SEATTLE — When the draw for the Club World Cup was conducted several months ago, Obed Vargas only cared about one thing. He wanted Atlético Madrid.
Growing up in Alaska, Vargas found himself gravitating to the underdog story of Atlético Madrid, saw a lot of himself in their style of play and began rooting for them about 10 years ago.
Although Vargas apparently picked up a slight knock in the Club World Cup group stage opener against Botafogo that kept him out of training on Tuesday, he wasn’t about to let that keep him from fulfilling a boyhood dream. Vargas was back in training on Wednesday and is on track to start when the Sounders face Atlético on Thursday.
“He could have broken his arm and he would have still played,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said, only half-jokingly.
Vargas was among the Sounders’ best players against Botafogo, working with Cristian Roldan to help control the midfield.
Not happy with Nouhou
For a second straight game, Nouhou made a critical error that hurt the Sounders’ chances when he shoved Alex Telles in retaliation for a bump. Not only did Nouhou pick up a yellow card, but the off-ball foul also gave Botafogo a free kick that led directly to the game’s first goal. In the previous match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Nouhou picked up a red card when he dragged down an opponent from behind.
Although Schmetzer did not get into the details of what he told Nouhou, he did confirm there was a pointed conversation.
“He made a mistake,” Schmetzer said. “But we had plenty of chances to help Nouhou out by scoring that second goal, so it’s all balanced in there. But of course he had to hear from me — it’s my job as a coach — that he can’t do that. That message is sent.”
Jordan Morris will be available
It has been a season full of fits and starts for Jordan Morris, who has missed 13 of 18 league games with a hamstring injury. After suffering another setback just before the start of the Club World Cup, he will at least be available against Atlético.
“There’s certain circumstances when I would play him,” Schmetzer said. “Not to risk a re-injury, but he is very, very close to full fitness.
“Let’s just see how the game goes in case I need him.”
Kim ‘questionable’
Kim Kee-hee was deemed fit enough to start against Botafogo, only to come out at halftime after feeling some discomfort in his injured calf. Kim was able to train this week, but was deemed “questionable” for the Atlético match by Schmetzer.
