SEATTLE – The 2015 season could not have started much more smoothly for the Seattle Sounders.
Seattle blasted the New England Revolution 3-0 for a resounding victory Sunday night at CenturyLink Field that featured much of the beautiful combination play and offensive fluidity that dazzled Sounders fans last season.
But for head coach Sigi Schmid, it wasn’t just the offensive fireworks – courtesy of star forwards Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey – that left him feeling cool and confident as the Sounders get their season underway. The clean sheet put together by goalkeeper Stefan Frei and Seattle’s new-look backline was just as encouraging to Schmid for a team that is not necessarily known for its defensive consistency.
“We’re pleased that we shut them out,” Schmid told reporters after the game. “That’s one of the things we [emphasized] in preseason. We want to do a better job defensively. … I told [the team], ‘You know when the bell rings,’ and they were ready tonight when the bell rang. They were ready to play.”
Right back Tyrone Mears – who was making his team debut in place of the departed DeAndre Yedlin – looked solid throughout the night, both as a defender and as a facilitator. Mears showcased a versatile skillset, pushing the ball forward and pressuring the New England defense on several occasions to spearhead Seattle’s attack. He even assisted on Martins’ high-flying, 41st-minute header that gave the Sounders a commanding 2-0 cushion.
“[Mears] picked some good moments to go forward, and when he goes forward he’s generally effective. And tonight was an example of that,” Schmid said. “I think that’s what you’re going to see. I thought defensively he was pretty solid back there, and I thought he also helped us with our attack in some vital moments.”
Brad Evans also seemed to adjust well to his new role at center back, making crisp reads and cutting out several attempts by New England attackers, helping to limit the Revs to just one shot on goal.
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Of course, playing beside reigning Defender of the Year Chad Marshall is sure to make life easier for Evans as he continues to develop and learn the ropes of the position.
“[Marshall] knows exactly what he’s doing,” Evans said. “I don’t have to worry about the guy next to me, you know what I mean? So that part of it, worrying about, ‘Is he making the right decision or is he not?’ It’s completely out of my mind. The only thing I need to worry about is what I’m doing and listening to him. It makes the transition that much easier.”
All things considered, the showing was about as ideal a start to the season as Schmid and company could have hoped for – one that the defending Supporters’ Shield champs will look to build on in next weekend’s home matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes.
