Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Sounders just overtook Real Salt Lake as the best side in the league after their dominant 2-0 victory on Friday night in front of their beloved home fans. Right now, they have a game in hand and are still one point ahead of everyone else, even the East leaders, New York Red Bulls.
Speaking of the Red Bulls, they defeated Toronto FC at home yesterday 2-0 thanks to strikes from Thierry Henry and Fabian Espindola who are arguably considered their top two scorers. Both have taken a leadership role at the club this season to lead the original bunch as well as the motivational newcomers, who have boosted the team’s performance in recent weeks.
If both sides continue this run of form, they could easily be considered as title game favorites, with either side capable of winning the championship. In two weeks’ time, we can see a possible preview of the title game when the Sounders host N.Y. in a regular season matchup. Since it is in Seattle, the home side should put out their U.S. international stars and the best group of fans in the entire league.
Neither side has won a title as of yet. The Red Bulls came closest back in 2008 when they lost out to the Columbus Crew courtesy of a 3-1 score line. That memory will still be a sour spot in their minds if they are to make the championship game again. Arguably, this is the year that they have the best chance to make it.
On the other hand, the Sounders have their best squad in recent years and have the same coach, Sigi Schmid, who coached Columbus back when they defeated N.Y. for the title. With his leadership, they can go very far.
