A fast start in Saturday’s game against Montreal is a must for the Sounders after last week’s lethargic start in LA. The Rave Green will look to use the home crowd as energy to score early and often. In a worst-case scenario, the team will hope for the former but settle for the latter.
TRADITIONAL LINEUP
To execute the fast-paced game plan head coach Brian Schmetzer will probably go back to a traditional lineup of Frei in goal, and a back line of Nouhou, Jackson Ragen, Yeirman, and Alex Roldan. A midfield of Josh Atencio, and Obed Vargas, is behind Jordan Morris on the left Albert Rusnak in the middle, and Cristian Roldan with Raul Ruidiaz up front. This is a slight change from last week’s lineup where Cody Baker started at right fullback pushing Alex Roldan at right wing and brother Cristian in the middle. Morris looked comfortable and at home on the left wing and had some good combinations with Ruidiaz that put the LA Galaxy on its back foot. Fast-paced off-ball movements and quick passes followed by creative technical decisions will be critical if the Sounders are to get on the scoreboard early.
BALL POSSESSION
Montreal plays a back line of five players. Patient ball possession will be critical in trying to break down the fortified backline. Atencio and Vargas have to be decisive in their decision-making and cannot afford to give the ball away when in possession. Rusnak will need to be an outlet to help Atencio Atencio when they are pressed. This will require Rusnak to play from box to box on offense and defense. Cristian Roldan will need to stay inside and allow Alex to make overlapping wide runs that will put pressure on the Montreal defense.
SHOOT AND SHOOT
To score one has to shoot. There is too much overthinking by Morris, Ruidiaz, and Cristian Roldan when in the final third. Simple decisive runs accompanied by simple passes to space or feet are the key to getting the ball to players in the opponent’s box. When those players receive or run onto the ball a shot must be produced within two touches if not the first touch.
HOW MUCH WILL JOAO PAULO?
At some point on Saturday, the heart and soul of the team will step into the field. After missing the season’s first five games, midfielder Joao Paulo is expected to step onto the field. Paulo is a difference-maker. His ability to make plays on the defensive and offensive half of the pitch is a major reason the Sounders are confident they will turn their season around The prevailing thought is that Paulo will enter the game sometime after the 60th minute in the second half. While he practiced all week with no restrictions Schmetzter and the training staff will want to ease him back into playing shape. Paulo is sure to get a standing ovation whenever he enters the game and instantly transform the Sounders attack.
INJURY REPORT
Seattle Sounders FC
Reed Baker-Whiting – Hamstring (Out)
Léo Chú – Knee (Out)
Pedro de la Vega – Hamstring (Out)
Braudilio Rodrigues – Hamstring (Out)
João Paulo – Hip (Questionable)
CF Montréal
Mahala Opoku – Ankle (Out)
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint – Knee (Out)
Dominic Iankov – Hamstring (Questionable)
Lassi Lappalainen – Groin (Questionable)
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