If you were in the gamethread you know he scored the game winner in the 82nd minute off of an Erik Friberg cross. Sammy Ochoa wasn't afraid to change his game and get a bit more physical as the match went on and he adjusted to the refereeing. His effort on the goal could have been waved off, but it wasn't and Seattle maintained their perfect record. Now 6-0-0 with a +8 goal differential after beating the Los Angeles Galaxy. Last week it was Cillian Sheridan who showed up, played 45 minutes and scored.
Today, the guest player is former US Youth National Team player Sammy Ochoa. Ochoa and Sigi Schmid have history from that time, when Sammy played in 4 matches with the USYNT and netted a goal against Turkey in the U-20 World Cup. Most recently with Estudiantes Tecos in the Mexican Primera in the Fall 2010 season, he has a history of looking at MLS. Saying back in 2007
"MLS is definitely an option. I've had some discussion with Sigi about coming here, but we'll see," Ochoa said. "It would be great though."
Last season he netted two goals with Tecos in his six starts and eight sub appearances. Used exclusively as a forward when starting he has a broad body with some footskills that were displayed today, and is clearly hungry as you can see from his goal.
Adrian Hanauer at halfime described Ochoa as;
He's a forward. We're not sure how long he'll be around which is going to be a coninual thing. Whether college players, or current pros, or former pros. We want to be a club that regularly brings players in on trial. This isn't anything all that unique. It happens all year. He's a good strong, young forward who hits the ball well. Good in the air and a player that Sigi is familiar with.
I asked Adrian about the advantages of having 3 Reserve Maches near the transfer deadline.
We're not sophisticated enough as a League yet to plan the Reserve League around the Transfer Window, but I would hope that maybe we could get there. It was a chore to jam 10 games into the period in which we can play Reserve games with the Champions League, Open Cup and everything else. If roster sizes increase maybe it provides us a bit more flexibility. But with players on trial we can get a pretty good look when they are on trial without Reserve Games.
Other notes from the Reserve Game
Cillian Sheridan didn't look quite as fast today, though he did win more headers and displayed some nifty footwork. He's putting himself in spaces where his teammates aren't used to looking for a 6'5" guy. Today he looked more like a useful player for the 18 rather than a borderline Starting XI player.
Myron Samuel was much stronger on the ball, and still put himself in good places. He didn't get up to speed as often, and still looks like a project. I would love to see him among the U-18s.
Miguel Montano had a few times where he overlooked the pass and instead either shot from well outside of his range, or tried to beat multiple players on the dribble. It was still one of his stronger performances and struggling against Frankie Hejduk is not a huge negative.
Terry Boss had his best game by far. He was athletic, careful and stopped several shots that would challenge many keepers.
If there's one thing this Reserve side is making clear is that the Third Round and Quaterfinals of the US Open Cup should see a Sounders squad that can challenge well. Sprinkle two or three more MLS starters in and this team competes in regular season play.