Injuries, yellow cards, fixture congestion, and National Team call-ups are all part of the juggling act for managers of big clubs. Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer is dealing with all of the above. Well, maybe not fixture congestion right now, but definitely a case of excess games for the Rave Green.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DANNY LEYVA
The Sounders have played a total of 45 games across all competitions, 32 MLS matches , three World Club matches, four CONCACAF Champions Cup matches, and six League Cup matches. A coach’s headache is more often than not a player’s opportunity. That opportunity is now beckoning for Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva. Schmetzer is definitely undermanned for Saturday’s home game against Real Salt Lake. Cristian Roldan and Obed Vargas are both gone due to a National team call-up. Albert Rusnák is serving a red card suspension.
A POSITION SWITCH
Leyva has been the perfect debutante for Schmezter this season, with three MLS starts. In those three starts, Leyva played the nine role, an attacking midfielder. On Saturday, Leyva will start alongside Joao Paulo and the two will occupy the number six and eight midfield positions in the absence of Cristian Roldan and Obed Vargas. Leyva’s role will change dramatically. While he will still have the freedom to float into the attacking half, he will need to do it with caution.
The Sounders have struggled defending in transition and on set pieces. It will be Paulo’s job to communicate with Leyva on when he should move into the attacking half and when he should return to give aid when defending.
Will this be Leyva’s coming-out party?
Leyva’s performances have been promising, but he has not had that breakout game to earn more MLS minutes. In April of 2023, the Sounders loaned Leyva to the Colorado Rapids. Leyva returned to the Sounders and has been patiently seeking opportunities. Saturday will provide that opportunity, and Leyva must seize the moment. Real Salt Lake will be hunting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, so Levya will be playing against a motivated team.
” Look, we will get guys back and there will be competition,” said Schmetzer after Friday’s practice. It is a really good opportunity for this group to play against a desperate, disciplined and well-coached team.”
The Sounders have already clinched a playoff birth, and it is now a matter of hanging on to fifth place so their remaining games matter. Leyva’s opportunity is to show that he can be disciplined and creative, leaving Schmetzer with the thought that he can play in the middle of the field.
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