Dejan Joveljic Scores Twice on Seattle Sounders Debut — But One Major Problem Remains

The Serbian striker scored twice on his MLS debut after arriving from Sporting Kansas City in a $6 million deal, but his dream introduction was overshadowed by a familiar problem for Seattle as they surrendered a late lead in a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire.

The result extended the Sounders’ MLS winless run to 10 matches, with Seattle recording eight defeats and two draws during that stretch.

Now sitting at 7-9-5 with 26 points, Seattle will attempt to finally return to winning ways when they host the struggling New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Joveljic makes immediate impact

Joveljic wasted little time showing Seattle supporters what they had signed.

The forward struck early in the first half to put the Sounders ahead before scoring again shortly after the interval to restore Seattle’s advantage at 2-1.

Despite his two goals, however, the Sounders were unable to protect their lead, allowing Chicago to fight back for a share of the points.

For Joveljic, the individual achievement was difficult to celebrate fully.

"I'm happy because I scored in my first game, two goals," Joveljic said. "I'm not fully happy because we didn't take all three points. I have the feeling like we lost the game."

That reaction neatly captured Seattle's current predicament.

They finally have a major new attacking weapon, but the team's inability to turn promising positions into victories continues to cost them.

Seattle starting to get healthy

There is at least reason for optimism heading into Saturday's meeting with New York.

Seattle opened the season 7-1-3 before a series of injuries disrupted their momentum. Several important players are now beginning to return.

Forward Jordan Morris and midfielders Cristian Roldan and Hassani Dotson all came off the bench against Chicago following lengthy absences.

Midfielder Paul Arriola is also expected to be available against the Red Bulls after missing action since August 1 with a calf problem.

Jesus Ferreira remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the growing availability of Seattle's squad could provide the boost they need to end their prolonged slide.

The challenge is turning that improved squad depth into results.

Red Bulls arrive in poor form

New York will not enter the match brimming with confidence either.

The Red Bulls have gone four matches without a win, losing three and drawing one, and they were beaten 3-1 at home by the Philadelphia Union last weekend.

Saturday's fixture also begins a four-match road trip for New York, increasing the pressure on Michael Bradley's side to find a response.

Bradley insists his players are being held accountable as they attempt to correct the issues behind their recent run.

"There's accountability every day, so we promise you that we look hard at every little thing, we're very honest with ourselves," Bradley said.

He acknowledged, however, that identifying problems does not automatically make them disappear.

Julian Hall is the danger Seattle must contain

The Red Bulls do have one major attacking threat capable of changing the game.

Julian Hall, the 18-year-old All-Star forward, has produced nine goals and five assists in 22 league appearances this season.

Hall also signed a new four-year contract last week, underlining his importance to New York's long-term plans.

For Seattle, limiting his influence will be crucial if they are to avoid another night where a strong attacking performance ultimately produces only one point.

What happens next?

Saturday presents Seattle with an intriguing opportunity.

Joveljic has already shown that he can provide the goals, while several previously injured players are returning at exactly the time the Sounders need a spark.

But until Seattle learn how to protect leads and close out matches, the two-goal debut of their $6 million signing will remain only a footnote to a much bigger problem.

After 10 straight MLS matches without a win, the Sounders need Joveljic's goals to become the beginning of a turnaround — not another example of points slipping away.