KANSAS CITY, KANSAS (APRIL 15, 2018) — Brian Schmetzer isn’t happy that Seattle Sounders FC has yet to win an MLS match.
The draw was the first non-losing match for Seattle this season. The Sounders have kicked off a dismal 2018 season with losses by Los Angeles FC, FC Dallas, and the Montreal Impact.
Seattle had their hopes of three points dashed quickly after Graham Zusi tied the match at 2-2 in the 78th minute.
Zusi’s goal came only five minutes after Seattle took a 2-1 lead with a goal by Cristian Roldan.
Brian Schmetzer “Not Happy” With Seattle Sounders Draw Against Sporting KC
Schmetzer said that the loss gives his players “some good incentive for the next game.”
“I’m not happy,” Schmetzer said during his post-game press conference. “We should have won the game. But that’s how MLS is. You’ve got to credit Graham Zusi for making a play at the end there. I thought that we put enough into the game that we could have come out with the full three points.”
“We out-dueled them, which was good. They out-possessed us, obviously.”
The Sounders did have one reason to celebrate in Kansas City, though. After months of recovery for a right quad strain, Osvaldo Alonso made his 2018 debut Sunday night.
Alonso’s debut came in the 68th minute when he subbed on for Handwalla Bwana.
“I’m very happy to play football again and I’m very happy to be on the pitch,” Alonso said. “I’m here to do everything I have to for the team and I’m prepared to play as much as the coach asks of me. It’s a good point but we had the result in hand and let it go. We have to forget about it and focus on the next game against Minnesota.”
“We have to learn from our mistake.”
I'm very Happy! I was looking forward to this moment and it finally came, Want to thank my family and friends who supported me during all the time i was out of the field. Can't wait to play again in front our amazing fans. Go @SoundersFC
— Osvaldo Alonso (@OzzieAlonso) April 16, 2018
Two Takeaways
- Alonso was missed: With Clint Dempsey out with a suspension, Alonso’s return to the pitch was exactly what Schmetzer needed. Veteran presence is heavily relied on in MLS. While the Sounders didn’t get the win, Alonso’s presence might be credited for helping Seattle obtain a draw.
- Schmetzer’s not on the hot seat — yet: Seattle will give Schmetzer some more time as head coach due to his history with the team. Schmetzer and the Sounders didn’t win every match last season and they still made it all the way to MLS Cup. Give Schmetzer time — and let his team get healthy.
What’s Next
Seattle: The Sounders will host Minnesota United FC at CenturyLink Field on April 22. The match will kick off at 1 p.m. PT.
Sporting KC: Sporting Kansas City will host the Vancouver Whitecaps at Children’s Mercy Park on April 20. Kick off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
We've got match highlights!
Watch goals from Will Bruin and Cristian Roldan as the Sounders drew Sporting KC 2-2 in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/OY5vetCjxH
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) April 15, 2018
