In Dejan Joveljić’s opening press conference following his move from Sporting Kansas City to Sounders FC on August 25, he told the media that he is “here to help score and to bring the trophy where it belongs.”
He showed a convincing glimpse of that on Saturday afternoon when the Serbian international tallied both of the Sounders’ goals in the team’s 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire at Lumen Field.
“What you saw was a very good performance as far as a striker is concerned,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
Not even 15 minutes into the match, the Sounders’ new No. 9 provided the club’s opening goal over the Midwest side with a beautiful first-time finish from point blank range. Then in the 48th minute, he grabbed the team’s second lead of the day with a screamer into the top left bin of the net, becoming the fastest player in club history to score a brace in a debut match.
“That’s that goal-scoring in him,” said Schmetzer.
Whether he’s providing subtle movement inside the box to get his foot on the ball or attempting a shot from distance, the Sounders new Designated Player is versatile in his attacking abilities.
That versatility not only benefits his own game, but adds a spark to the Sounders' attack as a whole.
“It's the first time we scored two goals since May 13th, since the San Jose game, and what I would say is that you saw glimpses of not just what Dejan can do, but [how] he's going to make everybody around us better,” said Schmetzer. “And that first 25 minutes…The ball movement to play, the running in behind, the players getting the fans into it, you know, the fans reciprocating…I thought the atmosphere was great.”
An incredible start to his Sounders resume, Joveljić still remains unsatisfied as he reflects on the two points he and the team missed out on after 90 minutes.
“I'm happy because I scored in my first game [with] two goals, but I'm not fully happy because we didn't take all three points,” said Joveljić. “I feel that we lost the game, so hopefully in the next game we are going to get three points.”
Schmetzer expressed similar feelings, recognizing that “the potential was there,” with the effort of several players — including Deki — creating chances to score.
“I'm hoping the fans can see the potential there [too], but we need to obviously close that game out,” he said.
Upon receiving the game ball post-match, Joveljić voiced that he came to the Sounders not just to score, but to win.
His objective is clear; he wants to get this team into the playoffs and make a run at MLS Cup.
It’s a response that shows both his commitment to the squad and the shared mentality he’s found within the group. It embodies what it means to be a Sounder.
“These guys are experienced, and they are still hungry, and that's the difference between this team and every other team,” said Joveljić.
