Brian Schmetzer options to replace Pedro de la Vega

With Pedro de la Vega injured for six to eight weeks the Seattle Sounders coach, Brian Schmetzer, will need to find a solution for their midfield, especially with Albert Rusnak and João Paulo still out of the lineup.

The Sounders tried to use Raul Ruidiaz as a number 10 against LAFC, but this was not a smart decision. Ruidiaz was too close to Jordan Morris, and Josh Atencio and Obed Vargas left the defensive midfield vulnerable by pushing forward.

Schmetzer might try the same approach with adjustments. A practical alternative would be to move Morris to the right wing, Raul to the striker position and Cristian Roldan to the attacking midfield role. This is how the team finished the game against Austin after Leo Chú left the game with cramps.

If the head coach decides to keep the same striker and use a different player in the number 10 role, he might have various options to adapt.