Despite the loss of goalkeeper Tim Howard to a season-ending injury, the Rapids defense presents a daunting challenge for the Seattle Sounders when the Western Conference finals open Tuesday.
“We know that Colorado is the best team in the league defensively,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer told reporters on a conference call Wednesday. “We certainly expect that and will just go out there and try and play Seattle Sounders soccer, and if we create enough opportunities we have the quality to finish one of those opportunities.”
From the run of play, Schmetzer said the Sounders will try to strike the right balance between playing direct through striker Jordan Morris and building through extended spells of possession in the Rapids’ defensive half.