Sounders looking to build on their Open Cup success

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Friday, June 29, 2012 5:42pm
  • SportsSports

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said he hopes his club learned something in the must-win pressure of U.S. Open Cup play on Tuesday that will carry over to Major League Soccer play today.

“We showed a lot of character and a lot of resiliency, getting back to the idea and the understanding that we have to be a tough team to beat,” Schmid said. “I’ll be the first one to say it wasn’t our best soccer of the season for sure. But right now we needed to establish again that hard work with average soccer has a chance to win. Great soccer with not enough heart underneath it, you have a better chance to lose. … We hope that carries into our game (today at New England), and that we understand the hard work has to continue.”

Over their past 10 games, Seattle has been a different club in Open Cup competition than in MLS play.

The Sounders take the Gillette Stadium pitch today under the weight of a club-record seven-game MLS winless streak. Meanwhile, the club is 3-0 in Open Cup games, with wins over the Atlanta Silverbacks, Cal FC and this week’s 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.

There was no carryover last time Seattle returned to MLS play following Open Cup success. After winning their first two USOC games by a combined score of 10-1, the Sounders were mauled in Montreal, 4-1.

“(The San Jose) win is a lot different than the other two wins,” Schmid said. “The other ones came against an NASL team and an amateur team that was on a good run. This one came against a team that right now is number one in our league. … Hopefully, that will provide us some backdrop as we move forward.”

Today marks Seattle’s third game in seven days, while the Revolution’s last match came exactly a week ago. Schmid tried to mitigate the fatigue factor by using a reserve-heavy roster on Tuesday.

“The most important thing for us was to be fresh on the field and have guys that can compete,” he said. “… Every game we’re going to try to put the lineup out that’s going to help us win the game and is going to make the most sense in terms of avoiding injuries, as well. So you have some of those guys you’re going to see as we move down the line. Some you might see more, some you might see less.”

Another difference in today’s game could be atmosphere. After a passionate rivalry at Portland and the loser-out intensity against San Jose, the Sounders play today in the league’s emptiest stadium. New England averages the second-lowest attendance in the league: 11,819. That tops only San Jose, whose home stadium has a capacity of 10,500.

Schmid says it helps that just 20,000 seats are made available for MLS games in Gillette Stadium, which is home to the NFL’s New England Patriots.

“The way they changed the configuration around is a lot more intimate than it was a few years ago,” he said. “I don’t know what kind of crowd they’re going to have this weekend, but it hasn’t been like it was two, three years ago. It’s definitely been a stadium that’s had more atmosphere the last couple of years.”

Notes

Sharlie Joseph (adductor) is listed as probable for New England. He has three career goals against the Sounders, including two game-winners. Leo Gonzalez, Adam Johnasson, Steve Zakuani and Jeff Parke all are listed as questionable for Seattle. Fredy Montero is out after receiving a red card Sunday in Portland. Osvaldo Alonso and Eddie Johnson are one caution away from yellow-card suspensions.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.