Sounders put MLS on notice with a dominant 2-1 win over Loons

Sounder’s head coach Brian Schmetzer has been preaching depth, talent, and competition when describing his Sounders team. On Saturday against  Minnesota, the Sounders played a flawless first half and held a commanding 1-0 lead at the break. An early second-half goal saw the Rave Green jump out to a 2-0  lead after just 40 minutes of play. Multiple substitutions by Schmetzer took away from the Sounder’s cohesiveness in the middle and the backline.

Obed Vargas relived Nicola Lodeiro, Abdoulaye Cissoko did the same for Albert Rusnak. Raul Ruidiaz replaced Will Bruin and Leo Chu did the same for Jordan Morris. A Minnesota goal in the 82^nd minute made for a frantic finish which the Sounders endured and secured a 2-1  win in one of MLS’s toughest environments.

JUGGLING MINUTES

Schmetzer once again showed his ability to not only manage his team on the field but in the locker room. With multiple players returning from World Cup qualifiers players were returning on high and relishing the moment they had achieved for themselves and their country. In other words, players were a little distracted. Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Xavier Arreaga, and Nouhou Tolo were relishing their achievements. Add in the return of a healthy Raul Ruidiaz and  Nicolas Lodeiro Saturday’s game became an embarrassment of riches. Not that Schmetzer was complaining.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Schmetzer was able to divide up meaningful minutes so that most of the players would be close to game fit for Wednesday. The Sounders will host NYCFC in Leg One of the CONCACAF Champions League Semi-final round.  The middle block of Rusnak, Joao Paulo, and Lodeiro playing ahead of them allowed the Sounders to control possession and thwart the Loon’s attack.

At times Roldan pinched in to make it four in the middle. With dominant ball possession, Minnesota was forced to push up midfielders Abu Danladi, Robin Lo, and Emanuel Reynoso to chase the ball.

Holding midfielders Hassani Dotson and Wil Trap had to pinch inside leaving space for Morris and Cristian Roldan. Starting forward Will Bruin had plenty of space in the middle in which to run onto but never received that release pass towards goal.  His runs were effective enough to create space for the oncoming Sounders midfielders.

PAULO GOOLASO

Joao’s goal just before halftime was a good example of how the sustained possession created space for the midfield players.  In the 76^th minute, Schmetzer inserted Nouhou for Arreaga who was given the start with Jackson Ragen in the middle. Kelyn Rowe started at right-back with Alex Roldan at left. Nouhou’s insertion made for back five defensive line and that was a sign of things to come.  The Sounders are a talented, flexible team that can adapt during the games. This spells danger for other MLS teams.

STATEMENT GAME

On many fronts, this was a big win for the Sounders who snapped a six-game road winless streak. Saturday’s defeat was the first for the Loons who were third in the Western Conference. The Sounders were 11th going into the contest. After picking up the essential three points the Rave Green is tied for 8th place in the conference with Nashville SC who has a similar 2-1-2 record. With a feel-good and get-well game under their belt, the Sounders are in the best shape possible to churn a positive result on Wednesday.

UP NEXT: POSTGAME NOTES