TORONTO — If the Seattle Sounders want to win their second consecutive MLS Cup on Saturday (1 p.m. PT; ESPN, UniMás, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM) against Toronto FC, they will have to do so without captain Osvaldo Alonso.
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer ruled out Alonso on Thursday after he failed a fitness test. Alonso had been questionable after suffering a quad strain at the end of September. He missed the final three regular-season matches before returning as a substitute in Leg 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps, but he reaggrevated his injury and missed the last three postseason games.
“We’re sad about that, he’s a tough competitor,” said Schmetzer. “It was tough news to take…He’s disappointed. He wants to do whatever he can to help the team. He’s the captain of the team, so it’s a bit of a blow, but we’re going to deal with it.”
Said Alonso to MLSSoccer.com: “The desire is there, but I can’t. I feel OK, but I had a lot of setbacks and I won’t be able to play…It’s going to be difficult because I get more nervous when I am out of a game and watching than when I am in and playing because I can control the proceedings.”
Alonso started 24 games this season, his ninth in Seattle, recording a goal and three assists. He memorably fought through a knee injury during last year’s MLS Cup during which he needed injections before and during the game.
His likely replacement will be Gustav Svensson, Schmetzer’s utility man and perhaps the Sounders’ most unsung player in their quest to repeat as champions. Even though the Sounders will be without Alonso on the field, he will still be as ever-present in ensuring the cup stays in Seattle.
“I’ll be there with the team,” said Alonso, “supporting them from the outside, and I know they are going to give it their all in order to try and win.”
Added Schmetzer: “All of the senior players do their part regardless if they’re on the field or off the field. He certainly will be a big influence in the locker room. I will hope that as captain he can lift another cup.”
