The Seattle Sounders faced off against NCAA DI Soccer program Loyola Marymount University in a 105-minute scrimmage as they continue to build fitness ahead of the 2020 season.
Implementing the principles of play they’ve been developing in training the past two weeks, Seattle dominated possession all afternoon. That control of the match paid off in the 14th minute as Tacoma Defiance winger Shandon Hopeau slipped a pass for Raúl RuidÃaz, who calmly slid his shot inside the near post.
The hosts pulled one back in the 23rd minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick, and subsequently took the lead off an absolute golazo into the top corner from distance.
Still firmly in control of the tempo of the match, Seattle eventually found the equalizer in the 55th minute, when Jordy Delem nodded Danny Leyva’s cross into the top corner.
At the 60-minute mark, Seattle swapped out its entire lineup, giving the young guys in camp an opportunity to showcase their abilities. The kids took their chance as they maintained control of proceedings, with Handwalla Bwana eventually grabbing the winner in the 98th minute off an excellent pass from Josh Atencio.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
PREPARING FOR THE SEASON
After playing only 30 minutes in the scrimmage against Peñarol, the starting group ramped up their fitness against LMU, playing 60 minutes on a hot day in California. They got plenty of running in, as they implemented their pressing scheme and consistently built from the back. With Concacaf Champions League around the corner, it was beneficial for the group to get more competitive minutes under their belts.
LEYVA AND DELEM STAND OUT
It was perhaps fitting that Leyva and Delem linked up for the equalizer, as the pair dominated central midfield for their duration on the pitch. Delem consistently swept up any dangerous moments from the hosts, while Leyva pulled apart the Lions’ bunker with his passing and movement all over the midfield. Caveats about the opposition aside, it was an encouraging display from Seattle’s deep-lying midfielders.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Perhaps the most encouraging development of this camp in California has been the emergence of the club’s young players. Challenged by the coaching staff to make the most of this opportunity, the kids stepped up in both scrimmages against Peñarol and LMU. Hopeau was once again lively out on the wing, beating players 1-v-1 and serving in dangerous crosses. The trio of Atencio, Danny Robles and Marlon Vargas demonstrated their superb technical ability and creativity all afternoon.
The team returns to Seattle this afternoon and will enjoy a couple of days off before they resume training at Starfire Sports on February 1.
