Not sure if Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer is a Mary J Blige fan, but he is sure feeling the popular hip-hop soul singer’s award-winning song, “No More Drama.” The now classic hit was released 16 years ago. For Schmetzer and his coaching staff, less drama to finish games would be a welcome relief.
“ So again, we went through it as a coaching staff, first thing when we came back, we didn’t talk about the team. We actually talked about us. What can we do better? What didn’t we do? What can we, you know, learn from previous experiences and make sure that the trainings are good, so that they’re prepared to play” said Schmetzer after the team’s Friday practice before Saturday’s game with the San Jose Earthquakes.
FAST START THEN IMPLOSION
The Sounders have bolted to three-nil leads in their last two games. The results were a 3-2 win at Sporting KC and a soul-searching 3-3 draw with Colorado at Lumen Field. The two games were played within a five-day period. Sloppy play, poor judgment, heavy legs, and a lack of awareness when holding leads in games have all contributed to Schmetzer’s frustration. The team has given up two penalties in each of the two games to add bewilderment to Schmetzer’s soul-searching.
ROTATION CHOICES
A case can be made that Schmetzer should be bold in his approach to the starting rotation and substitution pattern. Sounders’ match with the ninth-place Quakes ( 7-8-8, 29pts) will be the Sounders’ third game in eight days. It may seem simple, but multiple factors are at play when Schmetzer is contemplating his starting lineup and rotations. Suspensions, how players practiced, and how they are playing in a particular game. After the 3-3 draw, Schmetzer was asked about his substitution rotation, and Schmetzer was quick to point out that he used all five substitutes, something he rarely does.
BOTH TEAMS LOOKING TO FINISH STRONG
Like the Sounders, the Quakes are an offensive powerhouse that has had issues finishing games. The San Jose attack is led by Chico Arango’s ten goals, Cristina Espinoza’s 11 assists, and Josef Martinez, who was named to the MLS Team for Match Day 25. The Venezuelan had a goal and an assist in the Quakes’ 2-2 draw with FC Dallas. Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnâk was also selected for his brace in the Sounders’ 3-3 draw. Statistically, the two teams are close, with the Quakes having scored 44 goals compared to the Sounders’ 34. Goals allowed is where the scales tip in the Sounders’ favor. The Sounders have allowed 31 goals compared to the Quakes’ 39 goals allowed. San Jose gave up a late
SO HOW DOES SEATTLE FINISH A GAME WITH NO DRAMA
If a case can be made, the Sounders’ attack will continue to prosper, and they will take the lead at some point in the game. What will be needed for them to close out the game? Staying compact when defending is the first item for the Sounders. The backline, especially the centerbacks, is healthy for the first time in weeks. Schmetzer stated that Kim Kee-Hee, Yeimar, and Jon Bell are all healthy and ready to play.
Yeimar played the first half against FC Dallas and was replaced by Kee-Hee at halftime due to minute restrictions. Possession with a purpose is the second thing the Sounders must do to finish the game with no drama. When in possession, make the Quakes chase the ball, then find pockets to attack. Lastly, the Sounders must have the will, resolve, and courage to maintain the lead and secure the win.
THROWBACK KITS CONTINUE
The Sounders will wear their special-edition Orca kits against the Quakes after debuting them against the Colorado Rapids.
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