The Sounders are currently on a six game unbeaten streak, including five straight wins. During this amazing streak, they have come from behind, after giving up the lead to the opposition, five times. This has shattered the old American stereotype that coming back to win a soccer match is essentially impossible and it has provided super exciting soccer to watch.
The streak was started with a 4-4 draw against their arch rivals, the Portland Timbers. That game was really crazy. It was much different then any other soccer game I have seen. There were eight total goals scored. The Sounders struck first but fell behind 2-1, battled back to 2-2, gave up 2 more goals, then tied it up 4-4 in the waning minutes. Literally scoring in the 85' and 87' minutes.
Looking back at it, this epic game, against the Timbers, seemed to galvanize the Sounders, who, up until that point in the season, had looked sluggish and mediocre. Since their draw, Seattle has been a completely different team. The team's body language on the pitch shows they never feel defeated and never give up fighting. They truly believe there is always a chance to win and the results prove them out. As mentioned, they have come from behind four of five games to beat their opponents. It has become sort of a self replicating cycle as more come from behind wins build confidence and let them comeback again the next week.
The key to the Sounders success has been the unflinching play of their forwards. The two designated players up front, Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, have been proving, with their play, why they get paid so much. Dempsey has 8 goals and 2 assists while Martins has 4 goals and 6 assists. The two of them are constantly attack and making runs that provide the Sounders with scoring chances. They also seem to have developed a chemistry with each other, allowing them to make jaw dropping connections with each other.
The string of amazing games has also built up the confidence of the fans. Like the team, conceding an early goal barely even faze us. There is confidence about the team and their ability to battle back that overrides any fears about being down on the scoreboard. These are must watch games. The Sounders are showing us exactly how exciting soccer can be.
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