Striker Nate Jaqua has been on a hot streak, scoring either a goal or an assist in the last four games, most recently scoring the equalizer against the Crew last Saturday (which is up for goal of the week.)
And things could still improve for Jaqua, who historically has played his best games in June.
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Jaqua, the team’s point leader (10), has netted 11 goals in 23 MLS games in June, including four goals against Chivas USA, Seattle’s opponent this Saturday.
And Seattle will need all the goal scoring they can muster.
Jaqua celebrates his third goal of the season
last Saturday. Aaron Weinberg / NSS
With the tie, Seattle faded one point behind the red-hot Houston Dynamo into third place. The game against conference rival Chivas USA is a good chance to regain some ground against their conference leading 24 points.
Head coach Sigi Schmid thinks that increased playing time between scoring threats Fredy Montero, Freddie Ljungberg, Brad Evans, Steve Zakuani and Jaqua can only improve Seattle’s chemistry and opportunities.
“That understanding and that cohesion and the ability to play off each other is going to improve,” Schmid said. “I thought the goal was a good goal. [Ljungberg] did well because he knew he had to play the ball off into the space for [Jaqua], who had a great volley.”
Jaqua and the rest of the club will travel down to L.A. this week to play Chivas USA at 7:30 on Saturday.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
