As the Sounders were putting the finishing touches on the greatest comeback win in their history, a somewhat sobering reminder popped up of what they’d spent most of the game lacking.
Sounders playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro was red-carded in the 89th minute of last Wednesday’s victory over D.C. United for kicking midfielder Marcelo Sarvas in the groin area. Lodeiro had been getting his own shins dented by similar kicks all game long before apparently lashing out in anger and thus, due to the ejection, is automatically suspended Sunday when the San Jose Earthquakes visit CenturyLink Field.
For Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, the game-long beatdown on Lodeiro was yet another sign opposing teams are taking too many liberties with his players.