In October 2014, Cristian Roldan sat in the stands at CenturyLink Field. Then a sophomore at the University of Washington, Roldan watched the Sounders win their first-ever Supporters’ Shield in a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy. The crowd of 55,445 was raucous; the vibe in the stadium was magical.
It was the last time the Sounders won a trophy in their own venue. On Thursday, it can happen again.
“I think it means the world to us – to Seattle, to our fans,” Roldan said on the prospects of winning the Western Conference Championship at home. “We know we’re going to have a great crowd and a crowd that’s rocking, they always help us.”
The Sounders enter Thursday’s second leg of the Western Conference Championship with a 2-0 lead against the Houston Dynamo (7:30 p.m. PT; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). In Leg 1 last Tuesday, the visiting Sounders jumped out to an early advantage with first-half goals from midfielder Gustav Svensson and forward Will Bruin.
While the lead gives the Rave Green a clear edge heading into Thursday’s contest, it is imperative for the Sounders not to waver from the style of play that resulted in the club’s best-ever home record in 2017.
“Especially at home, it’s attacking-minded, possession-oriented soccer,” Roldan told media after training on Monday. “We pride ourselves on playing out of the back, keeping possession and creating unique chances. I think Houston is going to have their moments, for sure, but we want to control the game for the majority of the park.”
It’s a sentiment that has been instilled in the club from Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, who has implored his squad to focus on playing a smart game for the full 90 minutes. Against a dangerous attack like the Dynamo, the comfort of a 2-0 lead can vanish in an instant.
“It’s the mental side of the game that this isn’t finished,” Schmetzer said during media availability on Monday at Starfire Sports Complex. “This game could take a turn for the worst. If they score early, then they think they have a chance.”
The best way for the Sounders to ensure a second consecutive MLS Cup berth is to continue their impressive form at home. In 2017, the Sounders have compiled a 12-1-5 record at CenturyLink Field in MLS play, including a 2-0 win in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Since September 10, the Sounders have gone 4-0-1 at home, outscoring opponents 13-1. If the Sounders maintain this pace, they will raise the Western Conference trophy at CenturyLink Field for the first time in club history.
“It’s a testament to the players on this team – it’s a tremendous group,” Schmetzer said. “We would love to have the opportunity for the game to go in our favor and to celebrate with our fans.”
