Three questions with Sounder at Heart

Today’s the day! We spoke with Dave Clark at Sounder at Heart to discuss Sigi’s return to the Emerald City. Coverage kicks off at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports 1 and Deportes.

LAG Confidential: Obviously it was disappointing when Joevin Jones skipped town to participate in World Cup qualifying with Trinidad and Tobago.

Sounder at Heart: Brian Schmetzer had strong words for the left back, stating Jones had to prove his commitment. Is the matter settled, or does Schmetzer keep Jones out of the lineup to make a point?

There's a chance that Schmetzer benches Jones, which would be a mistake. Joevin Jones is the best left back in the league, this year. For a team that can be first in the West and that should target 3rd in the Shield hunt they need talent. It is especially important to start Jones because Nouhou, his backup, is out with a red card suspension.

Now, the team still needs to be harsh to Joevin. They cannot afford to have key players abandoning them during important stretches. Seattle only earned two 1-1 draws while he was off in Trinidad & Tobago. His presence likely bumps one or both of those up to a win. So there must be significant punishment as a deterrent for future players doing the same. I do not know if a fine would be enough.

LAG Confidential: How has new signing Víctor Rodríguez looked in Rave Green?

Sounder at Heart: Take Marco Pappa's attacking technique and play it on fast forward. V8 is an exceptional ball-handler with wonderful vision. His touch is among the best in the league. Plus, everything he does in the central third is about getting the ball into the final third as quickly as possible. Rodriguez pushes the pace at all opportunities. He loves the transition game. His defense is adequate though his size may be a disadvantage at times. On top of that he is one of the best direct kick takers on the team, already.

He was the perfect addition and only cost TAM money. How has new signing Víctor Rodríguez looked in Rave Green?

Take Marco Pappa's attacking technique and play it on fast forward. V8 is an exceptional ball-handler with wonderful vision. His touch is among the best in the league. Plus, everything he does in the central third is about getting the ball into the final third as quickly as possible. Rodriguez pushes the pace at all opportunities. He loves the transition game. His defense is adequate though his size may be a disadvantage at times. On top of that he is one of the best direct kick takers on the team, already.

He was the perfect addition and only cost TAM money.

LAG Confidential: Sigi's back! (We can both assume he'll have some kind of gameplan for stopping his former pupils) What kind of reception do you think he'll receive?

Sounder at Heart: I hope that people will applaud with vigor when he is announced and then boo his team. No one should ever underestimate what Sigi Schmid did for the Seattle Sounders. His contributions to this organization are immense. At the same time, he's with the LA Galaxy now. Anything beyond the introductions is overkill. The Seattle Sounders need points and they have Brian Schmetzer, a man who I love beyond soccer.