TUKWILA, Wash. – The status of Seattle midfielder Osvaldo Alonso still has yet to be determined after he exited with a hamstring injury in the second half of the Sounders’ Western Conference semifinal-clinching draw against FC Dallas.
But Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid has expressed cautious optimism about Alonso’s status for Sunday’s first leg of the Western Conference Championship of the MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T, against the LA Galaxy (5 pm ET; ESPN, get tickets here), saying throughout this week that his 29-year-old All-Star is progressing at the expected rate.
However, Schmid has also steered clear of making any definitive statements, meaning a game-time decision appears to be a likely scenario.
Alonso trained and rehabbed inside at Starfire Soccer Complex last week while his teammates practiced, but he has gradually worked his way back outside and has taken part in light running and outdoor training so far this week.
“He’s coming along as we expected,” Schmid said. “The progress is pretty much in line with no setbacks. … Each day [we’ll know] a little bit more.”
Schmid also briefly updated reporters on Alonso’s status in a conference call on Thursday, saying that he was still pleased with the state of his rehab.
"We're very happy with Ozzie's training,” Schmid said. “He definitely wants to play."
Schmid has expressed confidence in his midfield depth behind Alonso in case a scenario in which he can’t play does materialize. Micheal Azira filled in capably after Alonso’s exit against Dallas, with Andy Rose also figuring to be in contention for minutes in his place.
Rose, who has been battling injury concerns of his own and hasn’t started a game for Seattle since Sept. 24, said he is close to full strength and is physically ready for the challenge if Alonso is at all limited or held out of the lineup.
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“Something that has been very important throughout the season for us is that different guys have stepped up at different moments,” Rose said. “It hasn’t necessarily been a two-man show from the team. … Everybody else has come at big times, at important times and done their business.”
For their part, the Galaxy would evidently rather take on a Seattle squad at full strength, with midfielder Landon Donovan and defender Omar Gonzalez each saying they hope to see Alonso on the field at kickoff on Sunday (watch above).
"I hope Alonso heals quickly," Gonzalez said. "I think he's huge for them. I want them to be at full strength because it makes for a better game.”
