The Seattle Sounders welcomed reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United to CenturyLink Field on Sunday, and boasting a near-full complement of players for the first time since May, the Rave Green pulled out a 2-1 victory, spearheaded in large part by the teamās recently returned host of international players.
For Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, selecting a Starting XI from a roster full of talented players presents a favorable problem.
āWhen it comes to game decisions as to who starts, then it becomes challenging,ā Schmetzer said. āItās always going to be tough with a team like the Seattle Sounders. We always strive to have a high-quality team.ā
After a scoreless first half in which the Sounders carved out several quality chances but failed to capitalize, a moment of individual brilliance in the 58th minute from striker RaĆŗl RuidĆaz, who missed nearly six weeks while he was with Peru for Copa AmĆ©rica, broke the deadlock.
ā[RuidĆaz is] an instinctive goalscorer,ā said midfielder Harry Shipp, who scored the game-winning goal. āNo matter what, if heās got the ball at his feet in the box, you always think thereās a chance heās going to score a goal, which is a rare characteristic for guys in any league in the world. Itās nice to have him back.ā
Atlanta equalized seven minutes later off a corner kick, but Shippās goal in the 71st minute was keyed by three players who were making their first home starts since May 15.
Mercer Island native Jordan Morris, who helped guide the United States to the Concacaf Gold Cup Final, deflected an Atlanta pass directly to NicolƔs Lodeiro. The Uruguayan playmaker then played a through-ball to Morris, who clipped a ball to the back post for Shipp to head home.
Shipp found himself in acres of space because RuidĆazās sharp, quick run toward the near post dragged both Atlanta center backs out of position.
āEven though itās at home, itās a big win for us,ā added Shipp. āWeāve been talking [about] springboarding the second half of the year. This was the first game with a lot of guys back. For us, weāre establishing that winning culture, winning mentality with everyone back.ā
Morris performed admirably in a similar wide role with the USMNT while he was away at the Gold Cup, providing a threat in behind and creating chances for others. After missing the entire 2018 season with an ACL injury, the Homegrown attacker is beginning to show the dangerous movement and productivity that earned him the 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year award.
āWeāre going to try and make sure that [Morris] can springboard that experience [with the USMNT] coming back with us into a productive second half of the year,ā said Schmetzer. āI believe the kid is going to be great. I think heās a tough kid. Heās overcome a lot of adversity. Iām smiling because I love having him on the field.ā
The Sounders will host Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in an international friendly on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) before hosting their Cascadia rival, the Portland Timbers, on Sunday (6:30 p.m. PT; FS1, YouTube TV, Sports Radio KJR, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).