Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC – MLS, May 30, 2021

The Sounders will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games when off-form Austin visits Lumen Field on Sunday, May 30.

Having registered five wins and two draws this year, Brian Schmetzer’s men already find themselves four points clear at the top of the Western Conference – and 11 points ahead of third-bottom Austin.

Only the flip side, the MLS newcomers head into Week 7 on a three-match losing streak. Following a promising start to their maiden campaign, Josh Wolff’s men are beginning to feel the struggle.

Below, I discuss the odds for Sunday’s clash before sharing my Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC prediction and betting pick.

No shocks here!

As anticipated, Seattle (1.52) is the clear favorite to win this one, leaving Austin (5.75) as the rank outsider. Do you really expect anything else?

The Sounders have taken a whopping 17 points from a possible 21 this term, while Los Verdes have picked up six points from a possible 18. Needless to say, the sportsbooks have got this just right.

Seattle’s four-match winning streak was brought to an end by Atlanta United last time out. Raul Ruidiaz gave his side the lead after just six minutes before Josef Martinez netted a late penalty to snatch a draw for the Five Stripes.

Still, the Sounders remain unbeaten in 2021 and look seriously strong in every department.

Ruidiaz has arguably been the star of the show so far, scoring six goals in seven MLS appearances this year. However, Seattle’s remarkable start to the season is the result of a massive team effort.

With 14 goals to their name, the Sounders are the West’s top scorers. They also boast the best defensive record in the conference, having conceded just three goals this term. Four clean sheets have played a huge part in that.

Schmetzer’s men have already beaten Minnesota, LA Galaxy, Portland, San Jose, and LAFC this year. If their recent results are anything to go by, they shouldn’t struggle to overcome Austin.

When Los Verdes won two of their first three Major League Soccer matches, they set themselves up nicely for a solid debut season. However, they have since suffered three straight defeats.

Following victories over Colorado and Minnesota, Austin has lost to Sporting KC, the Galaxy, and Nashville this month – scoring just a single goal along the way.

It was always going to be difficult for the expansion team to compete with the league’s top sides in 2021. With Seattle up next, the newcomers’ woes look set to continue.

Diego Fagundez and Cecilio Dominguez have played their part, bagging two goals each. Jon Gallagher has also caught the eye at times, notching one goal and one assist across his first five appearances for the club.

But with key players like Ben Sweat, Hector Jimenez, and Aaron Schoenfeld sidelined through injury, the Texans are going to find life extremely tough in Washington.

Let’s face it – anything other than a comfortable Seattle win would be a colossal shock on Sunday. Austin hasn’t been terrible during the early stages of the season, but the Sounders have been on a totally different level to everyone else.

Oh, and let’s not forget that Seattle boasts a goal difference of +11, while Austin stands at –3. Need I say more?