On Friday night, the Seattle Sounders began their participation in the 2024 Leagues Cup. For the Sounders, itās a return to the tournament they crashed out of at the group stage last year. In this yearās edition, they were drawn into a group alongside Minnesota United and Liga MX side Club Necaxa. Given that the MLS campaign will be paused due to Leagues Cup, it will be an opportunity for the side to earn another trophy.
Heading into Friday night, Sounders were coming off a tough 3-0 home defeat to LAFC. Coming into that match, Seattle had been riding a great run of form in which they had won six straight across all competitions. The pressing question was how would the Sounders correct course after a rather humbling defeat?
Throughout the first half, the Sounders were able to create chances, but the finishing touch was not found. The passing and the build-up plays were solid but there was nothing to show for it at the halftime whistle. While the Sounders worked towards finding the breakthrough, Minnesota utilized speed to go the other way. Often, the Loons were finding the correct spaces to run into. Yet, like the Sounders, Minnesota could not break the tie.Ā
Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer was not satisfied with the showing his team brought forth in the first half.
āWe created chances in the first half. We just didnāt score," he said. "[We] could have had a couple of goals. But, on the flip side, we could have given up a bunch of goals.ā
Seattle midfielder Pedro de la Vega was a highlight in the opening half. Operating on the left side of the pitch, the young player continuously made runs at defenders and made things happen for the Sounders. His energy was unmatched throughout the pitch.Ā
āHeās moving at the defender, and it pushes guys back. He has that ability to create more opportunities for himselfā Schmetzer said after the game. As de la Vega continuously works towards full game fitness, it is imperative for him to continue to be attack-minded. The input he provides offensively will be key as the Sounders strive to push for success in Leagues Cup and throughout the remainder of the MLS campaign.
For much of the second half, it was more of the same. The Sounders maintained fruitless possession, where they kept 61 percent of possession, while Minnesota United took more of a direct approach. The dynamic of the match changed drastically in the 64thĀ minute, however, when Minnesota United midfielder Hassani Dotson was shown a red card. Dotson dealt a hard challenge on Sounders forward RaĆŗl RuidĆaz, who suffered a right knee injury as a result.Ā
The Sounders amped up the pressure on Minnesota. The chances continued to be created but Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was a wall in goal, not letting anything past him. He was having quite the game in the second half.
That all changed in the 87thĀ minute when the Sounders finally found their breakthrough. Substitute Paul Rothrock made a great run into the right side of the box. He neatly collected the pass and crossed it low and across the face of goal, finding the well-timed run of forward Jordan Morris. Though there was a check for offside, the goal stood and the Sounders faithful were sent into a frenzy.
Seattle could have doubled the lead in the 90thĀ minute as they were awarded a penalty when midfielder Cristian Roldan was fouled in the box. Unfortunately for the Sounders, midfielder Albert RusnĆ”k was unable to convert from the spot. This gave Minnesota United an opportunity to find a late equalizer.
The late equalizer never happened as the Sounders scored their second tally in the 90+4thĀ minute as Rothrock slotted the ball home after a good pass by Jordan Morris. The Rothrock and Morris connection was clearly working and it is what gave the Sounders the push to get the three points.Ā
āI love playing with Jordanā¦I think he knows how fast he is and itās exciting when the ball is getting behind to him and the space is there for me to run into,ā Rothrock said after the match.Ā
Rothrock has been a staple in the Soundersā good form of late. If he continues to be impactful, he will continue to have opportunities to connect with Morris and his other teammates.
The Sounders were fortunate enough that the red card changed the course of the game for the better. However, if they want to make a deep run in this tournament and beyond, they will have to find a way to be more lethal throughout all 90 minutes. The team is making the right movements off the ball, and they continue to make crisp passes. The final touch remains elusive and, if they can find it, the sky is the limit for Seattle.
āThis group is going to do good things. [The] Starfire Open Cup semifinal is going to be great. Itās more than just one game or one tournament,ā Schmetzer said.
The team will be back in action on Sunday, August 4thĀ as the team will take on Club Necaxa in the friendly confines of Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
Feature photo by Aimee Arnold / Area Sports Network
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