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.”