The crushing loss to LAFC cost the Sounders two more points this weekend | OneFootball

Each one of the players that started for the Sounders against LAFC can be understood and explained. On an individual basis, each choice was a good one. However, it cost the Sounders their momentum that they had build up in the previous 5 game unbeaten streak.

With the loss of momentum comes a loss of confidence. That plagued the Sounders counterattack against their MLS rivals.

There were bright spots, the play of Christian Roldan overshadowed the poor ball distribution from Obed Vargas. Between Vargas and Yeimar, their confidence, or lack of confidence, made them second-guess passes, which closed the passing lanes and put them in a position to turn the ball over throughout the match.

On a team that prides itself on maintaining possession, the inability to get the ball out of the back is what plagued them in the first third of the season.

What made the game in Portland salvageable was the aggressive passing of Roldan, the hustle of Musovski, and the technique of Albert Rusnak. With that said, the Sounders outdid their performance in LA, and they are returning to Seattle this weekend for a couple of games, but the LA game was a couple of steps backward and they went from ready to dominate, to it's a work in progress.

In a season where points add up, few can be squandered, and the Sounders have given up 5 points in the last two games.

Hopefully a full week of training and rest will allow them to build off their tie in Portland and they will be able and ready to pounce on Dallas on Saturday. Dallas lost to the Sounders in Dallas 1-0 in the beginning of April and were on the top side of a 4-3 score against the talented Miami squad.

The Dallas team has a midweek game against the New York Red Bulls so that may also factor into their line-up and energy levels when the two teams meet at Century Link Field for what is always an enthusiastic rave green crowd.