Short Scouting Report - Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders have certainly caught up to their lofty pre-season expectations, considering the start that they had to the season. Already well on their way to their third straight Open Cup - Seattle beat the Los Angeles Galaxy yesterday 3-1 to make it to the semifinals - the Sounders have picked up an eight game undefeated streak in MLS play, a great boost after a very slow start to the year, getting only two points in their first four games. Their great form has put them all the way up into 2nd place in the league with 35 points, a mere four away from the Supporters Shield leading LA Galaxy.

Of course, they're flying higher than ever before right now after defeating their arch-rivals the Portland Timbers 3-2 in Portland, well on their way to the Cascadia Cup as well with Vancouver looking down in the dumps this season and Portland now in a heck of a hole in the Cascadia standings.

Seattle's success this season is, as it has often been with Seattle, their powerful offense. 28 goals give them the second most in MLS this season, second only to the New York Red Bulls. Losing Steve Zakuani (let's not get into that) didn't phase them a bit with the deep offense they've put together, with guys like Freddy Montero - who also leads the league in shots! - Alvaro Fernandez and Brad Evans all scoring four or more goals for the side. A frightening team to play for any defense.