Enthusiasm flourishing among Sounders supporters as FIFA Club World Cup approaches
Chatting with a Sounders Fan
When Sounders supporter Austin Woodland bumped into star goalie Stefan Frei on the Bainbridge Island ferry, he couldn't help but share a word about the "Killer Group."
"Dude, that was a tough draw, huh?" the 31-year-old season ticket holder told Frei. "We got stuck in a dangerous one, didn't we?"
The Sounders (7-6-5) returned to MLS action on Saturday against Austin FC (7-7-5), fresh off three group stage losses in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Sounders found themselves in a vicious group, often referred to as the "Group of Death." Competing against Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo, Spanish giant Atletico de Madrid, and reigning UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, this group posed a tough challenge.
Woodland crossed paths with Frei following the PSG game at Lumen Field on Monday.
"I was like, 'Hey, it's kinda cool to see you saving shots from some of the best players in the world,'" Woodland said ahead of the match. "I just told him, 'Good job.'"
Frei played the full 90 minutes in each group stage game. Despite conceding seven goals to the international powerhouses, he made 12 saves.
The Sounders weren't alone in fighting the odds.
"To be honest, the Sounders held their own against the group they were drawn into," Woodland admitted. "I mean, it was unfortunate... But, I thought the guys performed pretty well against the powerhouse teams we had to square off against. We played arguably one of the best South American teams, Atletico who are always in the running with some of the top European teams, and PSG, currently the Champions."
Seattle lost 2-1 to Botafogo on June 15 but ended the game with 60% possession, 23 total shots, and a passing completion rate of 87%. They faced a 3-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid on June 19 but managed to battle till the final whistle and finished with 16 shots and an xG (expected goals) of 1.50. The Sounders were outplayed by PSG 2-0 on Monday, with the latter featuring 10 of its UEFA Champions League final starting lineup from their victory over Inter Milan.
Sounders fans were still pleased with their team's performance in the Club World Cup.
"I think a lot of people thought we were going to lose and not hold our own against them, but we managed to stay competitive and put pressure on them. It was a thrilling match to watch." said season ticket holder Jorge Orozco, 47, who went to all three of the Sounders' Club World Cup games with his son, Logan.
"I was genuinely surprised," added Logan, 16. "I thought the outcome would be a bit worse since PSG recently won the Champions League and is probably the best team in the world right now."
The Seattle-Atletico Madrid match ended 4-0 in PSG's favor during PSG's first group stage game.
"Given that we only lost to PSG 2-0, while Atletico lost 4-0, we did better than Atletico," Logan pointed out. "Kind of mind-blowing."
The Sounders are now back to MLS action until the Leagues Cup at the end of July, with the confidence of their MLS fans riding high.
"If the Sounders play as they did in the last three games, I believe the remaining MLS season will be a breeze," Jorge concluded.
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In light of the Sounders' competitive performances against international powerhouses in the FIFA Club World Cup, it's exciting to see the Seattle Mariners, another local sports team, also demonstrating resilience. For instance, Miles Mastrobuoni's dramatic 12th-inning steal from the Rangers showcased the Mariners' fighting spirit, much like the Sounders in their Group of Death matches.
Moreover, the Mariners' prospect, Harry Ford, has earned a promotion, although his debut had to be postponed. This upward trajectory within Seattle sports teams highlights a vibrant and promising sports scene in the city.
