RSL vs. Seattle: Three Questions with Sounder at Heart

It is always a very nice break doing these Three Questions discussions with fellow SBNers, and it was my absolute pleasure to exchange questions with Sounder at Heart’s Mark Kastner.

• READ: My answers to Sounder at Heart’s questions

So enjoy the answers to my questions, which were a nice break from the rigors of writing about ownership and management. It feels nice to think about soccer again — this time with the pall of toxic management out in the open rather than lurking in the back.

1 - Jordan Morris looks to be in extremely good form. What’s up with that? (Also, should RSL worry about him and his goalscoring antics?)

Jordan Morris has become one of the best attackers in MLS over the last year. He’s been putting up MVP-like numbers since last summer and doesn’t seem like he’s going to slow down any time soon. The most obvious reason for this is because he’s finally healthy and has put together a run of 30+ games without serious injuries. The more nuanced reason is because the Sounders attack is now built for Morris to succeed. Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz are ballers, obviously. And because it’s so clear that they’re the most dangerous attackers, it allows Morris to cheat forward on the left side and find runs in behind.

I don’t know a good way to stop him. If I did I would probably be an MLS head coach, but instead I’m just a blogger.

2 - Are you worried about RSL after an extremely weird 4-4 draw with Portland Timbers?

I’m worried and intrigued. Sort of like when you’re driving passed a car crash. On one hand, RSL shipped four goals to a team that’s not as good as the Sounders. On the other hand RSL scored four goals, two of which came extremely late in the game. Which leads me to my next point...

3 - What’s the Sounders’ biggest weakness? (Aside from working too hard, caring too much, and being too invested in their jobs, of course.)

The Sounders backline has not filled me with confidence so far this season. I know they kept Portland to a clean sheet, and they only let LAFC score once. I’m still not sure if Xavier Arreaga is better than Shane O’Neill and that’s....concerning. We’ll probably see Arreaga play against RSL, so it’ll be a good test.

A super extra bonus question: Um, what’s Garth Lagerwey up to these days? No reason.

Garth’s busy. Sorry.