The Sounders returned to the training field for the first time after Wednesday’s disappointing loss to Philadelphia. Most of the starters remained inside as it typical for a practice two days after a game. However, there were a couple of pieces of good news.

First, Chad Marshall was training off to the side this morning, getting in some fitness work. While it’s up in the air whether he’d is likely to play this weekend (given it would be the third game in eight days), the fact he was outside doing work at all was a great sign, given the knock he received in the game which forced him to come out at halftime.

Second, Raul Ruidiaz was also out training off to the side today. As his injury was to his ankle, it was good to see him jogging at a reasonable pace this morning. There didn’t appear to be any obvious limping or struggles, but this was obviously not at the pace of a game. Encouraging to see nonetheless.

Coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed after practice that Marshall was not in any concussion protocols but did have a nice bump on his head from the incident on Wednesday, while Ruidiaz has a sprained ankle. Schmetzer didn’t seem particularly concerned about the sprained ankle, especially given the fact that Ruidiaz was jogging at practice. Still his availability this weekend will depend on how he recovers over the next two days. He was  “limited” at training today.

Will Bruin also spoke after practice, and admitted it was tough getting over the game for a day, given all of the chances that the Sounders (and one he in particular) had. He said the team went through the film of the game, unpleasant though it was, and said it was time to focus on Los Angles Galaxy. It’s fair to say he expects a tougher challenge this time around, as the Galaxy “have nothing to lose.”

As to the challenge heading down to LA, Schmetzer also expects a different game, as the Galaxy are likely to have, “Zlatan, Dos Santos brothers, new head coach.” Determining the right balance of when to attack will be important according to Schmetzer, considering the increased firepower the Galaxy will have at their disposal.

Aside from that, not too much of interest, as it was a regen day. We’ll see how things look tomorrow.