Seattle Sounders FC hosted a pair of preseason matches on their practice field at Starfire Sports on Tuesday, signaling the club’s first competition in 2021. The first contest featured Sounders FC’s First Team for the opening 75 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Tacoma Defiance players while Portland fielded the same lineup for the full 90 minutes. Fredy Montero opened the scoring in the 62nd minute before Portland’s Dairon Asprilla knocked home a late equalizer.
There weren’t too many other threats on goal, with a defensive highlight coming from Nouhou when he stopped Portland’s vaunted counterattack as the backtracking defender following a free kick.
A few other tidbits:
1. Two Forwards
The lineup featured both Will Bruin and Fredy Montero, a different approach than the usual lone forward system deployed by Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. Both seasoned veterans, Bruin and Montero were able to show their strengths — Bruin bodied defenders and kept possession, while Montero’s poaching ability came clutch when he pounced on a loose ball to give Seattle the 1-0 lead.
2. Nico the Engine
Captain Nico Lodeiro was flying around all over the pitch, treating this match no different than any other. A particular bright spot came from long balls to Montero, and although none of them materialized into chances, it’s something to look forward to as the season gets underway next month.
3. Always a Rivalry
Preseason or not, it’s still a Cascadia match. The tenacity and physical nature of the rivalry was on full display on Tuesday, with more than a few tough tackles and challenges from both sides.
Will Bruin: “It’s nice to play fresh blood. I think everyone here heard the competitiveness that was in the game… It’s fun, these preseason games are always fun, especially when you play your rival. There is always a competitive edge.”
Forward Will Bruin battles for a ball during Tuesday's scrimmage against Portland at Starfire Sports. | Lindsey Wasson
4. The Youth
Following the First Team match, a second friendly featured mostly younger Sounders FC players and the Defiance players who have participated in preseason camp. Yeimar, Jimmy Medranda and Jordy Delem provided experience for the group, which played to a scoreless draw against a young Portland side.
