TUKWILA, Wash. — Zach Scott may not be the most heralded player on the Sounders roster, but against the Houston Dynamo last week, he once again proved that he is one of the most reliable.
Stepping in for James Riley (concussion), Scott played right back and helped hold Houston’s Brad Davis without a shot during Seattle’s 1-1 draw. It was the 11th start in all competitions over the past two years for the reserve defender, who has proven himself an adequate backup all along the back line.
“I thought Zach played well,” Sigi Schmid said after the Houston game. “It’s a big tribute to him that Brad Davis was not involved in the game extensively.”
Scott played the full game at right back, helping Seattle hold Houston to six shots over 90 minutes. The Gonzaga graduate played strong in the air and did not commit a foul as the Sounders mostly kept the Dynamo at bay.
[inline_node:332481]“Even though it was my first game [of 2011], I always try to prepare like I’m going to play,” Scott told SB Nation. “You never know what’s going to happen between yesterday, when we find out the lineup, and today.
“That was exactly the case this time, with finding out James had the concussion. It’s nothing new. I’ve played enough games in my career and last year to know what to expect. “
Scott may be in line for another start against San Jose on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, Direct Kick and Matchday Live).
Riley, who suffered the injury defending crosses during practice last Friday, is going through the team’s standard concussion protocol this week. As of Tuesday, he was still not cleared to practice fully and his status this weekend remains in doubt. He is listed on the team’s injury report as questionable with a mild concussion.
Should Riley be unable to go, Scott would figure to be the natural choice to replace him.
Notebook:
After a busy start to the season, the Sounders took the Wednesday off. They will practice Thursday and Friday before boarding a plane for Saturday’s match against San Jose.
Sounders defender Leo Gonzalez received his green card on Tuesday. The Costa Rican will no longer occupy an International Player slot on Seattle's roster.
