TUKWILA, Wash. — For the Seattle Sounders, a new year signifies a fresh start and another chance to banish the ill feelings caused from a second consecutive first-round playoff exit, one suffered at the hands of the LA Galaxy.
Although there have been some personnel changes in the offseason for the Sounders, it was primarily the same group of familiar faces who took the field for the first official day of training camp on Tuesday.
Newly minted Designated Player Fredy Montero displayed his deft touch in a series of short-sided matches, Kasey Keller was his usual imposing presence in goal, Osvaldo Alonso and Steve Zakuani buzzed about in midfield, and Brad Evans and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado rejoined the team after recuperating from long-term injuries suffered a year ago.
With so much familiarity in training camp, head coach Sigi Schmid will be pushing his players toward greatness in year three of the franchise’s existence.
“It’s what I told the guys before we came out here to practice,” said Schmid. “I said, ‘This is year three. We have a core of players.’ We went around and said, ‘How many guys have been here now for three years?’ and there were a number of hands that got up.
“I said, ‘This is the year now that you have got to step forward.’”
The players recognize the burden. For all of Seattle’s success in other areas, a second year of postseason disappointment still stings.
[inline_node:327158]“It’s good to be back,” said Zakuani. “Like I was just telling someone, those of us who walked off the pitch at Home Depot have been looking forward to this day for awhile.”
The first two years of the franchise’s existence have been fruitful: two MLS attendance records, a pair of US Open Cups and two berths in the CONCACAF Champions League. However, Zakuani refused to take shelter in those accomplishments.
“We definitely fell short last year,” Zakuani said. “We’re not hiding from that.”
This year’s journey to the MLS Cup Playoffs started Tuesday with an overflowing field of hopefuls. Zakuani estimated that around 40 players suited up, meaning Seattle will be making some tough decisions before the roster compliance date.
Schmid was happy with the quality of the players brought in and is encouraged by the intensity of the first session. However, making the roster this year will be more difficult than years past, since the composition of the roster is mostly defined.
“Now you’re looking for somebody with something a little special, somebody that can add something that you are missing,” Schmid said. “I think a couple of guys have shown that. “We have got to add some guys anyways because the roster expands, so I feel pretty good about the quality of the players we are looking at to fill those spots.”
Seattle will train in Tukwila this week before departing for Casa Grande, Ariz., for the next phase of training camp.
