After a weeklong trip that saw the Sounders fall 3-0 to Chivas on Wednesday and then to FC Dallas on Sunday by the same score, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer spoke with Sports Radio KJR’S Dave “Softy” Mahler on Monday afternoon.
"We were a tired squad who had a lot of travel and injuries, but those are excuses,” Schmetzer told Mahler. “It was a tough week.”
While Schmetzer believed the effort was there against FC Dallas — the Rave Green played a man down for the entire second half after Clint Dempsey’s red card — he was frustrated with the effort from the CONCACAF Champions League match in Guadalajara.
“The team was tired in Dallas, and in Chivas, I would say that team outworked us, and that was the more disappointing match of the two,” Schmetzer said. “Even with the early injuries to [Will] Bruin and [Chad] Marshall, I think Chivas wanted it a little bit more.”
The squad now has an opportunity to take a much-needed breather with the next match not coming until March 31 against the Montreal Impact.
“We are feeling a little residual,” Schmetzer added. “That’s why this break is really good for us. We have 10-12 days to figure it out.”
While the FIFA international break allows for the club to recuperate mentally, it also allows time for physical health. Bruin, Nicolás Lodiero and Osvaldo Alonso could return, Kelvin Leerdam is becoming increasingly more fit and Víctor Rodríguez may see his first minutes of the season soon.
“I am hoping for all of them [to play against Montreal],” Schmetzer remarked. “Rodríguez may be a long shot, but the rest of the guys are all getting healthier. We will have pretty close to a full squad for that game.”
In addition, the front office is looking to fill the void up top in Jordan Morris’ absence.
“We’ve been active in searching for another attacking piece,” Schmetzer said. “Garth [Lagerwey] and Chris Henderson have been looking hard across South America and Europe. They are working hard because we need to replace Jordan. We would sign someone if the right player came up. We are definitely looking.”
The full interview can be heard below.
