Joveljić Leaves The Sounders One Last Problem

Seattle finally found three goals. Then one of the men responsible got on a plane. Dejan Joveljić scored in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Colorado, the Sounders’ first three-goal MLS performance since May 13. He will miss Wednesday’s match while on international duty with Serbia.

That removes the striker just as Seattle’s attack showed signs of life. Real Salt Lake arrive with the opposite problem. They have gone 194 minutes without scoring, Diego Luna is out for the season, and their MLS winless streak has reached 12 matches.

Something has to give at Lumen Field. Recent evidence suggests it may take a while.

Bookmaker Sportsbook opening line: Seattle Sounders -109, Real Salt Lake +261, draw +284. The total opened at 3 goals, over -108 and under -118. Seattle are -0.5 at -110, with RSL +0.5 at -116. My lean is under 3 goals at -118.

Clark Arrives as Joveljić Disappears

Seattle does have a new complication for RSL. Caden Clark entered in the 83rd minute of his Sounders debut and scored the 93rd-minute equalizer against Colorado. Albert Rusnák supplied his second assist of the match, while Cristian Roldan had already scored and helped create Clark’s goal.

That gives Brian Schmetzer alternatives around the penalty area. It does not replace Joveljić’s role automatically.

The Serbian had scored moments after seeing another effort disallowed for offside, giving Seattle a central finishing threat while Jordan Morris occupied space around him. With Joveljić away, Schmetzer has to redistribute that threat rather than simply reproduce Saturday’s attack.

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Eneli Returns to a Missing Attack

RSL’s most encouraging development from Saturday happened after Vancouver had already scored three.

Emeka Eneli returned after 11 months out with a complicated knee injury and played the final 25 minutes. He said afterward that his body felt pain-free, although he is still rebuilding match sharpness and fitness.

His return can give Pablo Mastroeni another midfield option in Seattle. It cannot immediately solve Luna’s absence.

Luna’s torn meniscus ends a season in which he produced five goals and at least five assists. RSL have subsequently been shut out by New York City FC and Vancouver and have not scored in 194 minutes.

Sergi Solans hit the post against Vancouver, while Morgan Guilavogui forced a first-half save. The chances have not completely disappeared. The finish has.

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Three Goals Hide The Sounders’ Other Number

Saturday’s six-goal draw makes an under immediately look rather eccentric. Brian Schmetzer gave us a reason not to dismiss it.

When asked what kept the Sounders from turning the comeback into a victory, he began with one word: “Defending.” Colorado produced 18 shots, seven on target, as Seattle conceded three. That defensive vulnerability is the obvious danger to an under-3.

RSL, however, have to exploit it without Luna and after consecutive scoreless defeats. Seattle have to attack without Joveljić, while Morris’ condition also deserves monitoring after he appeared uncomfortable following heavy contact against Colorado; no official status for Wednesday has yet been established.

The push protection at exactly three goals matters. Seattle have drawn their last five MLS matches. RSL have gone 12 without winning. Between them, they have recently discovered almost every method of avoiding victory available under the Laws of the Game.

Wednesday removes a major attacking piece from each side. At three rather than 2.5, that is enough.

Betting lean: Under 3 goals at -118.

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