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Bringing Out the Quality in the Squad: General Thoughts on this Current Run of Form

Writer's picture: Gyoza GaleanoGyoza Galeano

Let's get straight to the point. The Sounders offense needs goals and to create better scoring opportunities. The last time the Sounders had more than 3 shots on target was back on April 3 against St Louis. JMo was the striker up top and he and Leo Chu were our biggest offensive threats at the amazing start to the season. So why have the Sounders moved away from that setup? I know the absence of Cristian Roldan is a big loss but Jordan Morris is not nearly as effective out on the wing in his place and was doing so well to get in on our numerous crosses into the box. Remember him netting 4 earlier this year? Lately there has been a lot of crosses into opposition center backs and not a lot of opportunities for Sounders attackers to finish chances. Defenses are ready for the Sounders to spread the ball wide and then cross into the box. .


And like it or not everyone, Leo Chu is a good player who deserves more playing time and support. It’s past time we all got on the Chu Chu Train because it is going to take us all to goal scoring town and the sooner fans and more importantly, Schmetzer and staff get on board, the better.

The defensive unit looks strong especially with Nouhou coming back into the side, and I think the goals being conceded are down more to the midfield allowing other teams to run at our back line via blown coverages or cheap giveaways. We need to have a conversation about Albert Rusnak because at the moment he isn’t looking like a DP player. I think it mostly boils down to the fact that his is more of a #10 then a #6 and he isn’t playing in a system that brings out his best qualities. The goals conceded in the last few games have usually come from midfield giveaways or teams pulling the midfield defensive unit out of shape in the middle of the pitch.


So let's discuss the midfield conundrum. Our most talented players and 2 DP make up the central midfield trio and yet the system doesn't seem to be working at its best. Perhaps some of this comes from the lack of stability and changing lineups in the middle of the park? Between injuries, suspensions, and other absences, the Sounders have not been able to field a consistent midfield set up in the middle of the park.


Most of the offense comes through the wings and teams are able to clog up the midfield play through the middle against the Sounders particularly in the beginning phases of the game. Secondly, the soft goals being conceded are often a result of the midfield structure either being pulled out of position or breaking down on giveaways. Does this have something to do with the tactical structure or a communication issues between players? Looking at our senior midfield it looks like there are several issues, from form to positioning.


I'll be honest here, Rusnak does not look like a DP player at the moment. At the Real Salty Lake he was a more offensive player in the number 10 role and with the Sounders he has been given more defensive responsibilities as more of a 6 in a double pivot. I'm not sure this new role brings out the best in him. That being said, going forward he doesn't provide a ton of offensive either. The amount of shots he takes that are blocked by defenders is noteworthy as is the overall lack of assists. There is a good hardworking player there, but I question how the Sounders can unlock his best form.


Nico Loidero, while he runs and runs and runs like a sugared up 7 year old at a birthday party has not been particularly effective in terms of creating chances going forward. The Sounders need him pulling strings and creating opportunities with balls in behind defenses and he just can’t do that when he is dropping in next to the back line just to receive the ball.


That leaves JP who is indispensable to the side and maybe that’s a bit of a problem. Being so reliant on one player has led to a huge drop off in quality when he isn’t there. The Sounders are blessed with a strong core of players and I think there has got to be a better tactical setup than the current 4-2-3-1 being used to bring out the best in these players. At the moment it doesn't seem to be stable in the middle leading to problems going forward and defending.


What is so frustrating about watching the Sounders right now is that we know there is quality in the side and they are capable of so much more. How the Sounders could change up their tactics, better utilize the skill sets of our current players, and get back to winning ways will all be discussed in a future blog post.

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