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Seattle Sounders: Hello Old Friend, We Meet Again

By Paul Taylor

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) and Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) battle for the ball during the MLS Cup at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) and Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) battle for the ball during the MLS Cup at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Seattle Sounders prepare for their rematch with Toronto FC, the task is the same as last year’s MLS Cup – they need to stop Sebastian Giovinco.

Despite their indifferent start to the 2017 campaign, these are heady days for the Seattle Sounders. At least, that should be the perception for a team with the mantle of reigning MLS Cup champions.

Even the inconsistent form can be countered by the fact the Sounders were on the same number of points after eight games last year. People should know better than to count them out anymore, with last weekend’s stunning three-goal rally offering further proof of their indomitable mental fortitude.

Regardless, the Sounders face arguably their biggest challenge so far this season. And it comes in the form of a rematch against their opponents from last year’s MLS Cup final.

At least this time the Sounders get to host Toronto FC, as opposed to making another trip to contend with BMO Field’s intimidating atmosphere. Still, a lot of people — especially TFC fans — remember how much the Reds dominated the Rave Green last December.

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If Sounders’ fans are honest with themselves, their team was second-best on that night. Certainly, this was reflected in the attempts at goal, which were 19-3 in favor of Toronto FC.

And yet, this was partly by design, as Brian Schmetzer set up the soccer equivalent of the New York Giants’ gameplan for Super Bowl XXV against the Buffalo Bills. Further, with the obvious exception of Stefan Frei’s jaw-dropping save of a Jozy Altidore header, TFC didn’t really have any genuine chances.

In any event, even though this rematch is in Seattle, you get the feeling the Sounders will need a similar gameplan to stifle Toronto FC. The visitors are starting to round into form with three consecutive wins, including their midweek win over a Orlando City SC side which entered the game with the best record in MLS this season.

This recent run includes the return of a certain Sebastian Giovinco, who has scored four goals in that time. This is an ominous sign for the Sounders and the rest of the league.

Of course, it has to be noted Schmetzer’s team did any excellent job of containing Giovinco last December. Regardless, there’s little denying he is still the best player currently in MLS. (Feel free to argue this if you want, but the Italian has an amazing 50 goals and 36 assists in all competitions, in just over two seasons in North America.)

Historically speaking, the Sounders have an excellent record versus TFC in MLS play, with eight wins and two ties in 12 games. This includes a record of 4-1-1 at CenturyLink Field.

Saturday’s game promises to be a fascinating clash. And it would come as little surprise if this represents a warm-up act for another encounter at the end of the 2017 season…

Next: Is Roman Torres Set to Leave Seattle?

What are you predicting for the rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final? What do you expect the outcome to be, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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