After week off, Sounders preparing for Chicago
Apr 24, 2012, 5:55 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm
By Sigi Schmid
Well, I missed last week after our win over the Colorado Rapids. After the game we had training the next day and then I went with the reserve team to Los Angeles for our game with the Galaxy. Then I gave the team and staff the following two days off. Recovery is important for players and staff. It was good to spend some time in L.A., but I was happy to return and get back to work last Thursday.
We spent our off weekend playing a one-hour scrimmage against the UW Huskies and then the reserves played Chivas USA in Los Angeles again this past Monday. We beat UW 1-0 on a Montero goal. But we trained hard the day before and did not taper down for the game. So I was pleased with our effort and the play that we created against the Huskies. It was nice to get Rosales and Johansson back on the field.
The reserves won 4-3 at Chivas but we hit the post three times. It was nice to see the attack get untracked. Ochoa had two goals and Cordell Cato got his first and Andy Rose hit a great 20-yard screecher — is that a word or did I make that up? — to win the game.
Now we get ready for Chicago. The Fire are much improved over last year and have great speed up front in Oduro and Nyarko. So we have to be alert and on our toes to keep them at bay. The game Saturday starts a stretch of five games in 14 days. We need to use our depth over this haul and make sure we play effective and smart soccer. Getting points is important since we are making up some games we have in hand.
Our next home game is Los Angeles on May 2. We will see you there.
Take care,
Sigi