SEATTLE — Striker Nate Jaqua is expected to be available for selection against his old team as the Seattle Sounders search for their first points—and first goals—in 2011 against the Houston Dynamo on Friday night (10 pm ET, Fox Soccer).
Jaqua, who spent time with Houston in 2007 and 2008, could provide a boost to a Sounders FC offense that has failed to find the net in its two games.
On Friday at Qwest Field, the onus is on the home team to score after dropping consecutive 1-0 decisions to the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls to open the season.
“Both games we were still in the game,” said O'Brian White, who has started both matches at striker. “We created chances. It wasn’t like we were outplayed.”
Seattle have come close to scoring in the first two matches, led by striker Fredy Montero’s six shots on goal. During training this week, Schmid cautioned against reaching for the panic button. But another scoreless loss could have Seattle fans doing just that, as Seattle have not won a competitive match since beating Chivas USA 2-1 on Oct. 15.
The Sounders were handed the most difficult schedule out of the gate, playing twice in four days to open the season, including a cross-country flight to New Jersey to play the Red Bulls. Now, Seattle plays their third match in 11 days, before most of the league has played two games.
“It was a tough beginning, especially with the games that we played and to have to play and travel takes a little bit out of you,” Schmid said. “From a standpoint of fitness we think we are OK. We just need to see the ball go in the back of the net.”
[inline_node:327158]On the injury front, Steve Zakuani was able to train this week and also looks likely to return from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the New York game. Pat Noonan, Brad Evans and Michael Seamon are currently on the shelf with injuries.
Throughout the week, Schmid stayed cautious on the statuses of the injured players.
“Whenever guys are coming off an injury you never know when the relapse hits,” Schmid said Thursday. “I’ve got my fingers crossed and we are hopeful.”
New signing Mauro Rosales, who saw his first action with his new club Saturday, could also play a role.
Defensively, Seattle will have to be sharp on set pieces to avoid being hurt by Brad Davis and his left foot. The Sounders will put a premium on avoiding fouls in their defensive third, especially left back Leo Gonzalez, who has given up free kicks in dangerous areas in each of the first two games.
Brian Ching, an excellent header of the ball, is expected back for the Dynamo, who dropped a 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union in their first match.
“They really try to make use of their set pieces and their corners and with their size, and with [Davis'] accuracy of service they are very dangerous at that,” Schmid said.
