Prost Amerika video columnist Alan Hinton provided his opinions on this Saturday’s Cascadia clash between Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps. Hinton discussed the return of Seattle forward Clint Dempsey to training, and defender Zach Scott’s plans to retire at the end of the 2016 season.
Saturday’s Seattle and Vancouver matchup
“This is a great rivalry…It’s maybe the biggest and most important game of the season.”
The Sounders and Whitecaps weekend clash features two clubs fighting for the last playoff slot in the Western Conference. Vancouver’s sits in seventh place four points behind Portland with five games left in the regular season. Seattle’s two points behind the Whitecaps with seven matches to go.
Hinton knows the soccer culture of both clubs. He ended his playing career with the North American Soccer League version of the Vancouver Whitecaps in 1978. Hinton also managed the Canadian side in 1984. The former First Division winger headed South to coach the Sounders 1980-82 and 1994.
Clint Dempsey’s return to training
“It will certainly give the players a boost. Dempsey coming back is a boost for the club, for the fans, for the coach.”
Forward Clint Dempsey made his last appearance and scored two goals on August 21 against Portland Timbers. The club decided to let the star striker sit out for medical evaluation after he experienced an irregular heart rate. Dempsey returned to the training ground on Monday and participated in light drills.
Hinton commented on Dempsey’s presence at training. He thought it would provide Seattle a boost in its late season run to the playoffs.
Zach Scott’s retirement
“He’s been a marvel off-the-field with his promotional abilities and his personality. He’s got time for everybody. He’s the perfect pro.”
The Sounders announced Zach Scott plans to retire at the end of the 2016 Major League Soccer campaign. Scott’s days with the Sounders date back to the 2002 season, when the club was part of the USL A-League.
According to Hinton, Scott will be missed for his contributions on-and-off the pitch.
