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Seattle Sounders Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned – Brian Schmetzer wins tactical battle

By Chris Smith

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 23: Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) celebrates his 2nd half goal with forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) during a MLS Western Conference semifinal match between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake on October 23, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 23: Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) celebrates his 2nd half goal with forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) during a MLS Western Conference semifinal match between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake on October 23, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 06: Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres (29) celebrates his 1st half goal with Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) during an MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United on October 6, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 06: Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres (29) celebrates his 1st half goal with Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) during an MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United on October 6, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Schmetzer sweating on Torres fitness

When it comes to the postseason, you want your most experienced players available for every game. The pressure is high and you need your generals around to galvanise the team. With that in mind, the last thing Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer would have wanted to see was Roman Torres limping off in the 48th minute, appearing to be struggling with his left hamstring.

The Panama international was later seen watching on from the bench with an icepack strapped to his leg. His availability will be of real concern to Schmetzer heading into what will be a monumental test in the Conference finals, regardless of which LA team they end up with.

Furthermore, Schmetzer’s withdrawal of Joevin Jones and Morris so early in the game — 62 and 71 minutes respectively — shows just how much of a physical demand is being placed on his squad right now.

Next. MLS Playoffs First Round: Top 3 Performances. dark

With the Conference finals moving into view on October 29, it is a quick turnaround for the Sounders, one which may result in them missing one of their most experienced defenders for their biggest match of the season.

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