

Last Game

Sounders vs. Sporting KC, recap: Win streak reaches eight - Sounder At Heart

Sounders now hold the record for longest single-season win streak during the post-shootout era.

Next week: Bye during the international break

Portland Timbers - 41/1.58 ppg - 4 home/4 away

Last Week

The streak is over; Portland Timbers beat Toronto FC 2-0

The Portland Timbers broke their losing streak today, beating Toronto FC 2-0 and moving back above the red line in the Western Conference.

Portland Timbers grind out 1-1 draw at New England Revolution - Stumptown Footy

The Portland Timbers went to Massachusetts and brought home a point thanks to their 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution.

Next week: Sept 8 hosting Colorado Rapids at 7:30 PM on ESPN+

Those Below

Vancouver Whitecaps - 40/1.48 ppg - 4 home/3 away

Last Game

Review Vancouver Whitecaps 2 for 2. Defeat San Jose Earthquakes in Return Leg Earning Valuable Six Points - Eighty Six Forever

The Vancouver Whitecaps were able to beat up on the lowly San Jose Earthquakes two Saturdays in a row, obtaining a much needed six points. We recap the strong performance from the Caps and get your take on the match.

Next week: Bye during the international break

LA Galaxy - 38/1.36 ppg - 3 home/3 away

Last Game

LA Galaxy routed by Real Salt Lake 6-2 - LAG Confidential

Winless in six, LA are reeling

Next week: Bye during the international break

Shield Hunt

It’s really just two two teams

New York Red Bulls - 55/1.96 Atlanta United - 54/2.00 FC Dallas - 49/1.81

The Maths of Seattle

At last check 538 had Sounders as 4th in West on pace for 54 points. They were 2nd best defense and 14th best attack. Sagarin considered the Sounders 2nd in the West and 5th best overall.

538 now has Seattle as 4th most likely to make playoffs from the West. They are also expected to earn 55 points. Their chance at a first round bye is 19%. The defense dropped to third and the attack is now 15th. They are the 6th most likely to win MLS Cup at 6%. The East is at 53% to take the Cup.

Sagarin remains rather stable. Seattle is 2nd in the West and 5th overall. They’ve had the 4th most difficult schedule to this point of the season. Only one top 5 team is clearly outperforming the Sounders. Their performance against top 10 teams is not good, though most teams have played fewer matches against that level of opponent.

2018 Awards Snapshot

MVP

Josef Martinez Sorry Zlatan, there’s no second

Defensive Player of the Year

Aaron Long Chad Marshll Justin Glad

Goalkeeper of the Year