For 92 and a half minutes on Sunday against LAFC, the Seattle Sounders put in one of their best performances of the season. They shut down a powerful attack and nearly had several goals of their own in LAFC’s inaugural match in the brand new Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.
A Laurent Ciman stoppage-time free kick would sneak past Stefan Frei to provide the hosts with all three points, but it shouldn’t overlook the bright spot on the back line. After Román Torres was a gametime scratch because of a hamstring strain, new addition and recently recovered Kim Kee-hee made his first Sounders start.
The South Korean international had just returned from a calf strain and wasn’t supposed to play as long as he did — he went 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordy Delem —but he stepped in admirably and kept Carlos Vela, Marco Ureña and Diego Rossi off the score sheet.
“He played great,” Frei said of Kim’s first start. “It was difficult for him to come in with Román being a late scratch, but I thought he showed that he reads the game well, he moves well, he’s got a good soccer IQ.”
Added Cristian Roldan: “Kim was awesome. He was confident in his playing ability. He reads the game extremely well. He’s a very aggressive player and I see very positive things about him. He’s learning the language, he’s learning the league, but I think he’s going to be a good one for us. That combination with Román, Chad [Marshall] and Kim is going to be vital for our success this year.”
Kim’s efforts were even more notable due to Marshall’s absence. He sprained his neck against Minnesota United last week and was unavailable for selection. Kim partnered with Gustav Svensson in the back, and even the makeshift pairing put in a hardnosed display that was unfortunate not to come away with a clean sheet.
“I think when we get all the guys healthy and get a healthy rotation going, it’s going to benefit the center backs overall,” said Frei. “Hopefully we can jell as a whole unit and not just two guys, but multiple guys switching in and out. With the experience we have in that position, that will be good in the long run.”
