During the first half of the season Seattle Sounders Coach Sigi Schmid has had to frequently piece together patchwork lineups based on numerous injuries sustained by his players.

One of the key losses during this costly phase had been forward Nate Jaqua. 

On July 7 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, WA, Jaqua served notice that he is back and a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season as he booted home both scores in a 2-0 Seattle win over the L.A. Galaxy in the quarterfinal round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition before an enthusiastic sellout throng of 4,512.

Last Sunday night in a 3-1 MLS loss to the host Galaxy, Schmid’s first half lament was that the Seattle defense was notably porous at midfield.  Jaqua was the first change he made as the second half commenced and there was a notable tightening after he entered the match.

Since Jaqua was returning after a lengthy injury, Schmid understandably has brought him along gradually despite his bullishness in seeking to give him playing time.

In one sense the U.S. Open Cup tourney activity has come along at the right time for the Sounders since Schmid has had an opportunity to work Jaqua back into action gradually while unleashing some promising young future stars at the same time.

Jaqua was given quality playing time not only in the second half in Carson, California against the Galaxy last Sunday, but earlier in the work in a 4-3 penalty kick win after an overtime 1-1 deadlock at Portland in another U.S. Open Cup match.

The rangy 6'4'', 205 lb Portland native Jaqua gives the Sounders punch in two basic areas. 

He is an aggressive defender in the midfield area and he also possess scoring punch, as was exemplified on the Tukwila pitch against the Galaxy.

At 28 Jaqua is a young veteran, someone who still retains an edge of youth but with previous MLS experience with Houston and Chicago.

After a scoreless first half Jaqua went to work. 

His first goal came at the 50th minute.  Miguel Montano took a pass from Michael Seamon and blasted two rapid fire blasts goal ward that were superbly blocked by Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders.

With Saunders off line by virtue of having to make his defense to prevent a score, an alert Jaqua was able to move into perfect position and nudge home the first goal of the contest.

A determined Jaqua was soon back for more. 

Twelve minutes later at the 62-minute mark Montano crossed the ball to the far post.  Jaqua took over from there and delivered his second score of the evening.

Not wanting to stretch their regulars in the midst of a long season and with MLS contests coming up this weekend, head mentors Schmid and Bruce Arena of the visiting L.A. squad had a chance to look at other talent.

Schmid should be happy not only over Jaqua’s play but also over that of promising rookies Montano, Seamon, and Sanna Nyassi.

Montano, a 19-year-old forward from Colombia, and Jaqua received enthusiastic ovations when they came off the pitch late in the game. 

Montano notched an assist on Jaqua’s second goal and put the Sounders in scoring position several times with long speedy surges.

Forward Nyassi also displayed good speed as he and Montano provided the kind of speedy one-two punch displayed by regular forwards Fredy Montero and Steve Zakuani.

Seamon is fresh off the Villanova University campus following graduation.  Schmid has liked his style of play as a determined midfielder seeking to keep opposing offenses at bay.

An opportunity was presented as well for goalkeeper Terry Boss to make his initial Sounder start.  He did not disappoint, recording two saves for a clean sheet on the night.

He has indicated that he would bring him along gradually and the recent U.S. Open Cup opportunities have provided excellent display windows to nurture Seamon along.

On the evening the Sounders took 21 shots to 10 for the visitors,  Seattle had seven shots on goal to two for Los Angeles.

Sunday night the Sounders return to the MLS wars against FC Dallas at 7:30 at the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field.

As for Seattle’s attempt to repeat as U.S. Open Cup champion, the next competition will be September 1 hosting Chivas USA at 7 p.m. at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila.

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