Sounders FC now prepares for Houston in U.S. Open Cup

TUKWILA — The euphoria of a huge crowd and a respectable performance against Chelsea had to pass quickly for Sounders FC. When the game was over Saturday, the team's attention and focus turned to the lower-profile Houston Dynamo.

One might perceive Tuesday night's match against the Dynamo as a letdown after playing Chelsea, until that person realizes what is at stake for Seattle — a chance to win a trophy and some prize money in Sounders FC's first season.

"I think the guys were motivated and were ready to play against Chelsea, but I don't think we spent a ton of emotional energy in terms of leading up to the game," Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said.

No starter except defender Tyrone Marshall played the entire game Saturday, so players should be somewhat rested for Tuesday night's U.S. Open Cup semifinal game. The winning team plays for the club championship of the United States in early September.

"It's certainly something that we're taking very seriously," defender James Riley said. "Tuesday is something that we've definitely had in mind. We were playing Chelsea, but obviously Sigi and the coaching staff have bigger sights on [the Open Cup]."

Riley feels that team can take confidence from its showing against Chelsea — a 2-0 loss — into the Houston match. Sounders FC will be rooting for Rochester of the United Soccer League First Division in the other semifinal — a win for the Rhinos on the road against D.C. United of Major League Soccer combined with a Seattle win means Sounders FC gets to host the championship.

Special night

for Boss

Sounders FC backup goalkeeper Terry Boss was looking for a place to play less than two months ago. At the end of last month, he earned a contract with Sounders FC, which needed help behind Kasey Keller after Chris Eylander was injured. And not even a month after signing, having not even appeared in anything above a reserve game, the 27-year-old Oregon native found himself in the net to start the second half of Saturday's match against Chelsea.

There was Boss, diving to make saves — he had four — against shots from the one of the best soccer teams in the world.

"It was definitely a great learning opportunity," said Boss, who was bailed out a couple of times by the hustle of defender Zach Scott late in the match. "Learning from Kasey and Tom Dutra [goalkeepers coach], they do a great job preparing me to be in that situation."

Boss, one of three Sounders FC players limited to reserve game duty that made their debuts Saturday, was thrilled that his parents were in the stands. His younger brother, New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, was unable to attend.

"He called me after the game and let me know that he was glued to the television," Terry said.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com