The Sounders Are Finally Creating Chances, So Why Aren't They Scoring?

Seattle's attack is waking up. Over the last two weeks, the Sounders have generated nearly 3.82 expected goals and 52 shots across matches against Sporting Kansas City and San Diego FC. The underlying numbers are moving in the right direction, the chances are there, and the tactical adjustments are working. There's just one problem: they're not finishing.

Against San Diego, Seattle had 50 box touches and six big chances. Only 19% of their shots landed on target. One chance converted. That's the brutal reality right now for the Sounders, and it's raising a real question about who should be leading the line.

Musovski's Case Is Getting Harder to Ignore

Head coach Brian Schmetzer said after the match that nobody in the squad has earned the top No. 9 position yet. But here's the thing: it's time to give Danny Musovski his shot as a starter. Out of the options available, Moose fits the goalscoring "poacher" profile the Sounders desperately need right now, someone who turns chances into actual goals.

People seem to have forgotten that last year Musovski ranked first in the league in expected goals per 90 and 11th overall in expected goals. His performance coming off the bench against San Diego showed exactly why he deserves a look in the starting role. He found dangerous areas and made things happen when the team needed it most.

Schmetzer Found the Formula in the Second Half

Credit Schmetzer for his tactical adjustments. Once Musovski, Kingston, and Lopez came on around the 60th minute, things clicked. Kingston's energy out wide combined with Rusnák dropping deeper and Morris playing off Musovski's shoulder opened up space that wasn't there before.

The numbers tell the story: In the second half, Seattle generated 1.05 more expected goals, 10 more shots, five more shots on target, and 12 more touches in the opposition's box compared to the first half. That's not a coincidence. That's a coach making smart decisions and his team responding.

The Sounders are generating chances now. They have to start burying them. The next test will show whether this is the breakthrough moment or another missed opportunity.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.