Two matchdays down, just one to go. Sunday's action was a bit more mellow, as you might expect, both on the field and on the sidelines. The players looked more comfortable, and so did the coaches. Frank Klopas was spending some quality time with Chelís again, nothing new. Here's what else happened on Matchday 2.
The game after the games
It was only a matter of time.
Following the conclusion of the second match of the day, two entirely new rosters took the pitch. No, not more college kids, we're talking about 20 or so League and club staff that were in attendance. This is what happens when you get a bunch of soccer people together and make them watch other people play in beautiful weather for four hours a day. They get antsy.
Who was on hand? Our own Greg Lalas and Jason Saghini, player personnel director Ali Curtis and Colorado head coach Oscar Pareja to name a few. In case you were wondering, the 44-year-old Pareja's still got it.
Goal of the day
Unlucky, Drew Beckie.
Beckie was one of the day's top defenders, but he also had the misfortune of being around when Jason Johnson decided to wake up. A couple silky stepovers later, and the ball was in the back of the net. Beckie joked afterward saying that he thought his jockstrap might still be on the field after Johnson's moves. Still, expect his name to be called on Thursday.
Seattle United
Right as the halftime whistle went during the first match on Sunday, Sounders FC assistant Brian Schmetzer had a question.
"Excuse me," Schmetzer asked. "Do you know the score of the Seahawks game?"
"They're down 20."
"What?! Hey! Ezra! The Seahawks are down 20. That's too bad, man."
Later on, as the seconds were winding down and Seattle getting ready to complete their comeback, we caught a glimpse of Adrian Hanauer passing by a TV that was showing the game.
Is he going to stop and watch? Is he?
Yep, he stopped. And as his team took the lead with seconds left to go in the game, Hanauer uttered just one word: "Incredible."
We all know what happened next, the Seahawks lost in heartbreaking fashion and the disappointment among the Sounders staff was very much visible. If nothing else, it was interesting to see these guys pulling for another team in their city. It doesn't work like that in all MLS markets.
That was Day 4 in a nutshell. Now we're off to see some sea lions. This should be good.
