The Seattle Sounders transition back to MLS play this coming Saturday after falling short to LAFC in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals on Aug. 17.
Seattle’s 3-0 loss to the California side was a frustrating ending in the tournament, but the team is focused on gleaning positive takeaways from the overall experience.
“We responded really well after the Necaxa result, and came away with two really good performances against Pumas and the Galaxy,” said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “So, these are things that I would like to focus on, and would like to remind my teammates of, because we are a good side. We've shown it, and just because in one game, we [couldn’t produce], that doesn't define us.”
Still, it was critical for the team to recognize and learn from the mistakes made in the quarterfinal match.
“The way I pitched film to them was we have to learn, because LAFC put us in exactly the same position that they did the first game, and that's exactly how they want those games to play out,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “The way we started the game. Were we tentative in attack? Did we defend properly? Some of those pretty explicit examples of where we can do better, followed up by their goals that they scored, followed up by some of the positive plays that we had. And the message was, we're going to get one more shot at them, and let's make sure that we're ready.”
The Sounders will get another opportunity to face LAFC next week as they host the Black & Gold at Starfire Stadium in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Aug. 28.
Prior to Leagues Cup, the team went on a blistering run of form that saw them climb the table into the Western Conference playoff positions. Entering the stretch run of the season, they know that every match matters.
While they’re eager for a shot at redemption against LAFC, their main priority is securing three points on the road against Minnesota United on Saturday.
“Now we need to shift to Minnesota and make a good game this weekend,” said midfielder João Paulo. “We need to move forward and try to improve.”
It is tempting to look ahead to a rematch against one of the top teams in the West and another chance for a trophy, but the Sounders are staying focused on resuming MLS play on the front-foot.
“It’s kind of a mind trap when you get a big game next week, and you forget to give everything you have in the next game,” added João Paulo. “We used to say the most important game is the next one, so we need to go with this [mentality].”
This will be the third and final time the two teams will go head-to-head this year. While the Sounders historically have a dominated against the Loons, personnel changes and the challenge of competing on the road has the potential to shake things up come match-time.
Minnesota’s added reinforcements include new Designated Player Kelvin Yeboah, who joined from Serie A side Genoa, winger Joaquín Pereyra and defenders Anthony Markanich, Matúš Kmet’ and Jefferson Diaz.
“[Now, it’s about] how we can learn from [the LAFC] game, that's going to push us through a tough Minnesota team that you know is different,” said Schmetzer.
But with the Loons showcasing a similar tactical approach to LAFC, Seattle is hopeful they can utilize the last match – and their previous wins over Minnesota – to their advantage.
“They play the same style with a back five and they try to beat you in transitions,” said João Paulo. “The structure is pretty much the same, so I think it will be a good test for us.”
