The Seattle Sounders will be looking to snap one of their longest losing streak in club history. With a convincing 2-0 home opening win over the Colorado Rapids last Sunday, Brian Schmetzer and his club have their sights set on snapping an 11-game winless streak at Real Salt Lake. The Sounders’ road win over Real Salt Lake was a 2016 Round of 16 U.S. Open Cup victory. Each club held serve at home as the two Western Conference foes split the season series.
HAVING THE BELIEF AND TRUSTING THE PROCESS
One game does not a season make, and no one game is bigger than another. Having said that, Schmetzer and his coaching staff spoke to the team about the Real Salt Lake match and the Sounders’ next five games on the road.
“We talk about the belief and the preparation that we’ve done, ’cause we know this, we’ve known that this road trip is coming. And we’ve messaged it a few times in preseason,’ said Schmetzer “ And so the final little messaging for the group is, you know, we had a good preseason at a good start to the year against a tough Colorado team, so, you know, the preparation that we’ve done in preseason is gonna give us a chance at these five games.”
DICTATING TEMPO WILL BE KEY TO VICTORY
The Sounders will need to dictate tempo from the first whistle to the last whistle. Head coach Brian Schmetzer is fearless on the road and will not be shy to employ a high press. The high pressure was effective against the Rapids, and Schmetzer will look for the same effort. The high press and accompanying sustained possession will be key to the Sounders dictating the terms.
“We’ve always struggled there with our possession a little bit. So, you know, we’re gonna try and make sure we’re able to keep the ball, you know, the ball flies there because of the altitude, the altitude has some minor effect on the psyche of the players,’ said Schmetzer. “ I don’t think it’s so much a physical deal, but it’s mentally in their heads sometimes. So, uh, you know, the altitude, keeping possession, dictating the tempo is gonna be critical.
UNCERTAINTY OVER RAPIDS STARTING LINEUP
Rockies head coach Pablo Mastroeni rolled out a young lineup in his team’s 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. 18-year-old sensation Zavier Gozo landed 10th on last year’s 22-under list, started at right midfield, and showed his potential. Missing from Mastroeni’s starting 11 were star midfielder Diego Luna (knee), off-field acquisitions international strike DP forward Morgan Guilavogui, and Uruguayan wingback Juan Manuel Sanabri, who were awaiting their work visas. Schmetzer expects Guilavogui and Sanabri to feature in Saturday’s match. What is unclear to Schmetzer and his coaching staff is which formation the Rapids will play.
“ They will be a little bit more direct than Colorado. Long balls from the back, early ball service, back line of five. Maybe a back four, so they’ll swing some bowls in,’ said Schmetzer .” But again, when they get their couple of signings, does that change the way he plays? He’s also at home. So we don’t know if he’s gonna go truly back five, back four. We’ll see when the lineup comes out.”
CONTROLLING THE CONTROLLABELS
As for making any change in his starting lineup at striker, Schmetzer is taking a patient approach. Osaze DeRosario started up top but was goalless in the team’s 2-0 win over the Rapids. Danny Musoviski had a back issue, which slowed his preseason performance.
“It’s just the start of the year. He’s playing now. Danny’s gonna get chances. I might end up at the end of the year with Jordan up there. You never know,’ said Schmetzer, declaring that striker competition is and will be an ongoing battle.” Danny’s 100%, and he’s hungry. He wants his spot back. It’s a good competition. Defensively the Sounders stayed compact in the win over the Rapids and Andrew Thomas was able to secure the shut out. All three lines communicated well with centerbacks Jackson Ragen , Yeimar and Cristian Roldan marshalling the middle of the field.
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