Season 4 off to a strong start
Mar 27, 2012, 4:50 PM | Updated: 4:50 pm
By Sigi Schmid
It is hard to believe that the fourth season of Sounders soccer has begun in Seattle. It seems like just yesterday that we were in our inaugural season. However, the great news is we are still selling out, and you the fans are as fantastic as ever. I promise you, I and the team will never take you for granted. Your support is out of this world and tops in MLS.
We opened up the season with two straight wins at home. Our first win over Toronto was very important as we needed to show our character and come back from the disappointment of the Champions League game in Mexico. The team showed great fortitude and showed that we have good character. Obviously, the story of the night was David Estrada. His humility is genuine and, as I stated, no one works harder. Working hard and also working smart makes for good players. Some think David was a bit lucky but he was prepared for his opportunity and that is the definition of luck.
Game two posed a different problem for us. We had to replace some injured players in Mauro Rosales and Adam Johansson and face un defeated Houston team. Zach Scott and Roger Levesque stepped up and we played effectively to defeat Houston. Again, Estrada scored and we got a penalty from Brad Evans. Two goals from set pieces — those types of goals help you win close games. Winning games in different manners is important to a successful season.
Now we look forward to finishing our season-opening home stand with a another good result against a much improved San Jose team. They have added some key players and got back the services of Steve Lenhart, who battles up front and gives space to Chris Wondolowski, a very dangerous forward.
But together with you our great fans we will be ready to do battle again and look forward to Saturday night. See you at the game.
Take care
Sigi