After the Sounders’ 4-0 home-opener victory, the club continues to place emphasis on returning Lumen Field to an indomitable fortress.
Whether it be the Boom, Boom, Clap during the team’s walk-out, or the continuous songs throughout the course of a match, the overall atmosphere of the stadium plays a significant role in the outcome of home games.
The high-energy from the stands in last weekend's match against the Colorado Rapids showed exactly that.
“We scored that early goal and the goal right before halftime, which kept the fans engaged,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
And with an additional two goals in the second half, it was clear the fan’s encouragement was a beneficial accompaniment to the overall effort display on the pitch.
“Some of our play was based on the fan support…I mean, I think the guys felt it,” said Schmetzer. “So, it's always that combination, you need both of them to be really successful.”
Defender Alex Roldan said the team thrives off the environment that makes up the team’s home matches at Lumen Field.
“Having [fans] around us is definitely a big boost for our team,” noted Roldan. “Once the first goal came in, we kind of felt the crowd behind us…The way the game ended obviously goes to show how important playing at home is.”
The Sounders’ reminder of its shortened 2022 season and its preseason loss against Egyptian side Al Ahly SC also contributes to the difficulty that lies ahead for its opposition playing at Lumen Field.
“Our guys are motivated,” said Schmetzer. “I think through the disappointment that we had last year in the playoffs and [FIFA] Club World Cup, the guys are super focused to try and erase some of those bad memories…. So, there are lots of reasons why our team should play well and can play well which makes it hard on our opponents.”
With a massive home-win already in the books this season, the Sounders hope to carry over that success into its next game against Real Salt Lake.
“We didn’t let our foot off the gas,” Roldan said. “So, when teams come [to Lumen Field], that's what they're going to face and I think at the end of the day, we're all going to put our best effort in to come up with a win.”
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Come watch Seattle Sounders FC as we host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 4!
