The Sounders are out to check multiple boxes when they take on the Houston Dynamo on Saturday at Lumen Field. Box one is snapping a two-game losing streak. Box Two is continuing its 18-home unbeaten streak against the Houston Dynamo. Box number three is being used to make Lumen Field. To check all of the above boxes, the Sounders have to score goals. The first step in accomplishing that goal is to get runners in the opponent’s goal box.
A HARD STRETCH AND TIME TO REFOCUS
During the team’s 5-2 win over LAFC, Sounders winger Pedro de la Vega suffered a leg injury. The high of beating their one-time nemesis for a second consecutive time was matched by a low of lows. Just three days after beating the LAFC, the Sounders were bumped out of the Concacaf Champions Cup 4-1 by Cruz Azul and lost Paul Arriola and Jordan Morris in the contest. The physical and emotional toll of the loss showed up in the teams 1-0 at St. Louis City FC. The team brought effort, but there was a clear lack of cohesion and symmetry in the attack. Adding insult to injury, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer missed the contest after contracting COVID-19.
SOME MUCH-NEEDED RESPITE
The team needed a reboot and Schmetzer and his staff had the foresight to give his players a few days of respite to recharge and refocus. “ It was good to just get away from soccer for a few days and recharge,’ said midfielder Albert Rusnáck. The team returned to practice Wednesday. The Sounders have spent the last few days working on their final third pivots. The injury to Morris saw the insertion of Jesus Ferreria as the team’s number 9. One is not better than the other, but they are two different players.
Morris likes to run behind players, while Ferreria likes to run at defenders inside the goal box. In the loss to St. Louis, the team struggled to get the ball to Ferreira. The issue was more about familiarity than a lack of trying. “A couple of times, he made good runs inside the box, and we missed him.” Said Winger Paul Rothrock.
PERFECT RECIPE FOR
So, with ample days of practice and rest facing an opponent they have beaten in 18 consecutive games at home, one would think Saturday’s game against the Houston Dynamo should be a walk in the park. Not exactly. Nothing is ever as easy as it looks. The team is having a plethora of pregame ceremonies.
Two will honor Morris for being the team’s all-time goal scorer and Cristian Roldan for participating in more games than any other outfield player in club history. The third pre-game celebration will honor former Sounder and now Houston Dynamo player Nicolas Lodeiro for his service to the Sounders. That’s a lot of pre-game fluff for a team looking to return to the winning side. The players are professionals, and there are pregame activities before each game.
BIG PICTURE
It will be critical for the Sounders to dictate the pace early, press high, keep the Dyno on their heels, and use a swift and decisive counterattack. Get the ball to Ferreira early and often so he can gain some confidence in the attack.
- Seahawks 2026 Draft: Analysis of Key Picks and Strategies
- Seahawks Draft Emmanuel Henderson: Special Teams Prospects
- Seahawks Trade for Beau Stephens: An Offensive Line Boost
- Seahawks Trade Down: What Julian Neal Brings to the Defense
- Analyzing Bud Clark’s Skills: Seahawks’ 2026 Draft Pick
Discover more from Cascadiasports.net
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
