Normally, the fifth competitive match of a season is a time when patterns start to emerge around positional battles and tactical setups. However, this season, to state the painfully obvious, is anything but normal.
In addition to the discombobulated nature of Concacaf play and the four months that have passed since the team’s last match, predicting the current Sounders’ tactical approach has become a fresh puzzle thanks to Nicolas Lodeiro, their best player, becoming healthy enough to play for the first time all year.
Although the Sounders didn’t turn over much of their attacking roster last offseason, Lodeiro’s reentry into the lineup presents a new look for the team since João Paulo’s signing will most likely push Cristian Roldan to right wing.