Goalkeeper Keller and the defense have posted two
shutouts. Aaron Weinberg / NSS
Although goalkeeper Kasey Keller and the Sounders defense have not allowed a goal against them in two games, the team and fans alike need to be wary of chasing statistics.
The only number that matters in this league is 'wins.' When the Sounders visit Toronto (1-0-1), their two-match shutout streak could come to an end.
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Last season, Toronto FC averaged one goal per game at home and only had two 0-0 ties. Although Toronto only scored multiple goals in four of those games, the start they are having this season proves the team can finish in front of goal, scoring four in two games.
The Sounders defense will be put to the test against a Toronto team looking to impress the fans in their home opener. Although Seattle's back four have played well in the first two games, the attacking ability of Toronto's midfield may expose the defense.
Last Saturday, Real Salt Lake were able to possess the ball for long periods during the middle 40 minutes of the game. Sounders FC centerbacks Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Tyrone Marshall have played well, but both Yura Movsisyan and Javier Morales of Real stretched the two centerbacks out of position during those periods.
Hurtado and Marshall may have difficulty defending players coming through the middle of the field. Both centerbacks are strong in the air, so crosses and set-pieces won't be an issue, but Hurtado clearly had trouble keeping up with Movsisyan's pace when he drifted out wide, and when Morales found space, his touches were hard for the two defenders to predict.
Once central defenders are forced to defend in wide areas, holes open in the defense and create lanes for opposing midfielders and forwards to run through.
This game could likely end 1-1, which would not be a bad result for Sounders FC away from home.
Toronto have a formidable attack that includes Chad Barrett, a star-studded midfield including Dwayne DeRosario and Amado Guevara and a defense that allowed less than one goal per game last season.
Toronto started last season off with a 1-0 win in front of over 20,000 fans and with DeRosario's imminent debut in front of the Toronto faithful, the Sounders could face some adversity when the are introduced on Saturday April 4th.
Reach Jesse Amorratanasuchad at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
