MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — The Seattle Sounders will get their first look at 2017 MLS expansion team Atlanta United FC on Wednesday in the second match of the Carolina Challenge Cup.
Asked how he would approach playing a team he has never played before, Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer was succinct: “We worry about our team.”
Schmetzer and the coaching staff watched Atlanta play against Columbus Crew SC prior to the Sounders’ 1-1 draw with the Charleston Battery on Saturday, and he was impressed with what he saw.
“They’ve got some good players,” Schmetzer said, “but we’re completely focused on our team, making sure our team is right.”
The Sounders had the day off on Sunday, but were back to work on Monday morning. In addition to getting the team reenergized, the coaching staff was focused on tactical awareness and finding opportunities where Seattle can break opposing teams down.
Atlanta has a ton of speed and technical ability, highlighted by 23-year-old Paraguayan Designated Player Miguel Almiron, who operates as a No. 10. The club also features former United States international Michael Parkhurst, Atlanta’s first captain, current U.S. defender Greg Garza and former Sounders defender Tyrone Mears, who signed with Atlanta in the offseason.
“Almiron is really good, really fast,” Schmetzer said. “[Forward] Kenwyne Jones is really big. We like Garza. They’ve got a pretty good squad.”
Midfielder Harry Shipp, whose ankle kept him from playing against Charleston but is expected to play against Atlanta, went to the stadium early and watched United’s match against Columbus on Saturday. He’s excited about the challenge Atlanta presents as the Sounders get ready to start the MLS regular season.
“They’re a quality side with a lot of technically gifted players and fast-paced up and down, so it’ll be a good fitness test for us too,” Shipp said. “I’ve played against some of their guys. I love Parkhurst in the back, he’s such a smart player, he reads the game so well. Almiron, first time seeing him, especially in the first half he was electric with the ball at his feet.”
Seattle’s match against Atlanta will kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday and can be livestreamed at SoundersFC.com.
