RENTON — One of the low points of Reed Baker-Whiting’s young professional career came a few months ago. Still coming back from a hamstring injury that had cost him the first half of the season, Baker-Whiting picked up a second yellow card that ultimately contributed to the Seattle Sounders losing a road game against Sporting KC that arguably marked the emotional low point of the season.
Facing Sporting KC again on Sunday, Baker-Whiting got a chance for a measure of redemption. After picking up a rather soft yellow card just 27 minutes into the match, Baker-Whiting was forced to play with a little extra care. He made through to the 66th minute without much problem, giving way to Jon Bell who saw the game out.
“He knew the first game he messed up,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said following Tuesday’s training session. “We kept him out there on purpose, to gain that experience and he checked that box. Little bit of growth there.”
Baker-Whiting said he had hoped to be a bit more aggressive in the way he defended Sporting KC wingers Daniel Salloí and Johnny Russell, but still helped limit the pair to just one shot between them. Russell has seven goals in 13 career matches against the Sounders, including one in their previous meeting.
“They weren’t super threatening during that time so I wasn’t super worried, but the ref was being super tight,” Baker-Whiting said. “It was an example of maturing. It makes me feel more confident because it was the first time I played with a yellow since the KC game. Now I know I can do it.”
Another sign of maturity was Baker-Whiting taking it upon himself to talk to defensive midfielder Cristian Roldan and centerback Jackson Ragen at halftime to make sure they knew he was planning to adjust the way he defended.
That continued when Stephen Afrifa came on for Russell in the 58th minute. Afrifa has been one of the most effective dribblers in MLS this season.
“I just took a step off of him and let him come inside,” Baker-Whiting said. “I knew he wasn’t going to be faster than me. I just gave him space to come inside and shift over. Even though I want to be tight and aggressive there, those are moments I need to recognize that I need to give him a little extra space and let him play the ball back or sideways on his own.”
Injury updates
- Léo Chú will almost certainly miss another game. In addition to knee tendinitis, the winger also picked up a hamstring injury. He is expected to be back by the time the Sounders host the Houston Dynamo on Sept. 28.
- The prognosis is not as good for midfielder João Paulo, who is out with a calf injury. Schmetzer said it would be a “miracle” if he was back for the Colorado Rapids match on Oct. 5, but otherwise might not play until the season finale against the Portland Timbers on Oct. 19.
