There was a time when seeing Seattle next on the schedule meant an automatic downward revision of expectations. The Fire didn’t win a single game in their first nine against the Sounders, managing only three draws and six losses. To say nothing of the 2011 USOC Final— still something of a sore spot.
But, 2016 MLS Cup title notwithstanding, the Sounders have been on a bit of a downward trajectory in recent years. The Fire have won two of their last three meetings with Seattle. That, plus a bit of wind in the sails following their 1-0 win over Atlanta in the Cup on Wednesday and the Sounders’ dismal recent form, sees our boys head to Puget Sound feeling like they could make something happen.