"It's great to have them back": Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan bolster squad ahead of Leagues Cup

Last week, the Seattle Sounders welcomed back Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan after the two veteran players had been away with the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.

 “It's great to have them back,” said midfielder Albert Rusnák. “They bring a lot of quality.”

Morris and Roldan missed a total of five MLS regular season matches before joining the team again on July 15 against FC Dallas. 

While the Sounders had options on the bench to fill the two players’ roles, Rusnák described their return to the team as “a great boost for everybody.”

“Whether it's on the field or off the field they are two great guys to be around with, to train with, to play with,” added Rusnák. 

Their impact on the pitch is especially impressive when it comes to the team’s attack.

“They are direct and willing to run in behind whether they get the ball or not,” said Rusnák. “Having Cristian and Jordan back makes more threats in terms of running behind from both sides or from the center and it's harder for the opposition to defend.”

But with more threats in the attack also comes tough decisions to be made for Head Coach Brian Schmetzer in regard to who makes the starting lineup. The trio of Léo Chú, Morris and Cristian Roldan have all been productive this season, giving Seattle multiple options in the attack. 

“We're in a conundrum,” said Schmetzer. “[Léo] Chú is great, and he's done a lot of good things, but we need a complete system, so we're just working with each player on how they can be better to help the team win.”

Both Morris and Roldan have had a large influence on the squad so far this year, contributing to a combined 11 goals and three assists during MLS regular season play.

And they hope to continue to make a difference as the Rave Green head into their first match of the newly revamped Leagues Cup this weekend against Real Salt Lake (6:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM) on Saturday. 

“For me, it’s about coming back here, playing with confidence, and hopefully making an impact here with the Sounders,” said Roldan.