Brian Schmetzer already believed the Seattle Sounders were building some momentum even before they ended their four-month wait for a victory on Wednesday, as they look to go back-to-back against Minnesota United.

The Sounders went 13 games without victory after beating the San Jose Earthquakes on May 13, prior to the World Cup break. 

They lost eight straight matches before turning the corner somewhat by drawing five in a row, prior to overcoming Real Salt Lake – who are also on a long winless streak of their own – by a 2-0 scoreline in midweek.

Now only outside the playoff spots on games won in the Western Conference, Seattle will look to inject some more impetus at home to Minnesota on Saturday.

But Schmetzer believes they were already on an upward trajectory of sorts, saying: "Well, I think we've already been starting to build – the five draws have been something. 

"It's been a long time – May 13, for the guys that are publishing the facts. I think all the people in this room are good reporters. There's no fake news in here!

"I told those guys in there to enjoy the moment. And on a personal note, there were fans behind the bench saying, 'Congratulations Brian, enjoy this moment'.

"So I listened to those fans, and I told the same thing to the guys in there. I think we've been building some momentum, but this really gives them a lot of belief and that’s what we discussed before the game."

Minnesota are second from bottom in the West, albeit only three points behind the Sounders, after losing four straight games.

Their most recent defeat came by a 3-2 scoreline against the LA Galaxy last weekend, and if the Loons are to make a late push for the postseason, head coach Cameron Knowles knows it will take a collective effort.

"We're going to need everyone. We need everyone to push, whether it's in training during the week or whether it's coming into a game," he said. 

"We need guys to step up and everyone to give exactly what they're capable of. Everyone in that locker room has shown they're capable of contributing."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Seattle Sounders – Paul Arriola

Arriola assisted both Seattle goals against RSL on Wednesday, while he also had a joint-game-high three shots and the only Opta-defined 'big' chance of the match.

He also scored his first MLS goal for the Sounders earlier this month, to salvage a point against the Galaxy in a 1-1 draw on September 12.

Minnesota United – Kelvin Yeboah

Only Lionel Messi (20), Petar Musa (18), Brian White and Sam Surridge (16 each) have scored more goals in MLS this year than Yeboah's 14.

The Minnesota forward – who was on target against the Galaxy last weekend – also ranks third in the league for expected goals (14.6 xG), only behind Messi (17.2) and White (16.1).

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

When these two sides last met in MLS action, they played out a 0-0 draw at Allianz Field in March.

All of a sudden, Seattle's club-record winless streak has turned into a six-game unbeaten run, even if they did play out five draws in that time.

And they are the Opta supercomputer's favourites for this one, with Minnesota only managing one win in their last six MLS games (D1 L4).

Away from home, the Loons have lost their last two matches while conceding a total of nine goals (5-4 at Portland Timbers, 4-2 at St. Louis City SC), so without a big defensive improvement, they could be up against it.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 45.8%

Minnesota United – 30.5% 

Draw – 23.7%