No team has started better than the Seattle Sounders. They lead the Supporters’ Shield race with 13 points, have the best points per game (2.6), have scored the most goals (11), have the best goal-difference (+9) and have allowed the fewest goals (2, neither of which came from open play).
They could have the highest wage bill in the league and still feel as though they were spending wisely. In reality, the salary data released by the MLS players’ union on Thursday reveals that the Sounders are spending the 12th most on salaries.
Notably, these figures don’t take transfer fees into account and MLS salary accounting is notoriously questionable, but whether the Sounders rank 7th or 17th in actual spending they are getting great value.