After watching a few games paying more attention to our tactics, I've found myself asking one fundamental question:

Why don't the Sounders wings make runs to open space?

Numerous times during the Chelsea game (and Rapids, Red Bulls) a SSFC midfielder would be in possession near midfield against a defense with a high line. It seems in nearly every case, our LM and RM would drift towards the middle of the field and condense the playing field.

What I don't understand is why (when the LB or RB is giving you the outside half of the field) are our LM or RM not making a run to the corners, nor are our CMs making passes to the open spaces in the same corners of the final third.

I usually watch every game during the EPL season that I get on FSC, and it's common for EPL teams to play the ball into these open spaces when the defense is playing a high line. Speaking in general terms, it seems like they do this equally as often as they play optimistic over the top balls to a target forward.

I'm not sure I have a final point to make raising this question, but rather I'm hoping to foster some dialog about our tactics and formation, and if what I'm saying holds any water.

Your thoughts?