A packed schedule awaits the Seattle Sounders, who returned to the training ground at Starfire Sports Complex this week ahead of an MLS Matchday 9 clash with Minnesota United at Lumen Field on Saturday.
It will kick off a three-match week for the Rave Green, who will also play a midweek US Open Cup fixture against USL Championship outfield San Diego Loyal SC at Starfire on Wednesday, before returning to league play in Matchday 10 at Real Salt Lake.
Speaking to reporters at Starfire on Thursday, Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said he has full confidence the group he has available will be able to tackle the congested schedule.
“The team we're going to roll out against Minnesota is a great team,” said Schmetzer. “And we have some subs on the bench that come in and do a job, so we're very pleased with that. We're a little lighter [with injuries], but we're going to roll out a good team and then after Minnesota we'll pick up the pieces and we're going to roll out a good lineup for the Open Cup too.”
Minnesota United presents as a challenging opponent to start off the marathon stretch, as they’ve managed to stay right in the early mix for the MLS Cup Playoffs despite the absence of star playmaker Emanuel Reynoso.
The Loons are a disciplined and experienced group that has shown an aptitude for getting results on the road, as evidenced by their 3W-0L-1D record away from Allianz Field so far this season.
“Credit to my good friend [Minnesota coach] Adrian Heath to calm the seas and steer the ship in the right direction,” said Schmetzer. “They're a good team. Very good team.”
Coming off a letdown result last weekend at Portland, the focus for Seattle will be on recapturing the early-season form that saw the club start 5-1-1 and establish themselves as a Western Conference frontrunner.
With 16 points from eight matches, the Sounders are still in the No. 3 spot on the West table going into Saturday’s match, and a three-point result would allow them to keep pace with fellow Supporters’ Shield-hopefuls St. Louis CITY SC and LAFC.
“We need to have a strong performance with the right mentality for 90 minutes,” said Schmetzer. “Again, this team is super talented, if we can play up to our potential, we're going to win more games than we lose.”
The Sounders will also be looking to continue their strong form at Lumen Field, where they’ve won three of their first four matches in 2023.
“Teams have come in here last year and thought they could take points off us,” said Schmetzer. “We want to erase that narrative.”
Minnesota Tickets
Come watch Seattle Sounders FC take on Minnesota United at Lumen Field on Saturday, April 22!
