Seattle Sounders’ post-CCL form has them back in the playoff picture

The Seattle Sounders received adulation from across Major League Soccer when they defeated Pumas to win the CONCACAF Champions League — the first MLS club to do so since 2000. It was a watershed moment for the league, manifestation of its goals to rival and eventually eclipse Mexico’s Liga MX, but it came at a cost.

By the time the continental crown was draped in Rave Green, Seattle sat near the bottom of the Western Conference, albeit with multiple games in hand. Since, the Sounders have taken 13 points from 21 available, and now find themselves seventh in the West — the last playoff place in the conference.

Unsurprisingly, after a week in which Brian Schmetzer’s side thumped Vancouver 4-0 and weathered a visit from LAFC to earn a well-deserved 1-1 draw, they’ve consistently climbed up our order. Just shy of their halfway point in the 2022 season, the Sounders appear poised to continue their rise toward the top.

With Week 15 in the books, Austin Lindberg and Dan Hajducky look at the results, break down where all 28 teams stand after a wild weekend of action and bring you the latest edition of the MLS Power Rankings.

– MLS on ESPN+: Stream LIVE games, replays (U.S.)
– Soccer on ESPN+: FC Daily | Futbol Americas
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: June 26 vs. New York Red Bulls, 3 p.m. ET, ABC

Steve Cherundolo’s team traveled to Seattle to pick up a hard-fought draw against the Sounders. It’s not the glamourous statement win we’ve come to expect from the Supporters’ Shield leaders, but coming from behind and earning a point against the continental champions, who are rounding into form, demonstrates the gritty mentality that LAFC will need in order to make a deep playoff run. — Lindberg

Previous…