In their first three matches of the season, the Seattle Sounders averaged 56.2% possessio — the third highest share in the league. Over that same stretch, they’ve also scored 3.33 goals per match — the highest rate in the league.
Together, those stats demonstrate something of a sea change for the Sounders, who have been good but not elite in both categories since Brian Schmetzer took over. Dating back to 2015, the team has won many of its most important matches without having the bulk of possession or creating the best scoring chances. Most notably, the Sounders won the 2016 MLS Cup final without registering a single shot on goal, and in 2018, they beat a top Western Conference rival in Sporting KC while giving up 61% of possession and losing the shot battle, 19-9.