Although Clint Dempsey finished 2017 as Seattle Sounders top goalscorer, with 15 goals across all competitions, there's no doubt that Jordan Morris has become a key part of the team's success over the past couple of seasons.
Unfortunately, this moment is something that their fans were not hoping to see:
Now it gets worse for the #Sounders. Jordan Morris has to be helped off the pitch and can't put any weight on his right leg. Seattle have already used all 3 subs, so will have to finish the game with 10 men. Hopefully not a serious injury. #SANvSEA #CCL #SCCL2018 pic.twitter.com/JflronLlEK
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) February 23, 2018
And now, as they hope to make it to a third straight MLS Cup final after an impressive campaign in 2016 and 2017, how will they manage? Here's a look at how Jordan Morris has grown into an integral player for the Sounders since his debut in 2016.
A strong debut campaign
During his debut term, Morris ended the campaign with 14 goals, which was enough to make him the Sounders top marksman in all comps. 12 of those goals were in regular MLS games, and two were in MLS Cup play-off matches.
His first goal was on April 16, 2016 against Philadelphia Union, and followed that up by scoring in his next four games.
How many of them, though, were crucial goals - that is, game-deciders? Let's have a quick look:
- April 16, 2016: Scored the second goal in a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union
- April 30, 2016: Scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew
- May 7, 2016: Scored the second goal in a 2-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes
- July 2, 2016: Scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC
- September 17, 2016: Scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps
- September 25, 2016: Netted a vital brace in a 4-2 defeat of Orlando FC
In addition, he netted two of the team's three goals during their semi-finals clash against Colorado Rapids in the MLS Cup play-offs en route to the finals.
A turbulent second season
Unfortunately, though, Morris's second season wasn't as productive as his first, as a series of troublesome injuries took their toll. Overall, he only made 18 appearances, but still managed three goals and chipped in with one assist in 2017.
Overall, Morris has scored a total of 17 goals in 62 appearances for Seattle Sounders (0.27 goals/game).
A rising star on the national stage
Morris's contributions aren't just limited to his club team, of course. He notably netted the game winner for the USMNT against Jamaica in the 2017 Gold Cup Final and finished the tournament as the top goalscorer with three goals.
Writing his name in the history books already
He's only been with the Sounders for just two seasons, but it's not taken him long to settle in, as he's already 11th in terms of all-time top goalscorers for the club:
In short, worrying times ahead for the Sounders, and it will be very interesting to see how the team manages in their young star's absence!
