A proud franchise saw a defining week like no other end with a dramatic 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew Saturday night In Columbus Ohio. The Sounders win over the Crew marked a third consecutive road win in seven days. The contest was a rematch of last years MLS Cup Final in which the Sounders for all intended purposes looked like they never showed up. The reality is the team showed up physically but not mentally . The 3-0 score line serving as evidence.
Last night’s win over the Crew does not even the score. Any team will take a Cup win over a regular season loss. A message was indeed sent by head coach Brian Schmetzer and his team.
MEASURING UP OPPONENT
The message sent by Schmetzer was not about beating Columbus but how they beat Columbus. As has been the case all season the Sounders took their time settling into the game. Unlike last year MLS Cup debacle this is by design. The Sounders have scored 26 of their 35 goals in the second half. As the game wears on the Sounders get stronger and eventually outrun their opponents in the second half . Portland and last nights win serve as prime examples.
TACTICAL BATTLE
After settling into the game the Sounders went into the half time break goalless as did the Crew. The game marked the first start of the season for captain Nicolas Lodeiro. More emotionalism. Schmetzer pushed Cristian Roldan into the attacking half for more fire power and the tactic shifted the balance of power to the Sounders. Crew coach Caleb Porter an old Schmetzer nemesis with respect of course countered with a high marking press that momentarily discombobulated the Sounders. Porter also inserted Bradley Wright-Phillips a prolific goal scorer.
SLOPPY TURNOVERS
The result was two consecutive turnovers by the backline with one forcing a dramatic save by Seattle goal keeper Stefan Cleveland in the 74th minute. Sensing the balance shifting away from his squad Schemtzer went to his bench and brought in Jimmy Medranda Kelyn Rowe for Brad Smith and Alex Roldan.
Unfortunately for Sounders the miscues continued when Wright Phillips scored a sitter after being left unmarked in front of goal during a corner five minutes later. Schmetzer went to his bench one more time bringing in Josh Atencio for a spent Nicolas Lodiero in the 83rd minute and Will bruin for Shane On’eill one minute later. Yes Schmetzer had Bruin playing wing back. As has been the case most of the year Schmetzer’s tactical changes were spot on.
Following a Sounders corner kick Medranda crossed the ball to defender Xaivier Arreaga who leveled the game in the 83rd minute. Medranda recorded his second assist of the game a minute later when he dribbled down the left side of the 18- yard box and deftly laid the ball off to Bruin who deftly shot the ball into the far side of the net for the winner.
NEW ERA FOR SCHMETZER AND SOUNDERS
The biggest emotional backdrop to Saturdays win saw the departure of Djimi Traore as a top assistant to Schmetzer. The departure is ten days after the club announced that Traore and Gonzalo Pineda would be leaving the club. Pineda to become the head coach of Atlanta United and Traore to pursue coaching opportunities in Europe.
The win, how they won, and when they won closes an extremely emotional chapter in Sounders Club history. In some ways Schmetzer is a proud dad seeing his assistants grow up but in another sense he must also feel like an empty nester. Such is the life of a Big Club who is mantra is about winning. Given the Sounders have everything to play for the next chapter of the Sounders could very well be there best.
UP NEXT GAME NOTES
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