During the preseason, the Sounders tinkered with a 4-4-2 formation. With Jordan Morris looking as strong as ever, he was partnered up top with either Will Bruin or Clint Dempsey. It appeared to be an effective way to get as many goalscorers on the field as possible.
When Morris suffered a season-ending ACL tear at the end of February, everything changed. Dempsey, who turned 35 in March, seemed to fit better in the midfield, hovering around the top of the 18, while veteran Lamar Neagle stuck to the wing. By the start of league play, the club went back to its usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Bruin as the lone striker.
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The acquisition of Raúl Ruidíaz changes the dynamic, though.
The 28-year-old Peru international was a top scorer for Morelia in Liga MX over the past couple of seasons. Since making his debut in a reserve role against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 21, Ruidíaz has helped the Sounders secure three points in each of his three appearances. He scored his first MLS goal in a 1-0 win over San Jose on July 25.
In his debut, Ruidíaz came on for Bruin as the club kept it 4-2-3-1 formation. Against San Jose, the roles were flopped – Bruin subbed on for Ruidíaz after 66 minutes.
Last match against New York City FC was different.
In the 76th minute with a 2-1 lead, Bruin came on for Ozzie Alonso, which shifted the formation to a 4-4-2. For the first time all season, two forwards perched atop the Sounders’ attack for 10 minutes. The tactic paid off – Harry Shipp scored the game-clinching goal in the 86th minute.
Does this mean we’ll see more of the 4-4-2 formation in the future? Head Coach Brian Schmetzer was hesitant to fully commit to that idea with media this week ahead of Saturday evening’s match at Minnesota United FC.
“It’s still a work in progress with Raúl and incorporating him with everything in the group,” Schmetzer said.
At this point, it seems more circumstantial. If the Sounders are looking for a goal in the second half, then a viable option is to bring on Bruin. However, with a team-leading five goals this season, Bruin has proven himself to be more valuable than just a late-game substitute.
“As things stretch out from a week to [another] week, we’ll have more time to work in training in our different formations,” Schmetzer added.
