The Seattle Sounders are struggling through the worst stretch in franchise history entering Wednesday night’s match against visiting Austin FC.
The two-time league champions have dropped a franchise-worst seven straight MLS matches and injuries continue to mount.
Standout midfielder Jesus Ferreira (hamstring) was injured in the first half of Sunday’s 2-0 home loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps to join long-time club stalwarts Jordan Morris (quadriceps) and Cristian Roldan (quadriceps) on the sidelines.
“I’ll rule all three of them out for (Wednesday’s) game,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said Tuesday.
Morris left after the first half of a July 16th match against the Portland Timbers. Roldan was injured on June 20 during a training session with the United States World Cup squad.
Ferreira, who has two goals and five assists in 18 matches, could be facing a long time on the sidelines.
“We’re going to get a second opinion because it’s not a good (initial) one,” Schmetzer said. “It’s not a good one.”
The long skid has sabotaged a strong start for the Sounders (7-8-3, 24 points), who sit in the 11th position in the Western Conference.
“This club has high expectations — the city, the fans have high expectations, and we’re not meeting them right now,” said Alex Roldan, younger brother of Cristian. “The fans in the city don’t deserve this. We need to look at ourselves and do a better job.”
Austin FC (4-10-5, 17 points) reside in 14th place in the 15-team West and they have dropped three straight MLS matches since posting a 3-1 home victory over the Sounders on July 22. The match was tied before Myrto Uzuni and Christian Ramirez scored late goals for Austin.
On Sunday, Austin lost 2-1 to visiting FC Dallas. Ervin Torres scored the lone goal for the Verde & Black.
Prior to the setback, Austin defeated three Liga MX teams to reach the quarterfinals of the League Cup.
Overall, firepower has been a problem for a team with a minus-15 goal differential that is third-worst in MLS. Only four clubs have fewer goals than Austin’s 23.
Interim coach Davy Arnaud said the team will investigate adding players before the summer transfer window closes Sept. 2.
“We’re continuing to look,” Arnaud said. “Leadership with the club, along with ownership, are continuing to be open to players coming in. You want it to be the right player. It can’t just be anybody. We’re still open to trying to bring somebody in.”
Austin FC forward Owen Wolff (ankle) will miss his second straight MLS match and third game overall. He was hurt against Club Puebla in Leagues Club play on Aug. 9.
–Field Level Media
