Sounders FC is looking to continue their scoring ways when they kick off their MLS season against Charlotte FC on Saturday Night at Lumen Field. The Rave Green are full of confidence after Wednesday night’s 3-1 win over Antigua FC in Game One of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie. Game two will be Wednesday at Lumen Field.
TEAM UNDERSTANDING IT ROLES
Brian Schmetzer said the preseason was about scoring goals. The team displayed a dynamic transitional attack. The play of Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan was the key. Roldan did Vargas’s bidding on defense when Vargas pushed up in attack. The youngster’s ability to make penetrating passes to Pedro de la Vega, Gerogio Monougou, and Jesus Ferreira put the attackers in goal-dangerous positions.
Those players’ ability to run onto the passes and spot secondary runners like Paul Arriola and Jordan Morris caught the Antigua midfielders flatfooted. It’s backline on its heels and guessing with each pass. One game does not make a season, especially against an attacking-minded squad.
LIKE-MINDED DEFENSIVE TEAM
Saturday will be a true test for the Sounders’ new and improved attack. Last season, Charlotte FC allowed just 37 goals, which was second-best in the league behind the Sounders’ 35 . Stefan Frei had a league-leading 13 sheets, one ahead of—you guessed it—Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. The Croatian International was named MLS Goal Keeper of the Year in 2024.
PRACTICE PHOTO GALLERY BY FRANCIE SCOTT
SOME FIREPOWER TO BOLSTER DEFENSIVE FORTRESS
Like the Sounders, Charlotte FC beefed up its attack to complement a stingy backline. The Crowns signed European Legend Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international made stops at Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Galatasaray, and Lyon before arriving at Charlotte this offseason. Charlotte added former Timbers midfielder Eryk William and resigned Pep Biel. Zaha has above-average speed with the ball, is lethal in finishing, and will add to Charlotte’s swift counterattack led by USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang and Israeli winger and Designated player Liel Abada.
SOLID DEFENDING AND SOUND COMMUNICATION
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