3 Takeaways as Seattle Sounders Clinch Playoff Spot

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Oct 23, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) goes to the turf after taking a hit from Real Salt Lake midfielder Sunday Stephen (8) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Lodeiro proves his toughness

We already knew Nicolas Lodeiro was an extremely skilled player. He undeniably breathed new life into the Sounders’ faltering campaign when he arrived in Seattle, helping drag them back from a 10-point deficit into playoff contention.

However, what we also learned about Lodeiro on Sunday, was what a tough son of a gun he is. RSL intentionally set out to rough him up, sending him clattering to the ground time after time.

The 27-year old isn’t exactly the most physical of players. And yet, each time he was knocked down, he dusted himself off and got back up again, bringing back memories of Rocky’s classic encounter with Drago. (Yes, I’m fully aware it wasn’t a real fight, but it still seems like an apt comparison.)

Lodeiro wasn’t the only one in the wars, as Chad Marshall and Morris also took their fair share of knocks. However, as Brian Schmetzer said in his press conference: “It was a physical game out there, there was a lot of fouls and strong play, but they’re all tough guys.”

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