Seattle Sounders: Will Osvaldo Alonso be Fit for MLS Cup Final?
By Paul Taylor
Seattle Sounders fans anxiously wait to find out if Osvaldo Alonso will recover from his knee sprain and take his place in the starting lineup for Saturday’s final.
While some might point elsewhere, it’s arguable that Osvaldo Alonso is the most important player on the Seattle Sounders‘ roster. Further, Saturday will see the conclusion to what has been his most impressive season yet, during his time in the Pacific Northwest.
If the Sounders are to control the impact of Sebastian Giovinco and company, it starts in the middle of the pitch with Alonso. With this in mind, Sounders fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst, if the latest news is anything to go by.
As reported by Matt Pentz of The Seattle Times, the Sounders’ tenacious midfielder has been officially listed as questionable for the MLS Cup final. He has been recovering from a knee sprain that he sustained during the second leg against the Colorado Rapids, which forced him to leave the action.
More from Emerald City Swagger
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Washington State Football: What you need to know for 2018 Alamo Bowl
- Washington Basketball: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over Sacramento St.
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
Earlier this week, Alonso was wearing regular trainers and not participating in full practice. In truth though, this is more about taking a cautious approach with him, especially ahead of the biggest game in franchise history.
As head coach Brian Schmetzer told the media shortly after the team had qualified for the MLS Cup: “I expect him to play.
“He has waited for this for a long time. I don’t think much could keep him from playing in that game.”
All things considered, it’s probably an all-or-nothing situation, in that he will either start or not play at all. Behind the scenes, the sense is that it will be the former scenario.
Again, going on the assumption the 31-year old will play, he is well aware of the challenge which awaits him and his teammates, as he told the media on Wednesday: “TFC are a good team, it’s why they’re in the final.
“It’s going to be tough. You have to go there and give it everything you’ve got, to win the game.”
And giving it everything you’ve got, starts with Alonso himself. Obviously the fans will be hoping this translates to starting on Saturday, against Toronto FC.
Next: MLS Cup berth fitting ending to surreal season
How concerned are you about Alonso’s potential absence? If he doesn’t play, can the Sounders still win without their most important player? Share your thoughts in the comments section.