The Seattle Sounders had to withstand a second half onslaught from the Colorado Rapids to come away with a point and remain unbeaten after their 1-1 draw on the Fourth of July.
Analyzing COLvSEA
Seattle went with a different shape in midfield that looked like a box at times, and a diamond at other times, but it didn’t offer the desired attacking balance as the Sounders struggled to generate support for Raúl Ruidíaz. It also meant the midfield roles were less defined defensively and the Rapids had regular success getting into advanced crossing positions.
There was a moment in the second half when Alex Roldan could be seen saying he was 1-v-2 defensively, with Sam Vines’ overlapping runs not punished by the Sounders with attacking transition play. Cristian Roldan normally attacks those areas with penetrating runs but seemed a little more central in this set up.
The reason for the switch was the injury to Will Bruin, whose ability to hold the ball up and allow the shape of the team to advance up the pitch was missed. But despite the depleted squad, Seattle still managed to pick up a point on the road against the 4th place team in the Western conference with a gutsy defensive display.
The Sounders started teenager Josh Atencio in midfield again and Brain Schmetzer ended the game with two more teenagers, Ethan Dobbelaere and Danny Leyva, on the field. The injury list is presenting big opportunities for our Academy graduates and the experience they gain from these games is priceless.
New-look Dynamo
We may see more minutes for the youngsters with Cristian Roldan away on international duty, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Fredy Montero restored to the starting lineup as a strike partner for Ruidíaz. Wednesday’s opponents Houston Dynamo will also be missing key pieces because of international callups, with Tyler Pasher being the biggest attacking piece absent. His ability to cut inside and create has seen him involved in six goals for the Dynamo this season and with no like for like change we may see a midfielder move into the front three for Tab Ramos’ men.
Ramos has certainly improved the Dynamo this team with Max Urruti having an excellent campaign so far. He leads the team with six goals, and his constant movement and willingness to drop into midfield will be a difficult matchup for the Sounders back three.
Matchup to Watch
When Urruti drops deep, the Sounders center backs may find themselves marking nobody and that could potentially see Seattle having to deal with overloads in midfield areas. If the center backs do decide to follow Urruti into deeper areas, Fafa Picault has the pace to attack the space left open.
Key Stat
Despite having a team that looks like they are set up to dominate in transition counters on the road, Houston have yet to win in their six road games in MLS this season.
