By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

If the Sounders are to beat  Inter Miami, they will need to be comfortable when defending

The Sounders are out to slow down star-studded Inter Miami CF, led by Lionel Messi, arguably the most outstanding player the game has ever seen. Inter Miami is seeking to win it’s second  Leagues Cup in three years. The Sounders faced some of the best clubs in the World during the World Cup. While winless against PSG,  Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid, the Sounders proved they can play with anyone and used the competition to elevate their game. In their last 14 matches since their 2-0 loss to PSG, the Sounders are 10-3-1.


WILL NEED TO BE COMFORTABLE  WHEN DEFENDING

 To contain a team led by the World’s best soccer player, surrounded by star-studded teammates such as Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, the Sounders must be comfortable with playing long spells of defense.

“This is a team that you can’t make a mistake, and this is a team that will pounce on those mistakes, said Sounders captain Cristian Roldan. “We have to be smart and clinical in our defending.  “

Despite the absence of Cameroon international Nouhou, who will be serving a red card suspension, the Sounders have an experienced backline.  Reed Baker Whiting will most likely replace Nouhou with Yeimar, Jackson Rage, and Alex Roldan filling out the back line.  The Sounders defense has given up just two goal in five games.

SUSTAINED POSSESSION

The Rave Green will look to slow down Inter Miami with sustained possession once they gain possession.

“What’s going to be as important as sustaining the  possession is  when you’re in the final third, when we have the ball and we feel in control of the game, how can we sustain that? How can we continue to apply pressure with the ball?  
You know, there’s gonna be moments where the game might feel pretty comfortable. and then there’s games where there’s parts of the game that’s gonna feel a bit chaotic,” said Roldan .” And so how can we maintain that still that level of calness in such a big moment? but sustaining the attacks, right? 
They win the ball in the final third. How can we get that ball back within the same attack to apply more pressure, build confidence, and then when we have those chances, we need to take care of them against a side that can score goals in any moment.”

In the League Cup competition, the Sounders’ possession with a purpose has been lethal. They have scored 12 goals.  The Sounders’ attack is led by Pedro de la Vega and Osaze De Rosario, who are tied for the team lead with three goals each.

JESUS FERRERIA WILL BE KEY TO SOUNDERS SUSTAINING POSSESSION

One player the Sounders will look to contribute to the sustained possession will be Jesus Ferreira.  An experienced, versatile ball handler who connects the Sounders’ pivots of  Obed Vargas and the front line.

“ Jesus has played in the World Cup. He’s played in a knockout World Cup game as a starter.
So Jesus brings that a little bit of, you know, experience, said Brian Schmetzer. “He’s certainly a very smart soccer player, both on and off the ball.

BIG PICTURE

Can a group of homegrown players topple a team made up of international superstars?  And how will the home crowd impact the Sounders? Inter Miami’s big guns are used to playing in hostile crowds. The home field advantage can be real if the Sounders can be determined, diligent, and resolute when defending and attacking on the front foot.

 A cheering crowd will give them that extra energy to chase down loose balls and win individual duels if they can stay in the moment. What the Sounders cannot afford is to be overhyped and become undisciplined.  

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