It was a long time coming for Gonzalo Pineda.
In the 71st minute of Saturday’s win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the veteran midfielder received a pass just outside the box and curled a shot off the post and into the net to give Sounders FC a comfortable 2-0 lead. Thanks in part to Pineda’s late goal, Seattle captured the 2015 Cascadia Cup and earned three crucial points on the road.
It had been more than 13 months since Pineda last found the back of the net.
That’s why, after his spectacular shot bounced off the post and into the goal, the 32-year-old sprinted toward the corner flag and pumped his fist in celebration. He kissed the Sounders logo on his jersey and made a heart signal to the traveling supporters. On his way back to Seattle’s side of the field, Pineda spread his arms and just looked up at the closed roof at BC Place.
“It was a lot of emotion there,” he said following the match. “I think after being on the bench for a few games, this is what you dream about doing in the game. I think it was a very complete game for us. We played good football, we won and I scored a goal, so I’m very happy.”
Saturday featured Pineda’s second consecutive start in the midfield. He’s been a regular contributor in his second season with the club, making 24 appearances for the Rave Green.
But the last few months have been frustrating for Pineda, who gave way to Erik Friberg when the Swedish midfielder joined Seattle during the Summer Transfer Window. Friberg started nine straight games – almost all of them at Pineda’s usual spot – until he sat out Saturday’s match with an injury.
Pineda maintained a positive attitude throughout a difficult summer, waiting for his moment to shine alongside Ozzie Alonso in the midfield. Head Coach Sigi Schmid says he wasn’t the least bit surprised by the way Pineda performed in Vancouver last weekend.
“Gonzo’s a pro, so when his number is called, he’s going to be ready to play,” Schmid said. “And if his number’s not called, he’s disappointed but he’ll still be ready to play for me. His partnership with Ozzie is one where Ozzie’s game seems to blossom a little bit when he’s in there, because Gonzo does a lot of talking on the field and helps the whole positional setup for us in midfield.”
Zach Scott is one of the many veterans on Sounders FC’s roster that can relate to Pineda. The 35-year-old defender has been mainly a reserve this season as Brad Evans and newcomer Román Torres have earned the bulk of the minutes at centerback alongside All-Star Chad Marshall.
On Saturday, Scott was on the pitch with Pineda as the Sounders claimed a massive victory.
“When you get an opportunity, you take it and run with it,” Scott said. “Gonzo’s the same way. He’s a veteran guy, and he’s a guy who never drops his head if he’s out of the lineup. He’s one of the few guys who are always 100 percent into training. He wants to be in the starting lineup, and then when he does get his opportunities, you really see his quality.”
