Now in his second season with the Seattle Sounders, defender Oniel Fisher is confident he can continue to make an impact after breaking through with the club as a rookie.
Fisher, who was selected 40th overall at the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, had no trouble solidifying a spot in the Sounders’ starting XI down the stretch last season, racking up nine starts in 12 appearances on the left side.
He also started each of the team’s two games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
“Last year was a stepping stone. It was my first year, and I’m here again this year to get better,” Fisher said following Saturday’s morning training session in Tucson, Ariz. “Every time I step on the field, I want to get better at everything I do.”
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With veteran defender Leo Gonzalez now gone from the club, Seattle shored up its left back position with the addition of Joevin Jones, a starter on the left side with the Chicago Fire last year. Dylan Remick is also back for his fourth year after appearing in 19 games in 2015.
As the depth on the left side increases, Fisher may have the flexibility to shift to a more comfortable position on the opposite side of the field. Although right back Tyrone Mears was a constant during the 2015 campaign, with a grueling season of SCCL matches, MLS and U.S. Open Cup fixtures, Fisher is optimistic he’ll still find minutes this year.
“Guys are versatile. At the end of the day, everyone is here to compete,” said Fisher. “That’s a good thing.”
Sounders Test 4-3-3 Formation
The Sounders eased into more tactical work during their workout on Saturday morning, with full 11 v. 11 scrimmages taking center stage at the first training session of the day at the Kino Sports Complex.
Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid, who said earlier this preseason that he’s willing to experiment with a variety of formations to get his most talented players on the pitch, tested out a 4-3-3 with his coaching staff.
Forward Nelson Valdez, who joined the squad during the summer transfer window, now finds himself slotting in alongside fellow designated players Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.
“I’m feeling good with the two strikers,” Valdez said on Saturday. “I think we can work together to put our team in the best position.”
