Winning their first MLS Cup title last December gained the Sounders entry into next year’s CONCACAF Champions League round, where beating a Mexican club team will be key to advancing.
So, the 1-1 draw played Saturday night in a “friendly” against Liga MX side Club Necaxa was viewed as more than a chance to give extra playing time to non-starters while several Sounders mainstays undertake World Club qualifiers with various national teams.
Prior to allowing a 90th-minute equalizer by Alejandro Diaz off a turnover, the Sounders had done a thorough job adjusting to the Mexican team’s style of play.