TUKWILA, Wash. — When Seattle Sounders interim head coach Brian Schmetzer took over in July, his first gift as manager came in the form of newly-signed Designated Player Nicolas Lodeiro. And for the first time in 10 matches since Lodeiro arrived, Schmetzer must adjust to his absence.
The Uruguayan international picked up his fifth yellow card in 10 games in Wednesday’s win over the Chicago Fire, which means he will be suspended for Sunday’s tilt in Vancouver (5 p.m. PT; FS1; KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360am). Lodeiro's impact since arriving has been measurable; the midfielder has scored three goals, recorded eight assists and played all 900 minutes of game action while collecting August’s MLS Player of the Month award.