The Sounders are looking to finish their three-game homestand with three consecutive wins when they host the Minnesota Loons who are third in the Western Conference with 27 points . A win over the Loons would see the fourth-place Sounders ( 26 points ) jump to third in the Conference.
BACKLINE NEEDS TO CLAMP DOWN
The good news is that the Sounders have recorded back-to-back 1-0 shutouts and have overcome injury to a member of the backline in the first half of the wins. Jonathan Bell replaced Yeimar in the team’s win over FC Dallas. Yeimar will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks. 18-year-old Sturt Hawkins made his second MLS appearance when he replaced Kim Kee-Hee, who suffered an ankle injury 34 minutes into the team’s contest with San Diego FC.
“We have high hopes for him,” Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said of Hawkins. “He’s defending against Chucky Lozano. He’s doing what he needs to do…The kid’s great.”
Kee-Hee’s status is unknown. The most likely scenario will see Jackson Ragen return to the starting lineup next to Janathan Bell. Ragen suffered an hamstring in the Sounders firs game with Dallas FC on April 12th . He was on the bench for the Sounders’ win over San Diego FC.
BE QUICK BUT DON’T HURRY
The famous John Wooden saying, “Be quick but don’t hurry,” should be the mantra for the Sounders in their Sunday matchup with the Loons. The Sounders have to quickly build out from a four-back formation to a three-back formation. Once out of the initial third and into the buildup third, they have to quickly get the ball downfield by using the flanks. Once the ball is downfield, the Sounders need to have players in attacking and supporting positions. This can be achieved by having someone make the run in the primary assist zone, while another player opens up for a square pass. The key is meaningful possession.
KEEP THE BALL
Make multiple passes and shift the defense. By moving the Minnesota backline with possession, the Sounders forwards can find pockets in which to be in the final third. Now, whether that’s going to be Danny Masoviski or Jesus Ferrero, that’s a decision Schmetzer is going to have to make. But no matter who plays that 10, they have to stay between the opposing center backs and find space in the box without straying offside.
LOOK FOR AN ACTIVE ALBERT RUSNACK
The continued stellar play of Cristian Roldan and Obed Vargas has opened up space and options for the Sounders’ attacking five players. The ten and Albert Rusnàck, who continues to play at an All-Star level. His ability to collect the ball while playing in front of the Roldan and Vargas combination opens up multiple attacking options for Pedro de la Vega, Ryan Kent, Alex Roldan and Paul Rothrock who is at his best as a winger. If the Sounders are to succeed in the attacking third against Minnesota, Kent will need to utilize his speed to enter the primary attacking zone and make quicker decisions when in possession. Against FC Dallas, he was slow off his feet, slow to recognize the double team, and lost possession numerous times.
STAYING IN ADVANCED POSITIONS
Also, the key in terms of meaningful possession is whether the Sounders can also switch the ball and recycle it to the other end of the field? For that to happen, Vargas needs to stay in the advanced position, have an awareness to see across the field to an overlapping winger, and then attack when the opportunity arises. Cristian Roldan’s long passes from deep n midfield have unlocked opposing defenses as well. So, the key for the Sounders is going to be maintaining meaningful possession and then attacking when the opportunity presents itself..
COUNTER PRESSING TO GAIN POSSESSION
Schmetzer likes to press when playing at home. The big question here is, can the Sounders be effective in the high press against Minnesota? Against San Diego FC, the answer was a big no. If they can cause Minnesota issues in it’s buildup, then the Sounders can use their transition game to gain the edge. Once possession is gained, the Sounders must score when given opportunities in transition.
BIG TAKE
The Sounders need to stay compact on defense. That’s been the ongoing issue, despite winning the last two games. The Sounders are giving up too many open looks, which have led to scoring opportunities for their opponents. Stephen Frie has been the savior in goal, but I don’t know how long he can walk on water against a creative team like Minnesota. The Sounders have to be creative and innovative in the final third and inside the box .
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