The Seattle Sounders are suddenly facing a goalscoring problem.
With Tuesday’s news that Clint Dempsey has been named to Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, Seattle’s star forward could be out all the way until August. The Sounders’ other top scoring option, Obafemi Martins, is out three to six weeks with an adductor injury, and reserve forward Chad Barrett has also missed time in recent weeks with a troublesome hamstring.
Needless to say, Seattle’s depth at striker is glaringly thin for their upcoming stretch of games starting on the road Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union (7 pm ET; MLS LIVE).
One potential solution sure to draw intrigue is Stanford University sophomore and former Sounders Academy member Jordan Morris, who was spotted training with Seattle’s USL affiliate, Sounders 2, on Tuesday morning. The 20-year-old has already earned five US national team caps and even scored a goal in the USMNT’s friendly against Mexico on April 15, adding further fuel to the speculation that the young attacker is more than ready to turn pro from a talent standpoint.
It’s unclear if the recent need for depth at forward will change Seattle’s approach in going after Morris. However, as recently as early June, Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey said that he has fully accepted that Morris is committed to being a college student for the time being.
“I made my peace with this one a while ago,” Lagerwey said. “And look, I understand why it’s still a story. I wish Jordan well at Stanford. I certainly enjoyed my college years, and I understand why he enjoys his. I respect his choice, and hopefully he’ll sign with the Sounders when he’s done with Stanford.
“If he will or he won’t, that’ll be up to Jordan. We have a good relationship with his family, but it’s Jordan’s choice. He’s a smart young man, and he’s going to do what he thinks is best for his career.”
The fact that Morris was training with S2, however, could be considered a good sign for Sounders fans. To be considered Homegrown, a player must log a certain amount of training hours with their club in each of the years leading up to their signing.
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For the time being, the Sounders will have to address their forward issues from within. Lamar Neagle started alone up top in Seattle’s 2-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend, while Barrett has progressed well in training and could make his return to Seattle’s lineup in the near future.
“Depth has certainly been tested as it has throughout every season,” midfielder Andy Rose said. “There’s always phases where you’re going to miss some key players, whether it’s national team duty or injury or suspension, it doesn’t really matter. Guys need to be ready to step up.”
