The Seattle Sounders’ season opener went about as well as hoped … with two big exceptions. Both Jordan Morris and Hassani Dotson were forced to leave the match early with injuries. The Sounders will most likely provide updates on both players after Wednesday’s training session.
Here’s what we know about them now:
Jordan Morris’ muscle injury
Jordan Morris first started showing signs of some discomfort around the 4:30 mark, just after starting to make a darting run at the top of the penalty area. Shortly after that, Morris could be seen carrying a slight limp and then making a gesture to the sideline. Although he was able to stay in the match and make a couple more runs, he ultimately went down around 6:20 and asked for medical attention.
Morris was able to walk off the field without assistance, but was visibly upset on the sideline.
It was not immediately clear if that was because Morris is familiar enough with his body that he knew it was serious or if he was merely just frustrated that he suffered another injury. Morris missed 22 games with three separate injuries last year.
After the game, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer called it a quad injury, which is consistent with a quick motion like the one that appeared to happen here. Morris’ previous muscle injuries have almost all been to his hamstring, more commonly associated with longer sprints.
Hassani Dotson’s head injury
Dotson’s injury happened around 45+10’ when he and Paxten Aaronson both went up for a header. Dotson won the header and Aaronson’s head clashed against Dotson’s, prompting play to be stopped.
After about three minutes of treatment, Dotson came off the field and was replaced by Snyder Brunell.
In the postgame, Schmetzer said Dotson seemed fine and might not need to enter the league’s concussion protocol.
“He’s coherent, he feels good, but safety is the No. 1 priority,” Schmetzer said.
