Four questions with Dave Clark of Sounder at Heart

Dave Clark: Preseason expectations both locally and nationally were that the Sounders would be a top 2 team in the West and challenge for the Shield, because the West was supposed to be weak. That’s still possible, of course, as we’re only two matches in.

It’s just not likely. The lack of scoring and in particular the inability to create big chances in good spaces is troublesome. The poorer teams just set in a double-deep block, preventing most attacking quality from the Sounders. And now their three best dribblers are injured, creating even bigger holes in the attack.

DC: Most of those shots were speculative and at range. In addition, Austin blocked 9 shots. Eight teams in MLS take nine or fewer shots per game so far this season. Seattle is averaging 19.5. All the deep numbers say that the Sounders should have a good attack, though probably not great. To be good there needs to be bite from the men that get the final touch and the creators have to get the three capable forwards more than a couple dozen touches a game. No team is going to be great at scoring when their leading shooter is a DM.

DC: The defense that has defined the Sounders from ’09 to the present remains strong. This is despite the fact that they are starting a backup keeper, last year’s Defender of the Year finalist (Yeimar) hasn’t played, nor has one-MVP candidate defensive mid João Paulo. Having a strong defense that dominates in such a fashion is a credit to the coaches.

In the attack, they’re more balanced, but there are issues on the left. They aren’t creating the overloads necessary there to get someone free on goal and they aren’t releasing Léo Chú and Jordan Morris into space. The right is supposed to be the side better at possession, but the Roldans aren’t creating danger.

DC: The out list is long. Too damn long.
Stef Frei, João Paulo, Albert Rusnák, Pedro de la Vega, Nathan, Reed Baker-Whiting and Braudilio Rodrigues are all out.
Yeimar should play.

I think this could go 1-1. Philly’s defense is weak enough so far that Seattle could get a goal.