Coming off a remarkable Year 1, the Sounders started 2010 a disappointing 4-7-3 and needed a late-season surge just to make the playoffs. Last year, Seattle started 0-2-2 and had to play catch up for several months.
This time it's different.
"And I still don't think we're playing our best," said midfielder Brad Evans. "That's a good thing, because when we do start playing our best, we're going to find even more chances in front of the goal. We're going to find ourselves on the plus side of three goals sometimes."
Until the offense gets rolling — the Sounders led MLS with 56 goals last year — a stellar defensive effort has kept the wins coming. The back line has mixed and matched seven starters, but increased defensive contributions from the midfielders and forwards have also been important.
Regarding the lineup, winning has become a habit, according to Evans.
"I think the group is hungrier," he said. "We know that we can win every game. We're going into situations now where we've played (Mexico's Santos Laguna) and we've played some very good teams, so when we go into the games we know we're not going to be surprised by anything anymore. As long as we stick to our guns and give 100 percent every game, we're going to find ourselves with more wins."
But is motivation any harder to find after such a great run of success?
"No," said coach Sigi Schmid, "because when you're doing well you want to keep doing well. You don't want to lose that momentum."
Added Evans: "We're still trying to get to our next level, so there's no stepping off the gas at this point."
A run to the top of the standings might come next, starting with Wednesday's 5:30 p.m. game at FC Dallas.
ORIGINAL SOURCE: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2018167681_sounders09.html?cmpid=2727
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