The 2022 season is underway!
On Wednesday night, the Seattle Sounders played to a scoreless draw against the Portland Timbers at Kino North Stadium on a clear and chilly night in Tucson.
The match featured the first time we’ve seen a handful of Sounders in action, including Designated Player signing Albert Rusnák and Homegrown Player Dylan Teves. The chances were there, the defense was strong, and there is plenty to be excited about after the season debut. Let’s get into it!
TWO LINEUPS
The first 60 minutes featured a starter-heavy lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The only non-First Team players were the outside backs, with Tacoma Defiance’s Joe Hafferty and Randy Mendoza playing alongside Yeimar and AB Cissoko in the back.
The next 30 minutes shifted to a 5-4-1 formation that was anchored by First Teamers Will Bruin, Sam Adeniran, and Stefan Cleveland. That group mostly featured recent SuperDraft selections, and Sounders Academy/Tacoma Defiance players.
LÉO CHÚ IMPRESSES
There wasn’t a goal on the scoresheet to show for it, but Léo Chú looked dangerous in his hour on the pitch. Owning the left flank, Chú had a knack for getting in good positions and finding Raúl Ruidíaz, who had multiple shot attempts in the first half. There were at least two instances where he burst past a one-on-one defender and sent a dangerous cross near goal. On another occasion, Chú, Ruidíaz, and Rusnák combined for a string of passes that leaves us all excited about their potential on the pitch together. The running nickname for this phenomenon is the “ChuRuRu” — spread the word.
POSITIONAL FLEXIBILITY
In a move showcasing their ability to play all over the pitch, Kelyn Rowe and Albert Rusnák linked up in the central midfield behind a line of three attacking midfielders. We know Rowe’s versatility based on his efforts from last year, and that Rusnák tended to play in an attacking position with Real Salt Lake. Playing a bit further back in this match didn’t lessen their effectiveness as both were very involved, particularly Rusnák, in leading counterattacks.
CLEAN SHEET
Just like we saw often in 2021, having Stefan Frei or Stefan Cleveland (or in tonight's case — both) is a very good thing. Portland didn’t have too many chances in a match that favored possession towards Seattle, but when they did, the last line of defense was there to halt any chances. In a season that features competitive matches in less than one month with Concacaf Champions League, a healthy and confident goalkeeping crew is a great way to start the campaign.
YOUNG MINUTES
Regardless of the preseason nature of the match, it was still a professional setting with fans in the stands and two rivals on the pitch. It was great exposure for young First Team players like Sam Adeniran, who had several shot attempts in his 30 minutes on the field. Sota Kitahara, who is under contract with Tacoma Defiance, was a noticeable offensive presence in the midfield, while Tacoma Defiance’s Jackson Ragen anchored a backline alongside 2022 SuperDraft selection Achille Robin.
FULL LINEUPS
FIRST GROUP (60 MINUTES) – FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
GK: Stefan Frei
RB: Joe Hafferty+
CB: Yeimar Gómez Andrade
CB: AB Cissoko
LB: Randy Mendoza+
CM: Albert Rusnák
CM: Kelyn Rowe
RM: Dylan Teves
AM: Reed Baker-Whiting
LM: Léo Chú
FW: Raúl Ruidíaz
SECOND GROUP (30 MINUTES) – FORMATION: 5-4-1
GK: Stefan Cleveland
RB: Cody Baker+
CB: *Achille Robin
CB: Jackson Ragen+
CB: Eric Kinzner+
LB: Sota Kitahara+
MF: *Hal Uderitz
MF: Jack-Ryan Jeremiah^
MF: Juan Alvarez+
MF: Sam Adeniran
FW: Will Bruin
+ 2021 Tacoma Defiance player
* Unsigned SuperDraft selection or preseason guest player
^ Sounders FC Academy Player
