The Sounder’s opening match in the MLS is Back Tournament did quite go according to plan. The defending MLS Champions found themselves in a dog fight against a determined San Jose Earthquakes squad. Prior to the suspension of the MLS season due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Earthquakes had one draw and four losses in their last five games. The Sounders had two wins, one loss and two draws in the same five-game stretch.
TALE OF TWO HALVES
The Earthquakes dominated the first half with a high press that simply rattled the Sounders. The Rave Green were unable to sustain any type of possession . The sturdy play of goal keeper Stefan Frei and the backline kept the Sounders in the game and Earthquakes off the scoreboard .
Head coach Brian Schmetzer’s tactical change of pushing his midfield players up the pitch and installing a counter-press resulted in the Sounders having more possession.
Next Up
- SEA: Tuesday, July 14 vs. Chicago Fire FC (9 am ET | ESPN in US; TSN in Canada)
- SJ: Wednesday, July 15 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (10:30 pm ET | TUDN in US; TSN in Canada)
