Sounders 3-0 to LAFC was a train wreck of epic proportions on several levels

The Seattle Sounders’ 3- 0 loss to LAFC in the quarterfinals of the  2024 League Cup was a mammoth train wreck on several levels. On the field, the players’ performance left frustrated Brian Schmetzer seething and searching for answers.

“The third goal was a mirror image they scored against us the last time they played, which had the exact storyline.   “ Alex  is too worried about Boanga inside, and we worked  on shifting the back four in training during the week. That goal  number one, second goal, same thing  that happened the last game, said Schmetzer .” Set piece, the clearances  We got the clearance this time, but as you push up, you always mark up. And then the third  goal was that, they scored the same way.”

 While Schmetzer has done an excellent job of keeping a united locker room, as he would with any professional team, something needs to be lost in translation from the practice pitch to the game. While I am not suggesting the players have turned him out, it is fair to say that for some of the players, Schmetzer’s message sounds like a broken record.

OUTDATED TRANSFER POLICY

The second level of Saturday’s train wreck was a byproduct of the clubs built from within facility mentality that has expired. Just several days before the match, Major League Soccer’s transfer window closed without the Sounders making a move. General Manager Craig Waibel was asked about the team making a move. “ I like where we are as a team said Waible.   One wonders if Waibel would have the same answer after Saturday’s match. The truth is that the Sounders have quality players, but the talent level between the two teams is night and day.

 The great sports teams have been made up of several great players, talented players who push the great players, and role players who understand their roles. What’s missing with the Sounders is talented players who push the few great players. Another void is the Sounders role players executing their roles when asked. The Sounders roster needs retooling on all three levels.

UNHAPPY FAN BASE

The third and final level of Saturday’s train wreck is the unhappy fan base. The announced attendance at Saturday’s contest was 19,643. Sounder fans were not all that thrilled with the League Cup to begin with. For the few who went to the game, seeing their squad get boat raced by the LAFC for the third consecutive time this season after a season ticket price hike was not a good day.

MOVING FORWARD

 The Sounders will regroup as they have always done.

“We’ll get back, we’re going to take two days off, and we’re going to have to get right back on the horse because we’ve got Minnesota who’s improved, and then we’ve got another chance at them”. Schmetzer was reffering  to next Wednesdays U.S. Open Semifinal  match at Start Fire.

The question is whether the team is treading water and staying fourth to sixth place in the  Western Conference.  Do the Sounders have the talent to compete on the field rather than on paper for the top spot in the Western Conference and  Supporters Shield on a perennial basis?

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