Seattle Sounders “not the same team” that won CCL, says Lodeiro

Head coach Brian Schmetzer echoed those sentiments, saying at times he saw a team playing without trademark Sounders confidence.

And while Schmetzer won’t get João Paulo back and homegrown standout Obed Vargas has a back fracture, finding a more stable solution in the No. 6 role is a priority. Schmetzer praised the performance of youngster Danny Leyva, who played there Saturday. Albert Rusnak has often played the position as well. Lodeiro – naturally an attacking midfielder – eventually moved into the defensive midfield spot as the Sounders sent on attacking substitutes and searched for a late equalizer at Soldier Field.

“I believe that we need to find some consistency in that position,” said Schmetzer. “I think Albert has done a great job. I think toward the end of the game, when I bring Nico back there, I think that’s OK. But we need to have some stability in that area of ​​the field. So we’ll assess the game, we’ll assess Danny’s performance, and we’ll make some decisions as to the right combination of players in that vital part of the field.”