The Sounders will fly back to Seattle after a goalless draw with Honduran side F.C. Motagua in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions League. For the most part, the plane ride will be a happy one for the Rave Green. The two sides will square off in a winner take all match Thursday at Lumen field.
DEFENSE WAS READY
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The four in the back from left to right were Kelyn Rowe, Xavier Arreaga, Yeimar Gomez and Alex Roldan. Starting here because it was stellar defensive play by the four and Nouhou when he came on in the second half that kept a good Motagua team at bay.
The home side’s best chance was in the first half when a corner kick was on its way to the back of the Sounders goal only to be denied by the crossbar. After that Motagua has three half chances that went begging. In his post-game press conference, Schmetzer praised the play of his goalkeeper and backline.
“Keeping a clean sheet was one of the objectives for tonight. We have good attacking players and always have a chance if we play good defense.”
Motagua finished the night with eleven shots overall and just four on goal.
ALBERT RUSNAK IS A GAME CHANGE
The Sounders biggest offseason acquisition showed why the front office was downright giddy when he signed with the Sounders. Rusnak started at the right-wing with Nicolas Lodeiro in the middle and Jordan Morris on the left. A patient, calculating player who reads the game and reacts with precision allowed Lodeiro to push up the field in an attacking manner.
When Lodeiro pushed up Rusnak dropped into the middle and streaked down the right flank when the opportunity presented itself. When Nohou subbed in for Lodeiro Rusnak took over for the Sounders captain and the team did not miss a beat. Rowe also showed his versatility when he slotted into the right-wing that was vacated by Rusnak.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Schmetzer started 16-year-old Obed Vargas in midfield along with Cristian Roldan. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, the two players in the middle are required to run forever. Vargas did just that. When needed he supported Morris and Lodeiro as an outlet if they could not go forward with the ball. This happened quite a bit due to the very compacted Motagua squad. Vargas showed an outstanding ability to read the game and react without hesitation. If the question is was the tie points lost or gained? The answer is easy. The Sounders gained points. No goals conceded with a chance to advance in front of their home crowd. Any big club in tournament play will take those odds.
GAME SUMMARY
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 0 – F.C. Motagua 0
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Venue: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
Referee: Luis Enrique Santander Aguirre
Assistants: Enríque Isaac Bustos Díaz, Jorge Antonio Sánchez Espinoza
Fourth Official: David Gómez
VAR: Adonai Escobedo González
Attendance: Closed door
Weather: 74 degrees and clear
SCORING SUMMARY
None
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
MOT – Lucas Baldunciel (caution) 57’
SEA – Kelyn Rowe (caution) 76’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Frei; Alex Roldan, Yeimar, Xavier Arreaga, Kelyn Rowe (Fredy Montero 82’); Cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, Albert Rusnák, Nico Lodeiro (Nouhou 64’), Jordan Morris (Jackson Ragan 89’); Raúl Ruidíaz
Substitutes not used: Stefan Cleveland, Reed Baker-Whiting, Joe Hafferty, Léo Chú
Total shots: 6
Shots on goal: 1
Fouls: 11
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 4
F.C. Motagua – Marlon Lincona; Marcelo Pereira, Denil Maldona, Wesly Decas; Lucas Baldunciel (Jessé Moncada 66’), Jonathan Núñez, Marcelo Santos, Omar Eliver, Diego Auzqui (Carlos Mejía 78’); Roberto Moreira (Ángel Tejeda 58’), Franco Olego (Iván López 78’)
Substitutes not used: Christopher Meléndez, Jonathan Rougier, Diego Rodríguez
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 12
Offside: 1
Corner-kicks: 5
Saves: 1
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