Attacking tactics have been a focal point in this week’s training sessions as the Sounders look to right the ship in the final third ahead of Matchday 3 against the Philadelphia Union (4:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM).
“I see everyone's frustrated with the result on the weekend,” said forward Jordan Morris. “So, we’re just working on ways to score more goals and I think everyone is just looking forward to getting back out there.”
The Sounders came away scoreless in their 0-0 draw against Austin FC last Saturday, leaving them with only one goal to show for from their season opening loss in Los Angeles on Feb. 24.
“Putting the ball in dangerous areas is what I think we need to work on,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan. “Our crosses don't need to be floating, our crosses could be whipped in where it's a little bit more difficult for their defense, little things like that, that I definitely think will culminate better results.”
Players on the wing will be especially crucial in terms of creating these threatening chances toward goal.
“We've always talked about narrowing teams up by playing through the middle, but when teams narrow up, like the way Austin did, the space is wide,” said Roldan. “So how can we take advantage of Léo [Chú]? How can we take advantage of Alex [Roldan] out wide, get numbers in isolation out wide, and then numbers in the box?”
The team is also placing greater emphasis on capitalizing on transition moments.
“I think transition is an important part of our game,” said midfielder Josh Atencio. “I think with the personnel that we have up top and the speed we have, we need to take advantage of opportunities that we can get on the counterattack.”
While the Sounders could come off the last two matches discouraged, the team remains confident their offensive components will eventually come together.
“I don't think anyone's panicking,” said Morris. “In the locker room and within the group, we know the quality that we have and the chances that we're creating are good, and I think they'll end up falling [into place].”
A daunting task on the horizon, Saturday marks their second away match of the year against a Union side that has been one of the most dominant clubs over the last half decade.
Still, the Sounders are itching for their first win, and have no doubt they will be able to achieve that this weekend in Philadelphia.
“We believe in ourselves, we believe in the group that we have, and we believe in the players we have," said Morris. "And with how we've been playing, we know that the goals are going to come.”
