Nouhou
SEA
Left Back
Possession Builder
Jun 23, 1997 (29)
Left
5'10"
174 lb
Five crosses against Montreal
Tolo generated five crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against CF Montreal.
Analysis: Tolo tied his season-high in crosses, first established back on Aug. 2 at Portland. Though the left-back has only one assist to his name this season, his activity has been high, with multiple crosses per game in 30 appearances. Tolo has 61 (13 accurate) and 10 chances created.
Starting in weekend match
Tolo (hand) is in the starting XI for Saturday's duel versus Montreal.
Analysis: Tolo was cleared to play quickly after being diagnosed with a broken hand, so he could see his usual workload as an essential member of the Sounders' back line, with the more offensive-minded elements that could have replaced him staying in bench roles instead. The left-back has produced mainly through defensive numbers this year, attempting only a few crosses in convenient matchups.
Practices in full Friday
Tolo broke his index finger in Wednesday's loss to FC Dallas, but coach Brian Schmetzer said he will be fine and the defender appeared to take full part in Friday's training session, according to Niko Moreno.
Analysis: Tolo was taken off before the hour mark in Wednesday's loss at Dallas, and the hand problem has since been confirmed as a broken index finger. The injury does not look like it will keep him out, however, with Schmetzer saying the defender will be fine and Tolo appearing to train fully with the rest of the group Friday morning. He should be available for selection again on the left side of the back line.
Diagnosed with broken hand
Nouhou suffered a broken hand during Wednesday's clash against FC Dallas, according to coach Brian Schmetzer, per Jackson Felts of Sounders Weekly.
Analysis: Nouhou was forced off Wednesday after sustaining an injury that required assistance from the medical staff, with Schmetzer subsequently revealing that the defender had broken his hand. The left-back had started nine consecutive MLS matches before the incident, establishing himself as a regular presence in Seattle's defensive unit. The severity of the fracture and its impact on his availability remain unclear, with no recovery timeline provided. Should Nouhou be forced to miss time, coach Schmetzer could consider switching to a back-five formation, as he did the last time the defender was absent from the starting lineup.
Picks up injury
Tolo left the field with an arm issue during Wednesday's match against FC Dallas.
Analysis: Tolo had to be assisted by medical staff after taking a knock, although it's unclear if he sustained a major blow. Having made nine consecutive league starts, the left-back is established as a key member of the Sounders' back line, and it could be a big problem for them if he's ruled out of future action. Coach Brian Schmetzer opted for a back five the last time Tolo didn't start, so that scheme could be a viable alternative, with a forward being deployed at wing-back in that case.
Four crosses Wednesday
Tolo recorded one shot (one on goal) and four crosses (one accurate) in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake.
Analysis: Tolo recorded four crosses in Wednesday's win, the eighth time this season he's hit that mark. He also put one shot on target, breaking a seven-match streak where he failed to record a shot on target or create a chance. He also recorded two tackles, three interceptions and two clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.
Leader in crosses, clearances
Tolo took an off target shot, crossed four times (one accurate) and made seven clearances during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Analysis: Tolo was active on both sides of the ball posting team high totals in crosses and clearances during Saturday's draw. The fullback has an assist go along with two shots, eight crosses and 11 clearances over his last three appearances.
Provides winning assist
Tolo assisted once to go with two crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Nouhou was the decisive creative contributor in Wednesday's 3-2 win over San Jose, delivering a first-touch entry pass from the left side just outside the area that found Osaze Tafari De Rosario at the top of the six-yard box for the match-winning header that secured the Heritage Cup for the second consecutive year, while adding three key passes, three tackles and four interceptions. The Cameroonian left-back has established himself as one of the most dynamic attacking full-backs in MLS, constantly overlapping and providing the width that stretches opposing defensive lines in manager Brian Schmetzer's system. Nouhou has registered one assist, 18 tackles and 14 interceptions across 11 MLS appearances this season.
Training fully, avoids injury scare
Tolo completed Tuesday's training session, and coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed his substitution against San Diego was due to cramps, Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports reports.
Analysis: Tolo should be fit enough to appear in his usual left-back spot after enjoying consistent playing time throughout the campaign. If he can resume full 90-minute outings, he'll be a reliable source of accurate passes and defensive stats. Meanwhile, Antino Lopez may see his playing time reduced as long as Tolo is available.
Forced off
Tolo recorded two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against San Diego FC. He was subbed off due to injury in the 65th minute.
Analysis: Tolo ended his 90 minute game streak after coming off in the 65th minute Saturday due to injury. With a midweek game Wednesday, the defender will be questionable pending on his condition. Since joining MLS, Tolo has able to avoid any long term injury, completing at least 30+ matches the last four campaigns.
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