When Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan and defender Chad Marshall exited in the first half of the 2-1 first leg loss of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Timbers, there was no panic. Frustration and disappointment perhaps, but never any panic. It’s “next man up” as it has been all year for the Sounders.
Waylon Francis entered for Roldan on the left wing, but whose main responsibility was defensive, and Román Torres entered for Marshall at center back. Each helped keep the Timbers off the scoresheet for the remainder for the match and give the Sounders a very manageable opportunity in Leg 2 at CenturyLink Field on Thursday (7:30 p.