Seattle Sounders and Revitalized Midfield Look to Smash Orlando City SC. The Sounders attack is looking dangerous once again with their additions and new head coach.
A big test looms large over the Seattle Sounders squad. Down, but never quite out, the struggling team has had its share of drama recently. Having replaced long time head coach Sigi Schmid with interim head coach Brian Schmetzer and the signing of two midfielders, look for a very hungry Seattle Sounders side who have something to prove.
Although transitions can certainly throw difficulties into an already haphazard season, the players can be grateful to have someone like Brian Schmetzer, a long time coaching fixture with the organization, at the helm.
A Tale of Two Teams
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The Seattle Sounders (6-3-12) and Orlando City SC (5-11-5) are both teams that have under performed this season. Seattle sits in the 9th place spot, just above last place Houston Dynamo. Orlando City SC are currently in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, their saving grace coming from a large amount of draws on the season. Going into the match many Orlando City fans might feel that their 17 unbeaten home streak this season will prove too much for a historically bad Seattle Sounders side.
But if the performance Seattle put in last week is any indicator, there is a potential for an upset. New signing Nicolás Lodeiro already drew the eye of the entire MLS, earning himself a spot on the MLS Team of the Week in his debut. A strong attacking midfielder, Lodeiro can read the game so well that he can fit into a new team with minimal practice. Watch for his accurate long, lofted balls to the wings. Equally important, expect Lodeiro to be the activator for Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris, with his short passes from the attacking third and his overlapping play.
Orlando City SC will know already that they have to deny the service from the midfield. But a team that has already allowed 36 goals against them, they could easily find themselves overwhelmed with the reinvigorated Seattle Sounders attack. Álvaro Fernández will be the other newcomer to watch on the Seattle side. A former Sounder, Fernández will bolster Seattle’s midfield and wings, allowing for more successful counter attack play.
4-0 Win for Seattle, back When Valdez Could Score
The last time the Seattle Sounders faced off with Orlando City SC, they definitely came off the better side, defeating OCSC 4-0. This was a much different Seattle Sounders side. Orlando City also had the disadvantage of being down to 10 men. Orlando City have also recently gone through some coaching changes mid-season. Players will be looking to show their best side to new head coach Jason Kreis.
And even though the OCSC side doesn’t have a solid record, it is better than the Seattle Sounders record, having scored 35 goals to Seattle’s 21 goals. Both teams have the attacking capabilities. It will be down to whichever side can hold possession and utilize it the best. Ultimately, I predict a 2-1 victory for the visiting Seattle Sounders.