When Seattle Sounders FC began its 2019 MLS preseason training on Tuesday, there was a familiar face among the players on the pitch. Homegrown forward Jordan Morris, who missed the entirety of the 2018 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL, returned to the fray amid cheers from supporters who attended training.
“It feels amazing [to be back], it’s been a really long year,” said Morris. “Every day I would come in just wish I could be out here. So, stepping out here for the first full training session feels great.”
Morris, 24, burst onto the scene in 2016 after a sterling three-year career at Stanford University, which included several U.S. men’s national team call-ups and an NCAA national championship. Breaking into the Starting XI as a first-year Homegrown, the Mercer Island native tallied 14 goals and five assists across 40 appearances in the regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
After missing so much time through injury the last two seasons — he also battled hamstring and ankle ailments in 2017 — the Sounders Academy alum is prepared to work hard to recapture the form that earned him 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year honors.
“It’s been so long since I’ve been on the field,” added Morris. “I was driving by [CenturyLink Field] on my way in [this morning] and just picturing playing the first game there [this season]. I couldn’t be more excited, and I definitely want to step out there and prove myself again.”
Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey echoed that sentiment while addressing the media after training.
“It’s awesome [to have Morris back],” said Lagerwey, who signed Morris to a long-term contract this past offseason. “The kid is really excited, and he’s worked really hard for this opportunity.”
From a tactical perspective, Morris offers a particular skill set that bolsters the efficacy of the Sounders’ game model. While the team employs patient, meticulous possession to unbalance opponents, the young forward’s blistering pace adds an element of unpredictability to a group that closed out the campaign with the best half-season record in league history.
“The most common criticism [of the team] last year was that we weren’t fast enough,” said Lagerwey. “To add an elite player with elite speed is something that, arguably, addresses our greatest weakness and I think it’s a great fit for us going forward.”
With Morris’ return to competition on the horizon, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer is understandably enthused to have his Homegrown forward back in the fold.
“It’s great,” Schmetzer said when asked about having Morris at his disposal. “He was happy to be out here, but the coaching staff is happy to have him out here as well.”
Morris and the Sounders will train at Starfire Sports again on Wednesday before jetting to Orange County, Calif., on Thursday for a 10-day training camp. The team will then venture to Tucson, Ariz., for a series of friendlies against the Houston Dynamo (Feb. 9), Portland Timbers (Feb. 13) and FC Dallas (Feb. 16) in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup.
