It was a magical day at CenturyLink Field for Sounders FC, which earned a 4-0 win over Orlando City SC to snap its five-game losing streak.
Obafemi Martins netted a pair of brilliant goals in his return from injury. Recent signings Nelson Valdez and Román Torres made their club debuts, with Valdez heading in the second goal of the day and Torres assisting the first MLS goal for Thomás. Seattle recorded 12 shots on goal in the match – the second-highest total in club history – while the Lions finished with zero shots on target.
Here’s what Head Coach Sigi Schmid and his players said after Sunday’s match.
Sigi Schmid:
“I think our guys were tired of what’s been going on. I think with Oba coming back and [the recent additions], there was an uplifted mood. The attitude of the guys – we talked about it before the game – ‘Hey, it’s time. It’s time. There’s no more time to waste.’ I felt they responded well to it. …After the game, Stefan Frei came up to me and said, ‘Did you see my save?’ And I am looking at him perplexed and I said, ‘What save?’ And he said, ‘Exactly! I didn’t have any to make.’ So, yeah, it was nice. It was nice to get a clean sheet as well.”
Nelson Valdez:
“I just can’t really explain what I feel right now. Right from the beginning I fell in love with the fans, and I still have goose bumps from when I scored and saw all of the fans cheer with me. …Just to have an ambience like this after losing eight of nine games, I haven’t seen something like that.”
Román Torres:
“I felt very, very good. It helped that I felt the support of my teammates, and I feel very good that we were able to take the win with us. …It is just incredible. I have played in many other places...but I have never seen something like this. It was very, very impressive.”
Brad Evans:
“I think guys’ heads will be obviously up and looking forward to the next game, but most importantly is that this all stays even keel. When the lows are low it can’t be the world’s ending, and when you win 4-0 and break a streak, it can’t be that we’re the best team in the world. I think guys are good enough and smart enough players to realize there are still things to work on.”
