Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer and his coaching staff have ramped up the team’s training routine as the club prepares for its second preseason game against Danish side AAB Fodbold. After a near-flawless 2-0 win over Hungarian side Puskás Akademia FC. Schmetzer is looking for his players to take their fitness and the mystery of the attacking systems to a higher level.
“ We are going to play two squads, made some substitutions, and are going to try and accomplish some of the things that we have been working on in training,’ said Schmetzer. “ I mean, we’ we’ve got it pretty dialed in, uh, but for us, you know, obviously winning would be great, but we just want to make sure that the players understand some of the tactics that we’re giving them in training and that actually translates into success against a real opponent.”
PRIORITY IS TO CREATE A DIVERSE ATTACK
After leading the league in the fewest goals allowed in MLS last season, the offseason, and now the preseason is about finding ways to get more players in the opponent’s goal box and score more goals. In the offseason the team acquired winger Jesus Ferreira and wingback Paul Arriola to add creativity in the attacking third.
“ What I love about our roster construction is that we have a lot of flexibility up front with Jesus, Paul, Albert ( Rusnack), Jordan ( Morris and Pedro, “said Schmetzer.
BOSSING THE Midfield WILL BE THE KEY
Regardless of the Sounders’ formation, the key will be winning the midfield battle. Obed Vargas took another step in his development as a box-to-box midfielder last season, with no limit on how good he could be. Cristian Roldan warmed up to playing defensively and holding midfielder, which allowed Vargas to find spaces in the attacking third. An entire preseason will enhance the duo’s understanding of how to play off each other. While the two look to be the opening-day starters, Schmezter pointed out that Joao Paulo and Danny Leyva will play an important role .
FUN OUTING
In the midst of preparing the team for it’s second game of the season , Schmetzer and his coaching staff took a day trip to watch future FIFA Club World Cup opponent Athletic Madrid play Villarreal in a La Liga league match.
“ A Wonderful little day trip up to Madrid Freddie, myself, John, Henry, we went up there and we were able to watch Athletic play Villarreal,” said Schmetzer who had big smile on his face as he spoke of the day trip. “ The stadium was really good, the Athletic fans were awesome, and they treated us well, “
Athletico Madrid and the Sounders will play at Lumen Field on Thursday, June 19th, in game two of the Fifa World Cup Group B match. The Rave Green will close out Group play four days later when they entertain PSG on June 23rd. Game one of the three-game Group will be on June 15th against the Brazilian side Botafogo.
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