A monumental move happened in the off-season.
An American college player had an offer to play in one of the four best leagues in the world for a recognized team in Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga. Some might recall that Aron Johannsson moved there this past summer. The collegiate player chose to sign for a six figure contract rather than start in Europe.
Yes, that’s what Jordan Morris decided on when he signed with the Seattle Sounders. Now into the firing line he goes after the departure of Obafemi Martins to the financial bounty in China. The time to become a man is now.
Same can be said of Sporting Kansas City’s Daniel Salloi. Sporting Kansas City was paid handsomely for the services of Krisztian Nemeth. While a Chilian forward seems to be on the way the slight of build Homegrown Player signing will have to provide as much as possible.
Each teams enters 2016 with questions. Both will need to find the answers with veteran coaches in Peter Vermes and Sigi Schmid. Schmid enters his eight year at the helm of the Sounders and while his tenure is full of shiny US Open Cup wins and a Supporters shield, he has yet to win the MLS Cup in Seattle. Vermes has a pair of Open Cups -one against the Sounders- and an MLS Cup. Both had disappointing ends to 2016.
Seattle is in a different situation than Sporting entering 2016.A Champions League knockout exit to Club America was disappointing but then again it might have their squad more match ready than KC when they take to the pitch on Sunday.
These two squared off two years ago in 2014 on the opening day of the MLS season, just like they are doing this season. The result being a 1-0 victory for the hosts as Chad Barrett scored the winner in the fourth minute of added time. The Sounders went on to JUST miss out on playing in their first MLS Cup final and won that year’s Supporters Shield and US Open Cup, the first domestic double in the clubs young history.
This is a new season. One that starts after a bittersweet end to the season before. Both sets of fans are ravenous for glory. The only question is will the players share that same hunger.
A storybook beginning could be told if one of new rookies are able to secure the win for the respective side. But will it be the Hungarian youth Daniel Salloi or Herman Trophy winner and NCAA Champion Jordan Morris making their marks on their professional careers.
Prediction
History bodes poorly for the visitors in this series. 2-1 Seattle with a Jordan Morris winner from distance that gets Goal of the Week honors.
