A first step toward defending their MLS Cup title can be taken by the Sounders on Sunday in Philadelphia.
The Sounders can potentially clinch a playoff spot and improve their chances of a Western Conference title with a road win against the sub-.500 Union. Coming off a huge victory over Vancouver on Wednesday night — their first win in a month — the Sounders should be a confident bunch heading into their third match in eight days.
“They’re reinvigorated after that performance,’’ Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. “That performance did a lot, obviously, for the guys that scored goals.