Just when we thought Yeimar Gomez Andrade was finally back to his dominant self, hitting MLS Team of the Week and starting twice in seven days, he went down again. Our stalwart centerback left Thursday’s training session early with a hamstring strain, and honestly, this one feels different. With his contract up at season’s end, this latest setback might be the last we see of him in the Rave Green.
Another Setback, Another Question Mark
This hamstring strain is a brutal blow, especially after all Yeimar has battled through this season. The recovery timeline is totally up in the air right now, and Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer isn’t ruling him out for the season, but let’s be real: there are only four regular season games left, played over just two weeks. Even if our boys went on an extended playoff run, Yeimar would need a lightning-fast recovery to get back on the pitch this year. Schmetzer’s waiting on MRI results, saying, “It depends on how severe it is. He walked off the field on his own power. I don’t think it’s as bad as his last one, but it’s the other leg again. There’s some challenges there.” That “other leg again” hits hard, man. It tells you this isn’t just a physical battle anymore, it’s a mental one too.
A Season Marred By Bad Breaks
This year has felt like a cruel joke for Yeimar, a “never-ending series of setbacks” for a guy who used to be an absolute ironman. Historically, our 34-year-old centerback wasn’t just durable, he bounced back like a rubber band from injuries. He had played at least 2,500 minutes across all competitions for five straight seasons, establishing himself as one of the league’s top centerbacks, a Defender of the Year finalist, and an MLS Best XI selection. That’s elite.
But this season? A right hamstring injury in the third match. We hoped for a two-month return, but that timeline got pushed way back. He looked ready after the World Cup break, then, boom, a calf injury. Another setback delayed him until Sept. 26, when he finally came off the bench to help secure a win against Minnesota United. All told, he was out more than six months, missing 26 games across all competitions, logging less than 350 minutes in just seven appearances this year. The kicker is, since his return, he’s looked *exactly* like his old self. Dominant in the air, winning most of his duels, that stalwart presence we’ve loved. And now, this. It’s just gut-wrenching.
Sounders Depth Stepping Up For San Diego
The good news, if there is any, is that we aren’t completely devoid of options. Jackson Ragen, who’s been battling illness, Stuart Hawkins with his muscle issue, and Kim Kee-hee, dealing with a calf strain, were all full participants in training this week. Plus, Alex Roldan, who had been limited earlier, is expected to be available. Schmetzer’s confident, stating, “We’ve got enough to cover.” We’re gonna need that depth as we face San Diego FC next. This will be the second time this year we’ve played them while they’re in the middle of an eight-game winless streak. They’re desperate, and that’s always a dangerous opponent. We need to go out there and fight for every single point. For Yeimar, for the Emerald City, for the badge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Sounder at Heart.
Leave a Reply