Once again finding themselves struggling through the first half of the MLS season, will the Gold Cup help jump start another late playoff run?
Four straight home 1-0 victories and back in the playoff positions. It would have been a frustrating, but an acceptable result on the night. However, Orlando City had other ideas and one last free kick. A last minute goal saw the Seattle Sounders drop two points and head into the locker room with more questions.
While the club and fans have every right to be disappointed, the past tells us that there isn’t too much to worry about. Seattle was in a worse place last year and didn’t know that Nico Lodiero was on the way. The season is long and in MLS you don’t have to be great in June. But it is time to start considering how to fix their struggles.
A Gold Cup Boost?
It’s no secret that the Sounders’ offense hasn’t been clicking throughout 2017. Jordan Morris is in a sophomore year slump, as he continues to fluctuate between the central striker and the left winger. Clint Dempsey and Nico Lodeiro often want to occupy the number ten role, which at times creates a lack of space in the center of the park. Consistently, Seattle created four to six great scoring opportunities during their matches, but are failing to be clinical in front of goal.
The Gold Cup could serve as the chance for Seattle to experiment with the lineup and formation, while up to six players are away. On the positive side, the team’s top scorer (Will Bruin) and top assist man (Joevin Jones) will not be away. Nico Loderio, was the focal point that led the Sounders to the 2016 Cup, and needs to regain that position and impact.
The Gold Cup can offer Morris a chance to rediscover his confidence and ability to put away chances. For Roldan, possibly the team’s brightest spot so far in 2017, the tournament could be his breakout moment for the rest of the US soccer community to experience his ability. The two have played together for years and their friendship off the pitch is well known. A new environment could see the young Seattle duo help lead the US to a victory and return to MLS action ready to truly start the season.
Coach Schmetzer’s goal for the summer is to determine if yet another formation shift is needed to get the most out of his growing group of talents. A good problem to have, especially if a new TAM or DP level player is added during the upcoming transfer window.
Sounders 2 Influx?
Seattle has been successful lately moving young players through the USL franchise and their academy. Currently, there are 10 players on the first team roster that either played in the academy or spent time in the S2 system. While some, like Jordan Morris and Christian Roldan, jumped right into first team action quickly, the club has found success across the spectrum.
Aaron Kovar, Tyler Miller, Henry Wingo, and Jordy Delam have all featured multiple times, while players such as Seyi Adekoya and Nouhou Tolo have gotten their first senior starts in recent weeks. The summer will offer the club a chance to give not only these players but S2 standouts, additional time in MLS.
Zach Mathers could be given the chance to start a few matches with the first team while Morris, Roldan and possible Dempsey are all away at the Gold Cup. Focusing on developing youth never hurts, and the Sounders still have plenty of time to move up the Western Conference table. July should be used to determine which young talents can be the next to contribute at the top level.
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The Sounders return to action this weekend as they travel down to Portland to face the Timbers Sunday night. You can catch the match on ESPN at 7:30 pm PT.