Seattle Sounders FC had a tough night on Sunday, falling 3-1 to Club Necaxa, a Liga MX team, right at home at Lumen Field. The Emerald Queen Casino Field saw an intense match full of twists and turns, leaving fans with a bitter taste but also a spark of hope for the next stage of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
The game started off well for the Sounders, with Obed Vargas finding the net just eight minutes in, thanks to a precise assist from Cristian Roldan. The young Vargas, a gem polished in the Sounders FC Academy, once again showed his talent and promise for the future. However, the joy was short-lived. Agustín Palavecino of Necaxa tied the game at 24 minutes, and from there, things only got worse for Seattle. Diber Cambindo turned the score around before halftime, and Kevin Rosero sealed the victory for the visitors in stoppage time, extinguishing any hope of a late comeback for the home team.
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Sure, the loss is bitter, especially when considering the Sounders' track record against Liga MX teams. Now, with a record of 8 wins, 11 losses, and 4 draws against Mexican opponents, the Seattle Sounders have shown that, while they have brilliant moments, they still lack the consistency to overcome these international challenges. This was the first competitive clash between Seattle and Necaxa, although they previously met in a friendly in 2017, which ended in a draw. This time, however, Necaxa came out on top, leaving a lasting mark on the Sounders' campaign in this Leagues Cup.
But all is not lost. The Sounders FC finished the group stage with one win and one loss, which was enough to secure the second position in Group West 6. This means the team still has a chance to shine in the competition, facing LA Galaxy next Thursday, August 8, again at Lumen Field.
Coach Brian Schmetzer has a big job ahead of him to prepare his team for this crucial match. The Sounders' campaign in the Leagues Cup has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the match against LA Galaxy will be a true trial by fire. With a history of 3 wins and 4 losses in the Leagues Cup, the team has shown they can compete, but the margin for error is minimal.
Obed Vargas, with his second career goal, stands out as one of the team's main talents. The youngster, who signed with the Sounders before the 2022 season, has been an example of dedication and potential, coming from the Sounders FC Academy and Tacoma Defiance. However, the team can't rely on just one player. The Sounders need a solid collective performance to overcome the Galaxy and advance in the competition.
The history against Liga MX teams shows that the Sounders still have a long way to go to establish themselves as a dominant force in international competitions. The 21 fouls committed by Necaxa during Sunday's match are a clear indicator that opponents won't make things easy. The Seattle team needs to capitalize on their opportunities better and maintain concentration from start to finish. Additionally, the defense needs to strengthen, avoiding the lapses that allowed Palavecino, Cambindo, and Rosero's goals.
Sunday's match was also marked by some strategic substitutions that didn't have the desired effect. Andrew Thomas, in goal, did what he could, but the defense around him failed at crucial moments. The changes made by Schmetzer, such as bringing in Léo Chú and Nouhou, couldn't turn the tide. For the game against Galaxy, the coach will need to reassess his options and perhaps bet on a different approach to surprise the opponent.