KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Seattle Sounders got on the board with their first point goals of the 2018 season in a wild 2-2 draw against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday. But Sounders manager, Brian Schmetzer felt like they should’ve had more.
“I’m not happy. We should’ve won the game,” Schmetzer said after the match. “But that’s how MLS is. You’ve got to credit Zusi for making a play at the end there. But I thought we put enough into the game that we could’ve come out with the three points.”
The draw stopped the Sounders from dropping to 0-4-0, which would’ve put them in a precarious position. The result might not have been what Schmetzer thought they should’ve had, but he believes it’s a great building block going forward.
“We gave ourselves a chance to win the game there at the end,” Schmetzer said. “I’m happy with the effort. The guys put that in today, and it showed in some of the stats here.”
Despite not getting all three points at Children's Mercy Park, Schmetzer was able to have fun with one of the worst parts of the Sounders start.
“I’m happy all eleven players stayed on the field,” Schmetzer joked, referring to the fact that a Seattle player had been sent off in all three of their MLS games before Sunday.
In more positive news for the Sounders going forward, the return of Osvaldo Alonso was a welcome sight. The longtime Sounders captain got around 25 minutes of time as he was subbed on in the second half. Schmetzer felt his influence helped them in the second half.
“It was helpful,” Schmetzer said. “He’s just a steadying influence. He’s got a bit of bite there in the middle of the park, so that was a positive.”
For Alonso, it was a relief to be back on the field for the first time since a 16-minute cameo in the playoffs last season.
“I’m very, very happy to be on the field, and to be playing again,” Alonso said. “It’s tough when you’re sitting there watching the team for so long. But obviously I’m happy to be here, happy to play.”
