When the season started the Seattle Sounders were expected to challenge for titles, as they have been expected to do for almost ten years now. The New England Revolution were expected to be an also-ran in a strong Eastern Conference. Now, the Sounders are on short rest with just a 4-9-3 -7 (10th/20th) record while the Revs are 5th/8th at 7-4-6 +5. New England is also fully rested.
The 4:30 PM match on Saturday July 7 on JOEtv/YouTubeTV/ESPN+ is a continuation of the must-win remainder of the season as the Sounders dug themselves a large hole.