Jordan Morris is only 27-years-old but just had one of the biggest weeks of his life. Morris recently got married — last weekend — and this week prepared for his MLS season debut. The U.S. men’s national team striker did what he thought was unthinkable earlier this year; Morris tore his ACL for the second time in his career.
However, just like he did the first time, Morris came back. Last night, in the 60th minute against the LA Galaxy, Morris made his return to the pitch, fearlessly flying across the field and creating plays. Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer made good on his promise that Morris would play against the Galaxy, a statement he made last week.
After the match, Morris remarked that he missed playing with his teammates — and in front of fans.
“It feels great. It’s been a long process, a long year,” Morris said, sitting alongside Kelyn Rowe for the post-game press conference. “To be back here in this environment — and it’s been almost two years since I’ve played in front of fans — it was a great moment. That wasn’t the result we wanted, but we got a point forward… I felt like my speed was there. The touches and fitness will come as I play in more games. But it just felt good to get back out there.”
GOAL, #Sounders! Raul Ruidiaz with the panenka penalty to tie it up!#SEAvLA | 1-1 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/Z4fz5kIYUI
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) November 2, 2021
In game play, the Sounders fell behind early after a 19th minute, back-heel flick from Chicharito. Seattle went into the locker room down a goal and looking at zero points for the match. Seattle was given a gift earlier in the weekend when Minnesota United defeated Sporting Kansas City. Even one point would put Seattle in first.
They got it in the form of a penalty kick. After a foul on Cristian Roldan, committed by Oniel Fisher, Raul Ruidiaz lined up the penalty kick. He hit a panenka — that is, shooting the ball up and over the goalkeeper — and equalized. Seattle and LA had more chances, but settled with the 1-1 draw.
Three Takeaways from Seattle vs. LA
- Jordan Morris’ return is a positive for MLS: Who doesn’t love a comeback story? It’s even more impressive when you hear that Morris tore his ACL back in 2018, too. Injury hasn’t stopped him from making a return to the pitch. In fact, in 2019, he was voted the MLS Comeback Player of the Year. While he might not get that nod this year, Morris could always be poised for it with a strong 2022. His return is a positive for MLS — and a nightmare for defenses.
- The narrow lead in the West: Seattle has made the playoffs every single year in the club’s existence. They haven’t had to worry about an MLS Decision Day. However, Seattle prides themselves on being the best, as does Sporting Kansas City. Seattle is one point ahead as we enter the last matches of the MLS season. Seattle has Vancouver and Sporting has two games left against Austin FC (tomorrow) and Real Salt Lake (Sunday). Decision Day could be a big one for these two teams. And, of course, Seattle will be rooting for Austin FC on Wednesday.
- Giving up goals early: This has been a huge problem for Seattle. A team that’s usually so dominant at home, Seattle has been dropping the ball at Lumen Field, settling for more draws and losses than they’d like to account for. However, Seattle’s fans show up in big matches and they will in the playoffs. The players need to feed off that.
Rough goal for Seattle to give up defensively but you absolutely have to applaud the awareness of Chicharito in front of goal. This finish was nice.#SEAvLA | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/ndHNVkyKJQ
— Rachael Kriger (@RachaelKriger) November 2, 2021
Photo: Jane Gershovich/Seattle Sounders FC.
