For a midweek U.S. Open Cup match, Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer left his regulars on the bench, and it worked out just fine.
Zach Mathers, who hasn’t played for the Sounders during the MLS regular season, and Aaron Kover, who has logged just 36 minutes, each scored a goal as Seattle beat Portland 2-1.
Now Schmetzer has a rested and ready team for Saturday’s trip to Yankee Stadium for a meeting with New York City FC.
NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira took a different approach with the Blues’ Tuesday Open Cup match with the New York Red Bulls.