SEATTLE — While the Seattle Sounders got a very important win in Game 1 of their best-of-3 series against the Houston Dynamo on Monday, it did come with a cost. Jordan Morris had to be removed about five minutes into the second half with hamstring “tightness” and is now questionable for Game 2 on Sunday.
Morris apparently first started feeling tightness late in the first half, but it wasn’t deemed serious enough to pull him right away. Shortly after play resumed, though, he was motioning to the sideline for a substitute.
Raúl Ruidíaz ended up replacing Morris in the 52nd minute.
Head coach Brian Schmetzer indicated that the Sounders are inclined to be cautious with Morris, who has enjoyed his healthiest season since 2016.
“It’s Game 2 of a three-game series, so that gives us some flexibility,” Schmetzer said. “But if Jordan wakes up and tells us the tightness is gone, he’ll play. If he can’t play, Raúl will be very happy to play and I’ll be very happy for Raúl.”
Ruidíaz, who has been relegated to reserve duty for the second half of the season and has only even appeared in 8 of the Sounders’ last 18 games, was largely ineffective in the run of play but opened the penalty shootout by converting his attempt. As has become a bit of a signature move, he hit a Panenka that prompted opposing goalkeeper Steve Clark to give him a thumbs up. Ruidíaz responded with a shrug.
At the same time Ruidíaz entered the match, Georgi Minoungou also replaced Pedro de la Vega. Although de la Vega had not played particularly well in the first half, Schmetzer insisted the move was designed to maximize Ruidíaz’s effectiveness and was not a reflection on his Young Designated Player’s performance.
“Raúl is a different center forward,” Schmetzer said. “What we wanted to do is have two out-and-out wingers who can get to touchline. With Raúl’s movement inside the box, that’s what he needs.”
De la Vega did not seem particularly pleased with being pulled so early and refused a handshake from Schmetzer on his way to bench. Schmetzer didn’t seem particularly bothered by the snub.
“It’s unfortunate he wasn’t allowed to have any more time, but it’s my job to make sure the team performs well,” Schmetzer said. “He’ll be fine. That’s happened to me on 100 occasions. They are high-powered athletes with a lot of in the heat of the moment … it’s not a problem for me.”
