Seattle Sounders FC: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #2: That Cristian Roldan can continue to avoid the sophomore slump.

Many players during their second season in MLS struggle to make the small adjustments necessary to become full-time players in the league. Not Roldan. In his second season with the Sounders he was thrown to the wolves, asked often to carry a midfield when players four to five years more experience aren’t given that type of responsibility.

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Even when Lodeiro came in he was still asked to be a workhorse for the midfield. Despite all of the obstacles thrown his way he never gave up and became an invaluable member of their attack.

His numbers might paint a different picture (just three goals in 2016) but Roldan has had a major influence on their attack. With his speed on the outside Lodeiro or Alonso can make the long deep pass to him with little fear that he will be unable to catch it. Furthermore his crossing abilities have greatly improved since last season, as evidenced by the partnership that he has forged with Jordan Morris.

What will be interesting to see against Sporting Kansas City is how he reacts to the counter-attack. Teams are still able to get by hum with one or two crafty moves from time to time which normally is not a huge issue. But with every play meaning that much more in the playoffs he is going to have to be more careful with how deep he makes his runs.