Five things we’d like to see when Sounders host LAFC
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Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
We may be less than two months into the season, but the Seattle Sounders are already getting ready to face LAFC for the second time. The first meeting was a 1-1 tie in Los Angeles in which each team was missing star players. LAFC may be a bit closer to full strength in this one, but the Sounders may actually be even more short-handed.
No Vela; still worried
I think that no matter who lines up for LAFC whenever they play the Sounders, I’ll always have a little tinge of worry. LAFC is a good team even without Carlos Vela in the lineup and even though they’re pretty far down the table at the moment. Diego Rossi is still good, as are their midfielders, so the Sounders will still have a tough game on their hands. There’s also a chance that Vela returns. Let’s see them get the job done. Mark
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In the chaotic moments immediately following Stefan Frei’s injury, Brian Schmetzer called Cristian Roldan over to the sideline for a conversation. The Seattle Sounders head coach would not divulge exactly what was said, but he did confirm that he discussed what to do about replacing his injured goalkeeper.
The Sounders had one remaining substitute but not any remaining windows with which to use it. That meant a field player who was already in the game would need to throw on the brightly colored goalkeeper jersey, strap on the over-sized gloves and man the goal for the remainder of the match. It’s a scenario that has only happened 12 times in MLS history and never before involving the Sounders.
Sounders sign 16-year-old Reed Baker-Whiting
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Photo courtesy of Sounders FC
The Seattle Sounders continued to add young talent, signing 16-year-old Reed Baker-Whiting to a Homegrown Player contract on Wednesday. The contract was announced as a four-year deal that has an option for a fifth year. He will be eligible for selection immediately. Baker-Whiting signed his first professional contract last July, becoming the youngest player the Tacoma Defiance had ever signed.
“Reed has shown promise in his time with the Academy and Tacoma Defiance, in addition to his extended time training in the First Team environment,” Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey said in a team statement. “It’s always nice to see young players climb the ranks within our development pipeline, and we look forward to seeing how Reed progresses from here.”
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) â Cristian Roldan scored in the 18th minute to help the Seattle Sounders beat the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on Wednesday night.
The Sounders (4-0-1) have matched their best start in franchise history, previously accomplished in 2019, but it could end up being a costly victory.
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei sustained what appeared to be a serious left leg injury landing awkwardly while attempting to make a save late in the second half. Frei was down for several minutes before being helped to the locker room putting no weight on the leg.
Out of substitutes, the Sounders placed winger Alex Roldan in goal for the closing minutes. Roldan made a pair of saves in the final minutes to help secure the victory.