TUKWILA, Wash. — The Seattle Sounders may have some reinforcements on the way as they attempt to overcome a one-goal deficit to the Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Injured starters DeAndre Yedlin and Obafemi Martins were both able to train in a limited capacity on Monday, making them at least possible additions to the lineup in the second leg of the Semis against the Portland Timbers on Thursday (11 pm ET, NBCSN, TSN2 in Canada). The Sounders currently trail 2-1 on aggregate.
Both players missed the first leg. Yedlin (above) suffered an ankle in the Knockout Round victory over the Colorado Rapids, coming out at halftime. Immediately after the game, Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid suggested Yedlin was held out more as a precaution.
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"He felt pretty good," Schmid said on Monday of the rookie right back. "We'll see how he feels in the next few days. We feel confident he'll be there."
The outlook on Martins is not quite as clear. The Nigerian international has not played in any of Seattle's past five games and has only made one appearance in their past seven while battling a groin injury.
When healthy, Martins has been among the most prolific scorers in MLS, registering eight goals and four assists in 1,466 minutes. With Lamar Neagle suspended due to yellow-card accumulation, Martins' presence would be especially helpful.
"You think about it a little bit," Schmid said. "Him on the field for us is certainly always a plus, his speed and his quickness and so forth. We just have to see if he's ready."
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Schmid was also unsure as to the availability of defenders Leo González (hamstring) and Zach Scott (ribs).
"Zach has a cracked rib, but he's a pretty tough character," Schmid said. "He feels he'll be able to go."
