RENTON – Almost exactly two weeks after he left the Necaxa game with a groin injury, Pedro de la Vega will be available when the Seattle Sounders host LAFC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.
“He passed his last fitness test today and I’m happy for the kid,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said on Friday.
It would make a lot of sense for Schmetzer to be conservative with how he uses de la Vega, who has only logged about 300 minutes spread out over nine appearances in all competitions since joining the team during the offseason. His latest setback came just as it seemed as though he was finally close to full fitness, having made four starts over the course of about a month while the Sounders closely monitored both his playing time and physical output. Against Necaxa, de la Vega started strong and even appeared to score an impressive goal that would have given the Sounders a 2-0 lead, only for it to be disallowed for a questionable offside call. A few minutes later, he came out after feeling some discomfort.
Luckily, the injury turned out not to be very serious and he was back in training about week later.
“Let’s see how the game goes before we add expectations of playing time or not,” Schmetzer said. “But he’s on the bench and available for selection if I so choose.”
Who starts in goal?
Although Schmetzer said Stefan Frei remains his No. 1 goalkeeper, it’s still not clear who will get the start against LAFC. Andrew Thomas has started the first four Leagues Cup games, is also in line to start the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Aug. 27 and is at least in consideration to start this game.
“I didn’t promise this tournament to either one of those two,” Schmetzer said. “Andrew has played tremendously well. … For the game tomorrow, let’s see. Stef is still the No. 1. This is a big game, but Andrew is gaining that big-game experience and we’re confident with either guy in goal.”
Despite the obvious desire both have to start, Schmetzer insisted the conversation has not been complicated.
“It’s really one of the easier conversations I’ve had,” Schmetzer said. “Both are team guys. Stef supports Andrew, Andrew supports Stef. … Our goalkeeping crew has always been a tight-knit group. They’re supportive of each other 100 percent.”
Ruidíaz ready to go
Raúl Ruidíaz has not played since leaving the Leagues Cup opener with a knee injury, but will be available for a second straight game. He could come in particularly handy as he has five goals in 12 career appearances against LAFC and is among the Sounders’ top penalty takers if it gets to that point.
“Raúl is fine,” Schmetzer said. “He’s been training hard, working hard. Knee injuries can be funny but he looks good.”
