TUKWILA, Wash. — The dust has settled for the Seattle Sounders following their 3-3 draw against the New England Revolution at CenturyLink Field on Saturday, a match that saw Seattle frantically bag three goals in the game’s final 15 minutes to salvage a point.
On Monday, the Rave Green returned to training with their sights set on their next task: A 2016 MLS Cup Final rematch with Toronto FC at home this Saturday that will pit Seattle against the same foe it vanquished in penalty kicks to claim its first league title last December.
Speaking with reporters after Monday’s practice, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said his team is aware of the added storylines that are a natural byproduct of the rematch, but added that he doesn’t expect it to alter Seattle’s approach.
“Every game is vital for us,” Schmetzer said. “It’ll be a big game because there’ll be a good crowd again, a Saturday afternoon game, big drama because it’s a rematch. Everybody’s going to read the press. But, for us, it’s just a game.”
After relying on their defensive depth to get them through their last two matches against the LA Galaxy and New England, the Sounders will hope to see the return of a few of their regular starters on Saturday.
Schmetzer said Brad Evans, who will presumably slot in at right back when healthy, went through full training on Monday as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury, although his status for Saturday has yet to be determined.
If Evans and center backs Roman Torres (hamstring) and Chad Marshall (back) do, in fact, return to Seattle’s Starting XI, it could offer a necessary boost against a star-studded TFC attack that features midfielder Michael Bradley and forwards Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.
“We’d love to have them back,” Schmetzer said. “Roman did a pretty good job on Altidore in the [MLS Cup Final].”
Sounders forward Jordan Morris also finds himself on the mend this week after aggravating an ankle injury against New England that he first tweaked in Seattle’s 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on March 19. Morris didn’t train with the team on Monday, but Schmetzer said he hopes to have the services of the 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year come Saturday as well.
“He’ll probably play because he’s a tough kid,” Schmetzer said or Morris. “We’ll just keep our fingers crossed it doesn’t happen again.”
