The Sounders reaching the playoffs is more impressive than it seems | OneFootball

October has been a good month for the Sounders as the have won their last 3 games while only conceding 1 goal. The Sounders have had to play through the unavailability of players and have used their culture to improve their form heading into the post season where they chase their 3rd MLS Cup title.

After stumbling since winning the Leagues Cup, the Sounders are putting the pieces back together in preparation for the playoffs.

After a September swoon, October has been fruitful. The Sounders beat Portland and Salt Lake at home then finished off the season by traveling to New York where they were victorious with a score of 2-1.

While winning is the bottom line in most contests, the Sounders have been focusing on solidifying their defense, the traditional calling card for the Rave Green.

They have been producing scoring opportunities through build-up play and using a variety of players that have led to outscoring opponents.

The Sounders haven't had it all their way

The Sounders have been without numerous players who were called up to international duty during this stretch, including Christian Roldan and Obed Vargas, but other players were able to step up and perform at a high level.

Osaze De Rosario recently won the MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year and solid performances including 2 assists in a game for Christian Roldan playing for the USMNT has bolstered his claim to not only make next year's team, but possibly being a starter. He has been praised as a glue guy, and Sounders fans have seen his heightened level of play all season.

The Sounders came in 5th place in the standings, which was already set before the game against New York, where the Sounders played spoilers, preventing New York from being able to move up in their standings. Considering their initial game in the playoffs will be on the road in Minnesota, their recent form has shown that they can win big games on the road.

Jackson Ragen capped the season off with a game winner, heading in a ball on a set piece and once again Stefan Frei is in rare form for the MLS approaching the playoffs.

Pedro de la Vega left the game with a right knee injury that is suspected to be serious. With an MRI coming after his return to Seattle. De la Vega has shown flashes of brilliance this year that have come in between numerous injuries. That is not new to the Sounders, who have found success despite losing key players along the way.

Over the last 3 games, described by Brian Schmetzer, the Sounders have had to figure out how to win each game, added that "nobody wants to play us in the playoffs." He pointed out that it is part of the Sounders' culture that they never quit and every game is important. He also made the decision to leave Christian and Obed in Seattle for rest, and Georgi Minoungou missed the final game as he was tending to a personal issue and did not travel with the team.

The Sounders are in good shape as their players return to the lineup and they look toward their next game at Minnesota on October 27, then in Seattle on November 3rd, then back in Minnesota on November 8th as the Sounders are in pursuit of their 3rd MLS Cup.