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Seattle Sounders: Herculez Gomez Won’t Solve Current Issues

By Paul Taylor

Sep 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Herculez Gomez (16) warm ups before a game against the New England Revolution at BMO Field. The New England Revolution won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Herculez Gomez (16) warm ups before a game against the New England Revolution at BMO Field. The New England Revolution won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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While signing Herculez Gomez provides some veteran depth in attack, it’s going to take a lot more to get the Seattle Sounders back on track.

After a franchise-record three straight losses to start the season, the Seattle Sounders made a move to bolster the roster. As reported by The Seattle Times, the team has signed Herculez Gomez.

The move reunites Gomez with Sigi Schmid, with the two previously working together at the L.A. Galaxy, between 2002-04. This will also be the forward’s second spell in Seattle, ironically after Schmid loaned him to the Sounders in 2003, before they joined MLS.

The US international has been brought in to provide cover in attack. However, as general manager Garth Lagerwey told Matt Pentz and the rest of the media: “It’s definitely not an Obafemi Martins replacement.”

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It’s fair to say the Sounders still haven’t recovered from Martins’ departure on the eve of the new season. They have scored just two goals, and are the only MLS team without a point after three games.

However, despite the slow start, it’s still too early to panic with Seattle being on the receiving end of some bad luck. This misfortune was highlighted in the last game against the Vancouver Whitecaps, when two dubious penalty awards decided the outcome.

Gomez isn’t expected to have a major impact on turning results around. However, the Sounders are still getting a highly motivated player.

Speaking to Pentz and the media, Gomez said: “I have a pretty big chip on my shoulder with how things ended in Toronto. It’s not sour grapes, but there’s a way of going about things and a way of treating people.

Seattle Sounders
Oct 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Herculez Gomez (16) goes after a ball against New York Red Bulls at BMO Field. Toronto defeated New York 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

“It wasn’t the way I would have done things. So I’m eager to get to work to prove a lot of people wrong.”

In fairness, everything about signing the 33-year old is low-risk, especially with Toronto FC covering a significant chunk of the salary. As Lagerwey said: “It’s quality veteran depth at the right price.”

Ultimately, this move won’t be what gets the Sounders back on track, but Gomez will still do his bit, thankful for the opportunity: “It’s about wanting to be a part of something, wanting to be somewhere where you’re comfortable and happy.

“I feel like I did when I was 20 years old and I had to prove somebody wrong, hungry for an opportunity. As long as I feel that way, as long as I feel I can step on the field and it’s still fun, I’ll keep doing it, where that’s three months, six months, three years, six years more.”

Next: Sounders condemned to defeat after controversial decisions

What impact, if any, do you expect the signing of Herculez Gomez to have on the team? More generally, what do you think it will take to turn results around for the Sounders? Let us know in the comments section below.

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