Less than 48 hours before the second leg of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, Seattle Sounders midfielder Erik Friberg insists his teammates are prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
"The team feels good," Friberg said after landing in Los Angeles on Monday for a final session before traveling to Mexico City on Tuesday. "We had a good training here today."
After a 2-2 draw at home to begin the series, the Sounders know with a win they will advance to the semifinals for the second time in club history. Friberg said that despite still being in preseason, he knows the team is up for the task on Wednesday (5 p.m. PT; FS2/Soundersfc.com/El Rey 1360 AM).
"We all feel good and we're fit to go a full 90 minutes," he said. "We're ready to play."
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei echoed Friberg, noting that the opportunity to play at the historic Estadio Azteca was exciting and the perfect test for the squad as it simultaneously prepares for the start of the MLS season.
"We want to win and advance," said Frei, "but regardless of the outcome, it’ll be great to prepare us for Kansas City.”
Club America, the reigning champions of the tournament, are currently sitting at the middle of the table and suffered a tough defeat in league play over the weekend, falling 4-1 to Tigres UANL, who will face Real Salt Lake at 7 p.m. PT on Wednesday. The team also is preparing without three of its starters, who will likely be benched due to injury on Wednesday evening.
“They have a great side," Frei said. "They have pace up top with [forward Darwin] Quintero. What’s unique about them—and they may make changes this time—is that they have a left midfielder who is right footed and a right midfielder who is left,” said Frei. “They tend to want to cut in. If they’re allowed to do so, they’re a threat and they can shoot. Those are unique challenges.”
Azteca, the third largest soccer stadium in the world, is among the many interesting locations that CONCACAF play takes players. Frei, who said the venues could present variables beyond the team’s control, said the occasion is remarkable nevertheless.
“You have to be able to roll with the punches," he said. "That makes you a better player. It’s a great experience for everything, especially the young guys.”
