Seattle, WA – Looking to wash away any remnants of the 2022 MLS regular season, the Seattle Sounders began their new year with a four-goal dismantling of the Colorado Rapids. The four goals all came from players who were part of offseason storylines, as Jordan Morris scored a brace while Cristian Roldan and Héber found the back of the net in the victory. Roldan and Morris, on extensions signed in the offseason, clicked solidly on the attack and that will be key to Seattle’s success this season. Héber was able to find the scoresheet in his first game in Seattle, filling in for Raul Ruidiaz who is dealing with injury, just like he was acquired to do. The Rave Green faithful went home happy and with hope that this season will be a 180 from the club’s disappointing second half of 2022.
Seattle forward Jordan Morris celebrates his goal (Photo by Nate Koppelman)
Morris creates his masterpiece
Mercer Island native Jordan Morris signed a large, five-year extension in the offseason that keeps him with the club through the 2027 season. It was a vote of confidence by Sounders general manager Craig Waibel, and one of the first moves that the new executive made in his new position following the departure of Garth Lagerway. Coming off another crushing injury in the 2021 season, Morris struggled down the stretch to end 2022 by only scoring once in the final 12 matches. Considering Morris’ history with knee injuries there may have been some concern at giving him the big deal, but if this first match of the contract is any indication of what Seattle is getting, it’s a golazo of a decision.
Throughout the course of the match, Morris and teammate Cristian Roldan were in a rhythm and could have had a few more notches on the scoresheet when things were said and done. Roldan crossed a ball into the Colorado box, where it eventually bounced to Nico Lodeiro on the other side of the pitch. Lodeiro volleyed it into the center of the box, where it bounced around like pin ball before Jordan Morris flailed (in the most athletic way possible) towards it for the header goal. Morris’ second of the night and the fourth for the club continued his header magic, as a ball from a corner careened towards him at the back post. Morris was able to finish off a ball that was deflected by teammate Jackson Ragen, directing it to the top corner, put the finishing touch on the win.
Jackson Ragen looks to clear a ball (Photo by Paul Kahl)
Defensive effort strong to begin season
Several facets of the Sounders’ play seemed to deteriorate as the season progressed following the Concacaf Champions League Final, one of those being Seattle’s stout back line play. With the quality veterans that have been critical to their success and been noted for it such as Yeimar being named a defender of the year finalist, as well as the improving play from young Jackson Ragen, Seattle seemed primed to help goalkeeper Stefan Frei. That seemed to go out the window as the year finished, with multiple mental lapses hindering the Sounders from minimizing any damage that their opponents threw at them.
Seattle’s defensive unit and Frei were able to hold the Rapids to a quieter night on the attack while perhaps mitigating what should have gone in, as Colorado had an expected goals stat of 1.40 by the time the final whistle had blown. Stefan Frei, who only had five clean sheets last season, was able to notch his first of the year in his very first outing of the season thanks to some timely saves and the four defenders in front of him keeping the Rapids out of high danger areas. Continued focus from that group will be a storyline to watch for the Sounders, considering the issues that they had last season. There are a lot of “ifs” for this club, and the strength and consistency of it’s backline are another that play a role in getting back to the playoffs for this group.
Albert Rusnak flicks the ball in the build up Heber’s goal (Photo by Paul Kahl)
Heber hits it on the head in Lumen field debut
Brazilian forward Heber was acquired this offseason as a player that the Sounders saw as someone who could fill in for Raul Ruidiaz if necessary, considering his injury history in recent years, and as a jolt of quality off the bench. A notable quote in the offseason that really gave us an idea of Héber’s impact was when head coach Brian Schmetzer said that the coaching staff considered a change in formation to get him on the field more because of how impressed they were. Seattle fans didn’t have to wait long to see what Héber can do for their club.
Excellent passing build up brought the Sounders, with a two-goal lead, back into the Colorado half. Once again it was Nico Lodeiro who fired into the box towards a teammate from the left side of the field, but at first glance it appeared this ball was going to be cleared from danger. Colorado defender Lalas Abubaker fell backwards as he attempted to clear the pass, serving the ball on a platter for Héber. The forward fired away at the sitting duck of a ball, scoring the third Sounders goal of the night and igniting the home crowd. It wasn’t the highest quality display of his talents, but his overall night was a positive sign that he’ll be able to contribute for the club when called upon.
Sounders attacker Heber celebrates his teammate Jordan Morris’ goal (Photo by Nate Koppelman)
What’s next?
Seattle will aim to build off their early success, and do so at home, when they battle Real Salt Lake on March 4th. The Sounders will work to carry their momentum into a matchup with a conference rival, trying to stack points in the early stages of the season. With Raul Ruidiaz present for a workout prior to the start of the win against the Rapids, we may see the Peruvian goal machine ready to go for Seattle’s second match of the season. Kickoff for the Western Conference battle is at 7:30PM PST inside of Lumen Field, and this match will be exclusively on the Apple TV MLS season pass.
Check out photographer Paul Kahl’s gallery from the match here
Check out photographer Nate Koppelman’s gallery from the match here
