TUKWILA, Wash. – Forward Nelson Valdez missed last Sunday’s dramatic match against the Houston Dynamo due to a minor leg injury but it appears as if he is set to make his return on Saturday when the Sounders face the Philadelphia Union at CenturyLink Field (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Univision-Seattle/KIRO 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM).
Midfielder Erik Friberg has also struggled with injuries early this season, missing the last four matches with an MCL sprain. Both he and Valdez were seen in full training at Friday’s session and head coach Sigi Schmid hinted at their availability for Saturday.
“Yes Valdez,” said Schmid. “We’re going to make our final decision on Friberg whether he’ll be in the 18 or not.”
Second year midfielder Cristian Roldan has filled in admirably for Friberg in his absence; with or without his return, the Sounders will be ready for the challenge on Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to the game; we’re looking forward to being at home,” Schmid told reporters. “We want to continue what we’ve started in the last two games, continue to get points, continue to win games.”
