For my teams morale makes a difference, but they play at level 10+, where the quality differences are lower. But 27 vs. 17 is a huge quality difference, give it a try.

Btw: If you are short on morale boosters try to find some lower level friends and do a friendly, instead of training. If you watch the match and win it you get 2 boosters (one for watching, one for winning). And even an extra 3rd booster if you dominate the match (happens quite often vs. inactive teams).
This hint might not immediately help since you seem to be level 2-4, but later in the game you can get this way boosters easily. The only risk are injuries, so field your bench players then.