There won’t be too many positives for the Seattle Sounders to take from their 3-0 loss at FC Dallas on Sunday, a match that saw FCD take the lead 20 minutes in and go up a man seven minutes later when Clint Dempsey was ejected. Seattle was coming off an intense midweek CONCACAF Champions League match in Mexico against Chivas de Guadalajara and were down five nominal starters because of injuries.
A bright spot on a disappointing day, however, came in the 64th minute when Alex Roldan made his MLS debut when he checked in for Handwalla Bwana, who himself made his first MLS start. The younger Roldan fared well in his 25-minute cameo, providing some effort and energy in the middle of the park alongside older brother Cristian.
“[Alex] came in and did exactly what I asked,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
“It’s always a downer when the team is losing especially in the way that we did, but I’m glad I was able to get my first couple minutes in and get my feet wet and try to bring some energy to the game,” said Alex.
The Sounders will have a chance to catch their breath now with a two-week break until their next MLS match against the Montreal Impact at home on March 31. The reprieve will be a good opportunity for some of the injured players to return while also allowing younger players like Alex Roldan to continue to acclimated to the MLS level.
Schmetzer liked what he saw from Alex and is excited for what else he has to offer in his rookie season.
“I love the fact that he was ready to chip the goalkeeper,” Schmetzer said. “It shows that he’s got good vision. He’s a bit goal-dangerous, I was pleased with that.”
