MLS 2019: Seattle Sounders vs New England Revolution – tactical analysis

The Seattle Sounders welcomed the New England Revolution to CenturyLink Field, for their first league visit since 2017. The Sounders came into this match on the back of two home losses, an unusual occurrence, while the New England Revolution have been unbeaten in their past 10 matches. This match would have important implications for the MLS playoff race, as the Revolution came into this match in the final Eastern Conference spot, only one point ahead of Toronto FC.

Bruce Arena was appointed as the Manager and Sporting Director of the New England Revolution on 14th May and has enacted an amazing turnaround to take the New England Revolution from one of the worst sides in MLS to a playoff contender. Two key components of the revival have been former Aston Villa FCs Carles Gil, who is a favourite for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. The other component was recently acquired Designated Player Gustavo Bou, who was brought in from Club Tijuana on 10 July.

The Seattle Sounders have been more consistent than the away side and came into this match in third place in the Western Conference, sitting behind LAFC and Minnesota United. Suffering from several injuries, they have now lost their best defender, Roman Torres, to a substance-abuse suspension. These problems have resulted in Seattle only taking three points from the last three matches.

Both sides came into this match with defensive deficiencies, and it was evident within the first two minutes as Seattle took an early lead. New England grew into the match and scored two goals to take the lead before half-time. The home side struck back in the second half, scoring two goals in two minutes. It looked like Seattle was going to claim all three points until New England got a penalty in the 87^th minute. Carles Gil converted the penalty, and each side split the spoils in a very entertaining back-and-forth affair.

Lineup

Brian Schmetzer made two changes to the side that lost 3-2 at home to Sporting Kansas City the previous weekend. Danny Leyva was dropped to the bench, replaced in the central midfield by Jordy Delem. Joevin Jones also started the match on the bench, with Raul Ruìdiaz returning to the starting XI after missing two games with the after-effects of a concussion.

Former USA manager Bruce Arena brought in three changes after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat against league-leading Los Angeles FC in their last league fixture. Juan Agudelo and Cristian Penilla were left on the bench, while Antonio Delemea Milnar was left out of the matchday squad altogether. Wilfred Zahibo, Jalil Anibaba and Michael Mancienne got the start, with Mancienne returning to the starting lineup for the first time since 4 May after a lengthy spell out with plantar fasciitis.

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