The five-midfielder formations the team has dabbled with in recent weeks soon is likely to be trimmed by a man to make way for Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins up top.
No starting spot in the Sounders’ midfield is secure, besides probably the defensive role occupied by longtime anchor Osvaldo Alonso. Though it eventually could be to his detriment, veteran Gonzalo Pineda said he relishes the competition.
“To me that’s good because everyone will be trying to prove himself to (coach) Sigi (Schmid),” Pineda said Thursday. “In that way, everyone will raise their level and the team will be better.