By Michael Vitz-Wong
Once again, Seattle found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline, in what was perhaps the final preseason game before their Champion’s League matchup against Club America. As a preparation for that match, Seattle welcomed second division, Mexican side, Celaya FC.
While no coach wants to see their team go down two goals in the opening 20 minutes, Sigi Schmid was treated to a veteran display after the Sounders decided to take the game back into their hands. Chiefly, Andreas Ivanshitz, who pushed forward numerous times, creating dangerous chances and winning free kicks and corners. His efforts were rewarded with an impeccable assist on a short free kick from the left to Nelson Valdez in the second half. Ivanshitz’s only wrong footing in the game was a direct free kick taken from 25 yards out which sailed above the crossbar. However, this extended look at the starting XI established his ability to combine out of the midfield and be the fourth runner into the box.
Joevin Jones was consistently a threat for the Sounders, tearing up and down the left flank for his entire 75 minutes. His pace constantly found himself in open space, running onto long switched balls. In Jones, the Sounders have found the ferocious fullback they lost two years ago with Yedlin’s departure. Despite his consistent forays into the attack, Jones was disciplined in the back, using his speed to recover into a good position and make a number of smart interceptions.
While perhaps to blame for Celaya’s second goal in the 16th minute, Jimmy Ockford had a strong showing in the air, reversing numerous balls over the top. Specifically, opposing goal kicks tended to end back in the opponent’s half, as Ockford dominated Celaya’s forwards. The 6’1” center back has surely secured the fourth spot on the depth chart, evidenced in both his playing time and the inconsistent performances of Damien Lowe and Roberto Chen this preseason.
Osvaldo Alonso uncharacteristically showed some poor passes early, but was impossible to dispossess with the ball at his feet. However, he and Erik Friberg often attempted to offer the same passing option, and the two stumbled in spacing off each other. This could be attributed to the fact that Friberg filled in for Alonso late last season. However, the two veterans have played together in the past, and are likely to gel as the season progresses. The only question is whether the central midfield can get sorted out in time for Club America.
The front three were expectedly still rusty, but gave adequate performances. Darwin Jones continues to impress with his runs from wide positions and his speed to get to balls played over the top. Valdez would reasonably be the offensive player of the match for his insistent pressure and eventual goal. Clint Dempsey tended to drop into the midfield to collect the ball, which helped open space for the two higher pressed forwards. Jordan Morris entered the match at halftime, playing first on the wing, then moving up top after Valdez was replaced. While nothing spectacular was expected, Morris looked like a player who obviously needs time to adjust to his new teammates.
While giving up two goals in a game is never ideal, Stefan Frei, was far from responsible for either goal. Aside from the two goals, he was rarely tested, making a quick-reaction save in the first half.
