St. Louis CITY SC fears one team, and it’s Seattle Sounders for a reason | OneFootball

St. Louis CITY SC enters Matchweek 4 of the 2025 MLS season in top form: it is the league's sole side yet to allow a goal this season. With Olof Mellberg in charge, the side comes into the game off a 3-0 thumping of LA Galaxy and welcomes Seattle Sounders to Energizer Park.

The task? Snapping a skid. St. Louis has never beaten Seattle and has lost each of the past four meetings between them. The past hangs heavy against them, but CITY SC's recent form might be just what is needed to turn around that history.

St. Louis' defensive quality is formidable

If one thing defines St. Louis CITY SC to start this season, it is their defense, which is impenetrable. The team has registered three clean sheets in a row, something only 11 teams in the history of MLS have done.

The key behind this defensive resilience is Roman Bürki. The Swiss keeper, who was already one of the league's best in 2024, once again demonstrates why he is one of the most valuable assets on the squad. He made eight saves in the game against LA Galaxy and was given the Player of the Matchday honor.

St. Louis' defense cannot be overlooked. Only two teams in MLS history have extended a season, opening streak to four straight shutouts, New York Red Bulls (2007) and Vancouver Whitecaps (2012).

If CITY SC can replicate this defensive strength against Seattle Sounders, it will become part of an exclusive group in league history. But Saturday's opponent has the attacking ability to challenge this defensive strength.

Seattle Sounders possess a deadly offense and an unreliable team

Seattle Sounders enter this match with a 1-1-1 record, having recently defeated LAFC 5-2 at home. Jordan Morris has three goals to pace the Sounders, and Albert Rusnák has three assists, most on the team.

Seattle also played in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, tying Cruz Azul 0-0 in the first leg and losing 4-1 in the second. Tuesday night's loss eliminated the Sounders from the Concacaf Champions Cup.

St. Louis CITY is the lone club among the 30 clubs in MLS that remains goal-less this season. The team is only the fifth team in a decade and the 11th in MLS history to begin a campaign on three successive clean sheets.