The Daily Dirt, August 22: I Walked with a Zombie

With losses by San Jose and Vancouver earlier in the weekend, Seattle had a huge opportunity last night against rivals Portland to get within striking distance of a playoff spot. The Sounders did not disappoint, throttling the Timbers 3-0 and truly announcing their rebirth.

How much of the Sounders’ revival is due to Nicolas Lodeiro’s arrival? Or, is it the departure of Sigi Schmid? Is it a new voice in Brian Schmetzer? Could it be that the team finally realized that sense of urgency? Maybe it’s all of the above...

Lodeiro’s influence really cannot be understated. His presence has unlocked many of the elements of Seattle’s attack that were going. His quality can break down opposing defenses and his movement off the ball creates opportunities for everyone else. Lodeiro really is the perfect fit for what Seattle needed.

That said, a change at the top has likely been beneficial as well. Sometimes, all it takes is a new voice leading a team to create this sort of effect. Schmetzer, while this is his first time leading a MLS club, has been with the Sounders from the beginning of their MLS journey and led the USL Sounders to championships. He knows the squad well and knows what would work and what would not. He is actually making quite a claim to getting the job on a permanent basis.

Vancouver is in free fall and Portland cannot seem to find the right combination in attack. San Jose has only lost once in their last six, and you never want to rule out a Dominic Kinnear led team this time of year, but they are struggling to find the goals needed to turn draws into wins.

The door is open for Seattle. Can Lodeiro and Schmetzer lead the way?

Domestic

DC comes back at a soggy RFK Stadium to salvage a 2-2 draw with the Red Bulls (Black and Red United)

Now two points out of a playoff spot, Seattle notches a huge win at home against Portland (Sounder at Heart)

Should U.S. fans cut Jozy Altidore some slack? (Stars and Stripes FC)

USL opens an investigation after Robbie Rogers alleges gay slurs said by player from Orange County Blues (Angels on Parade)

International

Tommy McNamara for the Irish national team? (Irish Examiner)

Chelsea eyeing forward targets (Mirror)

Joe Hart to still have a future for the English national team (BBC)

The Managing Madrid podcast discusses the opening day win over Real Sociedad (Managing Madrid)

Rainy golazo from the Russian National League:

Local

Georgia falls to Clemson 3-1 on the road in women’s soccer action. Marion Crowder scored the Bulldogs’ lone goal. (UGA Athletics)

Georgia Southern lost 3-1 at Jacksonville State in women’s soccer. Alana McShane scored for the Eagles.

Mercer lost to Oklahoma State in Macon 3-0 in women’s soccer.

Kennesaw State hosts Georgia State tonight at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at 7:00 p.m. You can watch live at the Atlantic Sun TV website.