Schmetzer Reflects on the First MLS Cup Victory for Seattle Sounders

Seattle Sounders managed to finally win the MLS Cup, something which has eluded them for quite a while.


This was the first MLS Cup title for the club, although they have won several trophies like the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield in the last 10 years. However, not many affected the club to win the title especially in the campaign when long-serving coach SigiSchmid departed to be replaced by Brian Schmetzer. The 54-year-old was appointed in August 2016 and it did not look like Seattle Sounderswould in the campaign in a successful manner.

It has not been the case, as a penalty shootout victory over Toronto FC helped the club lift the title for the first time. It was one of the dullest finals in the MLS Cup history, as both teams failed to score in 120 minutes of action. It was also the first time such an event has occurred. Continue reading “Schmetzer Reflects on the First MLS Cup Victory for Seattle Sounders” →

Seattle Sounders face many injuries

Seattle Sounders currently have many injured players, and this can become a major issue for coach Brian Schmetzer especially that they have qualified for the MLS Cup.


Brian Schmetzer said that the major loss would be Osvaldo Alonso as he is an important member of the team. The final is scheduled for the 10 of December, and the Seattle Sounders coach hopes that the player will be ready by then.

Brian Schmetzer said that he is disappointed with the injury to Alonso as the player was so desperate to be part of the team to play in the final. Brian Schmetzer said that he expects him to be ready for the game and that there is nothing that could prevent him from playing. He said that Osvaldo Alonso has been waiting for so long for this game and that now that he has the chance he would not want to miss it.

Indeed Osvaldo Alonso is one of the rare players that have been with Seattle Sounders ever since the beginning in 2009, and he is often referred to as being the brain and heart of Seattle Sounders.

Andreas Ivanschitz is another player that is currently injured and faces a race against the clock to be ready for the MLS Cup final.

Brian Schmetzer said that he is disappointed for the players that are currently injured and that so wanted to be part of the team. However, he was keen to stress out that only fit players will participate in the MLS Cup final as he will not want to jeopardize the team chances. The coach said that the team interest lies above any individual interest and that he will only be fielding a team that can win the tournament. He said that there is still time for some players to recover and that they will face a late fitness test to assess whether they can participate in the final.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS’ LODEIRO MAKES IMPRESSIVE SHOW

Nicolas Lodeiro had made an impressive show for Seattle Sounders in their win over FC Dallas during the Western Conference semifinals or the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.


Lodeiro, who had been given Sounders’ Designated Player had come off with a brace for his team during the first leg just last week. On Sunday also, and in a bid to destroy any hopes of a potential comeback for the hosts, he had given his team a crucial goal.

The goal, which came in the 54th minute of the game, saw Lodeiro receive a cross from Tyrone Mears, and beat goalkeeper, Chris Seitz to score the only goal of the match.

This exceptional performance so far, thus puts him in the same league with players such as Clint Dempsey, Nelson Valdez, Eddie Johnson, and Osvaldo Alonso contesting for the most career playoff tallies (three) in the MLS history of the club.

“Big players show up in big games,” midfielder Brad Evans had said. “[Lodeiro] did exactly what he was supposed to do. He carries the team… Not that we’re riding his coattails, but he is the pivot for this team right now.”

During the game on Sunday, Lodeiro was all over the pitch, leading the team with a total of 72 touches and 11 crosses. He also had a 73 percent passing accuracy in the half of the FC Dallas team. He however, didn’t have the same amount of free space as he did during the first half of the game.

So in an attempt to step down the oncoming pressure at the left side of the pitch, we switched with Jordan Morris after 30 minutes. Throughout the match, he was able to keep the opponents defenders on their toes, as he possessed the flank, throwing in dangerous crosses. The Seattle Sounders next game in the Western Conference Championship would be against Colorado Rapids.

Dempsey out for the season

Seattle Sounders director Garth Lagerwey has stated that Clint Dempsey will be out for the rest of the season because of health issues.


This statement has put an end to speculations that the player could be back before the end of the year.

Garth Lagerwey confirms that Clint Dempsey has a health condition that they have been monitoring for some months now. Tests have shown that the forward has an irregular heartbeat that needs to be addressed now before it turns into a dangerous condition.

Garth Lagerwey said that Seattle Sounders still believe that the player will be back in the team next year. However, he added that they would not be putting any pressure on the player as his health is more important that the club. He admitted that it would be a big loss for the team but at the moment they need to focus on the treatment and ensure that there is no danger to the player’s health.
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Fantasy Football Tips & Tricks

The start of the season is a stressful time for all avid fantasy football players. Choosing the core of your team can either help you get a head-start, or force you to play catch-up for the rest of the season. Despite all the work you put in at the start of the season, you will continue to have to change around your team in order to maximise the amount of points that you will gain throughout the season. One bad move and your dreams of winning the league could be over. But don’t worry, here are our tips and tricks for winning at fantasy football.

Attack over Defence
A popular strategy amongst fantasy football managers is to pick more attacking-based players over defending ones. The theory behind this is that attacking players are likely to score more points than defensive players. Apart from the odd goal or assist they get, the only times where defenders gain points is when their team has kept a clean sheet. Continue reading “Fantasy Football Tips & Tricks” →

Seattle Sounders’Schmetzer Targets Success at the 2016 MLS Cup

Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer says that he is keen on the team getting some confidence before the start of the MLS play-offs.


He has also set a target of winning the MLS Cup this season. The club failed to secure a place in the play-offs of the 2016 MLS Cup in the last two weeks. However, they have a chance to confirm their position with the victory against Real Salt Lake this weekend.Schmetzer replaced Sigi Schmid a few months ago and he has a major job on his hands as far as matching the parts of the former coach.

Schmid is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the MLS. A proper start forSchmetzer would be winning the MLS Cup in his first season at the club. It will not be easy going by the club’s form in the MLS, although it has been improving in the last few weeks. A run of four consecutive victories in September helped them cement a place closer to the top four. As a result, Seattle Sounders remain in with a chance of reaching the MLS play-offs. After having failed to win in the last two games, it would be difficult for Seattle Sounders to make an impact in the Real Salt Lake match straight away but it would be their motivation.
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