Sounders embark on 2023 journey with commanding victory against Rapids
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – Looking to wash away any remnants of the 2022 MLS regular season, the Seattle Sounders began their new year with a four-goal dismantling of the Colorado Rapids. The four goals all came from players who were part of offseason storylines, as Jordan Morris scored a brace while Cristian Roldan and Héber found the back of the net in the victory. Roldan and Morris, on extensions signed in the offseason, clicked solidly on the attack and that will be key to Seattle’s success this season. Héber was able to find the scoresheet in his first game in Seattle, filling in for Raul Ruidiaz who is dealing with injury, just like he was acquired to do. The Rave Green faithful went home happy and with hope that this season will be a 180 from the club’s disappointing second half of 2022.
The Sounders starting XI players, with Nico Lodeiro’s son, ahead of kickoff (Photo by Bryan Saldana)
Morris creates his masterpiece
Mercer Island native Jordan Morris signed a large, five-year extension in the offseason that keeps him with the club through the 2027 season. It was a vote of confidence by Sounders general manager Craig Waibel, and one of the first moves that the new executive made in his new position following the departure of Garth Lagerway. Coming off another crushing injury in the 2021 season, Morris struggled down the stretch to end 2022 by only scoring once in the final 12 matches. Considering Morris’ history with knee injuries there may have been some concern at giving him the big deal, but if this first match of the contract is any indication of what Seattle is getting, it’s a golazo of a decision.
“He’s a tremendous player, a nice young man, born and raised here, lots of good storylines there. Happy with that performance... Jordan was out on the right [When Leo Chu came on], that was something that we had kicked around as a staff and that looked pretty good. As far as Jordan’s concerned, he’s got a big smile in there.”
Throughout the course of the match, Morris and teammate Cristian Roldan were in a rhythm and could have had a few more notches on the scoresheet when things were said and done. Roldan crossed a ball into the Colorado box, where it eventually bounced to Nico Lodeiro on the other side of the pitch. Lodeiro volleyed it into the center of the box, where it bounced around like pin ball before Jordan Morris flailed (in the most athletic way possible) towards it for the header goal. Morris’ second of the night and the fourth for the club continued his header magic, as a ball from a corner careened towards him at the back post. Morris was able to finish off a ball that was deflected by teammate Jackson Ragen, directing it to the top corner, put the finishing touch on the win.
“It was a weird one for sure, and it all happened so quick. Nico put in a really good ball and then it was just bouncing around. I did whatever I could to put it in the net, and it feels good. They all count the same.”
Sounders forward Jordan Morris was named man of the match for his brace (Photos by Bryan Saldana)
Defensive effort strong to begin season
Several facets of the Sounders play seemed to deteriorate as the season progressed following the Concacaf Champions League Final, one of those being Seattle’s stout back line play. With the quality veterans that have been critical to their success and been noted for it such as Yeimar being named a defender of the year finalist, as well as the improving play from young Jackson Ragen, Seattle seemed primed to help goalkeeper Stefan Frei. That seemed to go out the window as the year finished, with multiple mental lapses hindering the Sounders from minimizing any damage that their opponents threw at them.
Seattle will benefit tremendously from better play by their centerbacks (Photos by Bryan Saldana)
Seattle’s defensive unit and Frei were able to hold the Rapids to a quieter night on the attack while perhaps mitigating what should have gone in, as Colorado had an expected goals stat of 1.40 by the time the final whistle had blown. Stefan Frei, who only had five clean sheets last season, was able to notch his first of the year in his very first outing of the season thanks to some timely saves and the four defenders in front of him keeping the Rapids out of high danger areas. Continued focus from that group will be a storyline to watch for the Sounders, considering the issues that they had last season. There are a lot of “ifs” for this club, and the strength and consistency of it’s backline are another that play a role in getting back to the playoffs for this group.
Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough tries to stop Heber’s shot, but fails to prevent Seattle’s third goal of the night (Photos by Bryan Saldana)
Heber hits it on the head in Lumen field debut
Brazilian forward Heber was acquired this offseason as a player that the Sounders saw as someone who could fill in for Raul Ruidiaz if necessary, considering his injury history in recent years, and as a jolt of quality off the bench. A notable quote in the offseason that really gave us an idea of Héber’s impact was when head coach Brian Schmetzer said that the coaching staff considered a change in formation to get him on the field more because of how impressed they were. Seattle fans didn’t have to wait long to see what Héber can do for their club.
Excellent passing build up brought the Sounders, with a two-goal lead, back into the Colorado half. Once again it was Nico Lodeiro who fired into the box towards a teammate from the left side of the field, but at first glance it appeared this ball was going to be cleared from danger. Colorado defender Lalas Abubaker fell backwards as he attempted to clear the pass, serving the ball on a platter for Héber. The forward fired away at the sitting duck of a ball, scoring the third Sounders goal of the night and igniting the home crowd. It wasn’t the highest quality display of his talents, but his overall night was a positive sign that he’ll be able to contribute for the club when called upon.
“I’m very happy, I’ve played here before but I was on the other side, now I’m on the right side. Like we say in Brazil, the fans are the 12th player. They brought the energy, and that is very important... To be sincere, for the first time in a long time I feel exactly how I used to feel playing in Brazil. I felt goosebumps, it’s a very unique feeling and I’m very happy.”
Héber celebrates his goal with his teammates (Photos by Bryan Saldana)
It’s game one, but this is an excellent first step
Obviously this is the first time that we have seen this unit for the 2023 MLS regular season, but there are some solid takeaways from the opener. One blowout victory in the first contest of the year could mean something, but if it’s a sign of return to form for a juggernaut in MLS, then it means that this club is officially back. The Emerald City Supporters TIFO displayed prior to kickoff had head coach Brian Schmetzer in front of a turntable with a giant gold chain and the quote “Don’t call it a comeback” from LL Cool J’s hit song “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and that is exactly right. If the Sounders are able to play on a level such as this for a majority of their matches, then what we saw tonight wasn’t a comeback for the club, it’s a statement that missing the playoffs last season was a blip in the status quo. Offensive weaponry to stack the cupboards, a midfield lined with maestros, a backline with accomplished players that can contribute on the attack, and one of the best keepers in league history. Again, I stress that it is week one and this very well could just be a good moment and not at all an indication of how this 2023 campaign may go. But, if we look at what history says? This club is back and ready to regain the respect of those around the league, while also running rampant towards another playoff run.
“You guys saw tonight what the team is capable of, and Raul didn’t even step on the field. I thought it was great, I thought it was awesome, I thought that the guys were sharp, mentally into the game starting at 3:30 when they walked into the locker room. Everyone was really focused, and they answered my question and some of yours: were they gonna allow the Club World Cup to affect them? No, they didn’t.”
Seattle forward Jordan Morris’ second goal of the night (Photo by Bryan Saldana)
Quick notes
With tonight’s victory, Sounders FC is now 9-6-0 all-time in MLS season-openers.
Seattle Head Coach Brian Schmetzer moves to 4-3-0 in MLS season-openers dating back to 2017, his first full season as Sounders FC Head Coach in Major League Soccer.
Sounders FC has won 16 of its 19 home matches against Colorado in MLS play, including the MLS Cup Playoffs. Tonight’s victory marks seven wins in a row for the Rave Green over the Rapids at Lumen Field.
Seattle’s 84 percent winning percentage at home against the Rapids is the highest in MLS history among fixtures that have been played at least 10 times.
With his goal in 25th minute of play, Seattle midfielder Cristian Roldan now has 37 career goals for the Rave Green dating back to his 2015 rookie season (all competitions). In MLS play, the University of Washington product has 33 goals in MLS regular-season play.
Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris bagged his 53rd career goal for Seattle just before the halftime whistle, then added a second strike in the 83rd minute of play for his 54th. The Mercer Island native ranks fifth all-time in scoring for his hometown club, two behind club captain Nico Lodeiro for fourth place.
New offseason signing Héber netted Seattle’s third goal in the 53rd minute of play, his first strike for the Rave Green in his MLS debut for Seattle. The Brazilian now has 27 goals in league play for Seattle and New York City FC (regular-season and MLS Cup Playoffs).
Seattle midfielder João Paulo started his first match for Sounders FC since May of last season. The Brazilian suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee on May 4, 2022 in Seattle’s continental championship-clinching win over Liga MX’s Pumas.
With his start tonight, João Paul now has 75 appearances for Seattle across all competitions since joining the club prior to the 2020 season.
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei made two saves on Sunday evening, recording his first shutout of the season. With 92 career clean sheets, Frei ranks third all-time behind Nick Rimando (154) and Kevin Hartman (112).
What’s next?
Seattle will aim to build off their early success, and do so at home, when they battle Real Salt Lake on March 4th. The Sounders will work to carry their momentum into a matchup with a conference rival, trying to stack points in the early stages of the season. With Raul Ruidiaz present for a workout prior to the start of the win against the Rapids, we may see the Peruvian goal machine ready to go for Seattle’s second match of the season. Kickoff for the Western Conference battle is at 7:30PM PST inside of Lumen Field, and this match will be exclusively on the Apple TV MLS season pass.