The Sounders Argentine captain has looked full of life over the club's recent unbeaten run.
Throughout his career in Rave Green, Mauro Rosales has been a pivotal figure in the club’s offensive success. His club-record total of 13 assists in his first two seasons is evidence of that and in 2013 he is proving just as crucial to the club’s placement in the Western Conference standings.
The 32-year-old midfielder had an up-and-down first half of the season, looking brilliant in May when he notched two goals and two assists against Philadelphia and San Jose, but he hadn’t had a goal or assist since. At least, until he assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Chivas USA on July 28.
With one goal and two assists in his last three games, Rosales has looked rejuvenated on the field and is a catalyst for Seattle’s success during the current three-game winning streak.
This year, Seattle is 4-1-1 when Rosales scores or assists. That brings his career total to a record of 22-2-7, proving just how pivotal his set-up play can be in a match.
Though he isn’t going to take credit for Seattle’s four-game unbeaten run.
“The team is working much better as a team. Whenever the team is doing exactly what we plan in the week … it’s much easier for me as a creator to put guys in position to score,” Rosales said. “Right now, I have many options and that’s why I think we’ve had results these last four games.”
With the addition of Clint Dempsey and others returning to more regular action, the quality of Rosales is becoming more evident as he is given more time on the ball with the other attacking options drawing defensive attention.
The result has been Seattle outscoring opponents 7-2 in the last three matches heading into the match on Saturday against the Dynamo.
“The movement, the creation, the possession – when the team is in good form, it’s much, much easier for everyone,” Rosales said. “Having the players that normally play with you makes it even easier.”
To Head Coach Sigi Schmid, the results aren’t necessarily about the time and space provided to Rosales, but the things he is able to do in that time and space.
“Every player craves space,” Schmid explained. “A good player will use his time and space and Mauro is a good player.”
The 2011 MLS Newcomer and two-time club leader in assists looks poised to add heartily to that total in the final 13 matches of the regular season.
