Seattle Sounders vs. Red Bull New York Match Preview | OneFootball

Two of the biggest fallers in MLS lately have a great opportunity to get back on track this weekend… because they play each other. Seattle Sounders welcome Red Bull New York to Lumen Field as both sides look to shake off rough starts to the second half of 2026.

Match Details

Who: Seattle Sounders vs. Red Bull New YorkWhat: MLS Regular SeasonWhere: Lumen Field, Seattle, WashingtonWhen: Saturday September 5, 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PTWatch: Apple TV

Sounders Still Searching For First Win Since May

The last few months have been an unmitigated disaster for Seattle Sounders. They started off the new season red hot, only losing once in their first 11 league matches. Since then, it’s been the complete opposite. Seattle is winless in their last 10 MLS games, with their only victory since May 13 coming in Leagues Cup against Querétaro.

It’s difficult to pinpoint one reason why Sounders have fallen off so hard, but I’ll do my best. A whole host of injuries has exposed Seattle’s squad depth. Several second team players have been called up to replace starters and backups, resulting in a team out of its depth in MLS.

To get back on track, Seattle made a big splash in the summer transfer window. Proven MLS striker Dejan Joveljić joined from Sporting KC in a move that should fix their goalscoring woes. Joveljić netted 21 goals for LA Galaxy as they won MLS Cup in 2024 and scored 18 last season for SKC. He’s gotten off to a fast start with Sounders, scoring a brace on his debut against Chicago Fire.

Red Bulls Hoping To Avoid Falling Out Of Playoffs

Red Bull New York have been on a pretty similar trajectory to Seattle since the midseason break. They’ve only won once in their seven matches post-World Cup. After last week’s 3-1 home loss to rivals Philadelphia Union, Red Bulls sit eighth in the East and only one point above the playoff line.

Michael Bradley’s side took the league by surprise in the first half of the season. The former USMNT midfielder picked up where he left off last year with the second team, leading Red Bulls to a comfortable fifth after 15 games. MLS has now started to figure him out. They’ve been conceding goals far too easily and haven’t been able to find the same attacking clinicality that led to their early success.

The biggest example of that has been 18 year old striker Julian Hall. He got off to a flying start in 2026, contributing 12 goals and three assists in 17 matches to kick off his breakout campaign. However, Hall has yet to score or assist since the midseason hiatus. He’s now underperforming his xG by 3.4 and with DP striker Eric Choupo-Moting scoring off the bench last game, Hall could be in danger of losing his starting spot.

Match Prediction

Neither team has looked good to start the second half of this season. Something has to give for one of them, right? Wrong. I think they’ll play out a draw in a game that leaves both clubs frustrated at the final whistle.

Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1-1 Red Bull New York