The Seattle Sounders returned to training on Tuesday at Starfire Sports Complex as the team prepares for its 2019 MLS opener against FC Cincinnati on Saturday (7 p.m. PT; FS1, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).
With a full complement of First Team players in training, the group is bullish on its prospects ahead of the new campaign. According to Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, midfielder Víctor Rodríguez, who bagged five goals and six assists in just over 1,200 MLS minutes last season, will finally be able to build upon the promising flashes he’s shown in recent seasons.
“I think Víctor is settling in here in Seattle,” Schmetzer said. “He’s settled in with the group, he’s injury-free. He was one of the beneficiaries of the longer offseason. I remember last year, he started off injured. So, when he got all of his problems taken care of, he’s shown what a good player he is.”
Injuries have made it difficult for the Spanish midfielder to get a consistent run of form in Seattle since he signed in summer 2017. When he’s been on the pitch, the dynamic, creative winger has been an easily discernible difference-maker. His mazy runs, high soccer IQ and ability to interchange with Nicolás Lodeiro are all critical components of the Sounders’ game model.
With a full preseason under his belt, during which he bagged two goals and two assists from four appearances, Rodríguez is rearing to hit the ground running on Saturday.
“I’m great,” said Rodríguez. “I’m ready to go. I want to start, and we think we are ready to start. I hope we have a good season.”
