The Major League Soccer is Back Tournament is well and truly underway as the third round of fixtures are taking place. This tournament mirrors the UEFA Champions League format, which boasts some of the worlds best clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool. In the United States, teams are competing in a tournament for a spot in the Concacaf Champions League in 2021. Groups A through F are fighting for a place in the knockout rounds, with this analysis focusing on two clubs in Group B: Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The previous MLS Cup winners, Seattle Sounders, were looking to secure a preliminary place into the knockout rounds. Seattle needed a win to ensure they were in second place after the San Jose Earthquakes secured their claim to the top spot. Due to Seattle’s 0-0 with the Earthquakes and a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire, anything but a win would see them eliminated from the competition.
For the Vancouver Whitecaps, they were searching for their first points in the group stages. A loss to Seattle meant it would be mathematically impossible for the Canadian team to advance in the MLS is Back Tournament.
This tactical analysis and match report will analyze the tactics for both sides during Seattle Sounders 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Lineups
Brain Schmetzer, the Seattle Sounders manager, set out in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This balanced formation focused on the attacking players in order to create chances while the two defensive midfielders sat in front of the backline, which was anchored by Stefan Frei in goal. The key players in Schmetzer’s eleven that were the focal point of the attack were forwards Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodiero, who were both extremely direct after finding available half-spaces.
The Vancouver Whitecaps started in a flat 4-4-2 with midfielders In-Beom Hwang and Lenoard Owusu asked to do a lot of work in the middle of the pitch. The 4-4-2 was lead by strikers Yordy Reyna and Cristian Dajome, who worked very hard over the 90 minutes but could not find an advantage against the Seattle defense.
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