Dylan Remick likely in line for second consecutive start

TUKWILA, Wash. -- Leo Gonzalez continues to be limited in Seattle Sounders training, likely clearing the way for left back Dylan Remick to make his second consecutive start.

Gonzalez, who has been limited to three starts this season, has been nursing a hamstring injury and did not suit up in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. Remick started the first four matches of the season while Gonzalez recovered from off-season knee surgery.

The Sounders are entering a nine-day stretch in which they will play three games and force some lineup shuffling, regardless. Schmid said he's hopeful that Gonzalez will be ready in time for next Wednesday's match against FC Dallas.

"Dylan's played well, so we don't have to rush into it," Schmid said. "When Leo is ready, he's ready. We have two very good left backs right now. We have to make sure one of those two is healthy all the time."

Remick, who made his first career MLS start earlier this season, has proven himself a capable replacement. Against the Rapids, in particular, he was a constant threat with his overlapping runs. It was his effort to keep the ball alive that led to the Sounders' second goal and he completed a season-best 50 of 56 passes.

"I have definitely gained confidence during these two months," Remick told MLSsoccer.com. "Our practices are really tough and I work on all the things I need to do to get better in the game. Games just help me with confidence and help me feel comortable in playing. Those first games of the year just sort of helped me get exposed to the style and pace of play. Now I know what I need to do, so I'm feeling more confident and more like myself on the field."

While Remick's emergence may have caught many by surprise, one of those people is not Schmid.

"To be honest, it's gone how I thought it would go," he said. "I had a lot of faith in him. I told him last year I had confidence in him and that he could make the step forward this year and get in games. When he got into games he responded really well. He's improving all the time, listening to what we're asking of him and he's learning. That part of it has been good."

Remick's relative obscurity, as well as his penchant for joining the attack, have also made him one of the most commonly owned players in MLS Fantasy leagues.

"I know I'm one of the cheapeast, so whatever it takes to get my name out there," Remick said. "I'll take it."