Patrick Ianni, Tyson Wahl finally play for Sounders

DALLAS — The Major League Soccer season is actually longer than its 30 regular-season games.

There are various tournament matches — the U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League for some teams — plus exhibition friendlies, reserve games and the MLS All-Star Game. And that's before the postseason.

Teams rely on depth because of the lengthy schedule, plus the chance of an injury or suspension of a starter. Which is where Patrick Ianni and Tyson Wahl come in for Sounders FC.

The two defenders made their regular-season debuts Saturday night in a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas. Ianni started the game at right fullback in place of the suspended James Riley. Wahl, who was listed as a substitute before the match, was suddenly thrust into action when Zach Scott, who was already filling in for injured left back Nathan Sturgis, had to leave the game with what could be a groin pull or abdominal strain.

"After I got warmed up a little bit, I felt good," Wahl said. "Aside from tying my shoes, I didn't have a lot of stretching or warmup. "

But Wahl and Ianni had the benefit of a hard practice week, as both were competing for the starting job vacated temporarily by Riley. In the end, Wahl played his first game at left defender.

"I felt like I was pretty sharp all week," Wahl said. "I felt fine after the first 10 minutes of the game. It's amazing to actually play in a game again."

It's not like Ianni and Wahl are green rookies. Wahl arrived in the expansion draft last fall from Kansas City after three seasons, and Ianni came in a trade with Houston after he had spent three seasons with the Dynamo. Though their action this season had been limited to reserve games and one U.S. Open Cup match, the need was there last week for the two to be ready.

"They have us on the roster because they feel confident in us," Ianni said, who played right fullback.

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid was critical of his team's play in the second half Saturday, calling it "disjointed," and thought Wahl and Ianni were a bit hesitant in terms of possessing the ball.

"I had a couple of clearances that either I didn't connect with someone or just hit it out," Ianni said of his play. "Just not good enough. Just a little more composure when I'm on the ball. From that position it takes a little bit more because you're expected to play-make a little more."

Riley should be back in his position for next week's game at Colorado, but Wahl and Ianni might find themselves in competition again this week for left back if Sturgis' troublesome hamstring keeps him unavailable.