It has taken nearly three months — including preseason — but the Seattle Sounders finally trained with a full complement of players on Thursday.
Brad Evans and Eddie Johnson were able to fully participate in training and were declared ready to play by head coach Sigi Schmid. Obafemi Martins was slightly limited in training and his status remains uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rapids (6 pm ET, watch on MLS Live). Even Patrick Ianni (foot) and David Estrada (eye) were able to participate.
“It was a good feeling,” Schmid told reporters. “Some of the things we worked on were good, the timing was off a little bit because the people are a little different. But it was enjoyable.”
READ: Sounders' Lamar Neagle taking advantage of his time off the bench
The Sounders’ absences have been rather conspicuous, as the team is still searching for its first league win and is off to its worst start in franchise history (0-3-2).
Injuries have forced Seattle to use different starting lineups in every match and only four players have started every week. Steve Zakuani is the only attacking player to start every league match, which has surely contributed to the Sounders’ paltry total of two goals scored.
“We have another opportunity with a healthier team this weekend to put things right,” said Johnson, who was one of several players to train during Wednesday’s off day. “The good thing is coming out of training and seeing smiles on everyone’s faces. There’s going to be a lot of things said, but we know what we’re trying to create. We’re confident with every individual out here. We have to keep believing, which we do.”
