TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders will regain one important weapon but could be losing the services of another for Wednesday’s showdown with the Colorado Rapids at CenturyLink Field (10 pm ET; MLS LIVE).
On the positive side for the Sounders, star forward Obafemi Martins returned to the practice field this week after missing Seattle’s last game, a 0-0 draw against Sporting Kansas City, with a leg injury.
Following Seattle’s Monday practice, head coach Sigi Schmid said that Martins seemed to be back to normal and indicated that he expects his leading goal-scorer from last season to return to the starting lineup against Colorado.
“I think [Martins] should be back for Wednesday,” Schmid said. “He’s over it, and we’ll just move forward.”
Schmid and the Sounders hope that Martins’ return can reinvigorate the normally potent attack that struggled to generate chances against Kansas City and will have to deal with a Colorado side that is also stingy defensively. The Rapids have allowed just nine goals this season, tied with Seattle for the least in MLS.
On the other hand, it seems as though the Sounders will be without midfielder Gonzalo Pineda, who tweaked his ankle against Sporting Kansas City and may not be ready in time for Wednesday.
“Pineda’s ankle was pretty sore today,” Schmid said on Monday. “He’s probably questionable for Wednesday.”
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If Pineda is indeed held out, Schmid will likely choose between Andy Rose or rookie Cristian Roldan to hold down the fort in his absence. Rose has made six starts this season while competing with Lamar Neagle for a starting spot in Seattle’s midfield, while the 19-year-old Roldan has made two starts in seven appearances.
Rose's long pass that facilitated Martins’ highlight-reel touch between two Rapids defenders, leading to a goal in Seattle’s 3-1 romp over Colorado on April 18, could work in his favor to get the call.
The Sounders certainly wouldn’t mind seeing that feat replicated as Martins makes his return.
“That goal was one of the best I’ve ever seen live for sure,” Rose said. “That’s what a player like that is capable of. Getting him and Clint [Dempsey] the ball is obviously vital as frequently as possible and as high on the pitch as possible. So that’s what the rest of us will be aiming to do.”
