Schmetzer Targets Sounders Momentum as Seattle Look to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Minnesota

Brian Schmetzer believes the Seattle Sounders are finally generating positive momentum as they prepare to host Minnesota United on Saturday, following the long-awaited end to their 13-game winless streak.

Seattle had gone four months without a league victory after defeating the San Jose Earthquakes on May 13. A brutal run of eight straight defeats gave way to five consecutive draws, before they finally broke through with a 2-0 midweek victory over Real Salt Lake.

Now sitting just outside the Western Conference playoff positions on games won, Schmetzer insisted the team's upward trajectory had already begun before Wednesday's breakthrough win.

"Well, I think we've already been starting to build – the five draws have been something," Schmetzer said. "It's been a long time – May 13, for the guys that are publishing the facts. I think all the people in this room are good reporters. There's no fake news in here!

"I told those guys in there to enjoy the moment. And on a personal note, there were fans behind the bench saying, 'Congratulations Brian, enjoy this moment'. So I listened to those fans, and I told the same thing to the guys in there. I think we've been building some momentum, but this really gives them a lot of belief and that’s what we discussed before the game."

Minnesota Look to Halt Four-Game Skid

Minnesota United visit Lumen Field sitting second from bottom in the Western Conference, three points adrift of Seattle after four straight defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat against the LA Galaxy.

Loons head coach Cameron Knowles stressed that any late surge toward the postseason will require contributions across the entire squad.

"We're going to need everyone. We need everyone to push, whether it's in training during the week or whether it's coming into a game," Knowles said. "We need guys to step up and everyone to give exactly what they're capable of. Everyone in that locker room has shown they're capable of contributing."

Key Players in Focus

Seattle will look to Paul Arriola to continue his decisive run of form. The attacker set up both Sounders goals against Real Salt Lake in midweek and previously opened his MLS account for the club with an equalizer against the Galaxy.

For Minnesota, forward Kelvin Yeboah remains the primary attacking threat. With 14 MLS goals this campaign, only Lionel Messi (20), Petar Musa (18), Brian White (16), and Sam Surridge (16) have scored more across the league this season.