Seattle Sounders vs. Chelsea: 6 Things We Learned from Preseason Friendly

Chelsea defeated the Seattle Sounders 4-2 in a preseason friendly Wednesday night at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash.

Both teams made extensive use of their squads, both created several chances, both played sloppy defense, both gave the ball away repeatedly and both came away from the match with useful lessons.

New Chelsea signings Eden Hazard and Marko Marin started, while Kevin De Bruyne—a winter 2012 signing who immediately went back to his old club on loan—played in the second half.

But while there was plenty of the new on hand in Seattle, it appears some things will stay the same with Chelsea this season.

Here are six things we learned from the friendly.

New Faces

Eden Hazard, who was perhaps the hottest name in the world transfer market last season, made his first appearance in a Chelsea kit. His performance gave Blues fans plenty to like.

Hazard, a 21-year-old Belgian international, started in the middle of Chelsea's midfield, playing an advanced role behind forward Romelu Lukaku. He scored early, thanks in large part to a deflection, and looked lively until being subbed out in the second half.

In the 27th minute, Hazard collected the ball in the middle of the field, turned suddenly and scorched a Seattle defender with an explosive first step. He then played a final pass to Marko Marin on the left.

Marin's shot was easily saved, but Hazard's deft turn and blistering quickness were breathtaking.

Speaking of Marin, the German international midfielder also scored (also thanks to a deflection) and created a number of opportunities on the left flank. It must be considered an encouraging start for Marin in Chelsea's colors.

As everyone knows, he'll always have to be at his best to earn playing time in Chelsea's crowded midfield.

Lukaku Up Top

Didier Drogba departed Chelsea earlier this summer after eight years at the club. The Ivorian forward was instrumental in Chelsea's three league titles since 2004 and especially in the Blues' run to the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League crown.

With Drogba gone, the burden of leading the attack will fall to a number of players. One of them is 19-year-old Belgian Romelu Lukaku.

At 19, Lukaku is barely past boyhood. But against Seattle, he looked like a man among boys.

Lukaku used his strength to abuse Seattle defenders early and repeatedly. He scored in just the third minute after overpowering Jeff Parke and kept up the pressure throughout the first half.

He added another goal just before halftime, and though the competition—an MLS defense—wasn't as strong as some he'll face this season, Lukaku's efforts in leading the line must have encouraged Chelsea fans still heartbroken over Drogba's departure.

For now, at least, it looks like Chelsea still have a big, strong forward capable of leading the attack.

Wide Awake in America

Chelsea's visit to Seattle drew 53,309 fans, according to SoundersFC.com. For a meaningless midweek friendly, that's an impressive number no matter what country this is.

But as this is America, everyone will want to use the match to make statements about how well or poorly the game is growing Stateside.

Based on Wednesday's evidence, the game is alive, healthy and growing. The crowd of 50,000-plus didn't fill CenturyLink Field, but it was an impressive number considering Chelsea plays in the 41,000-capacity Stamford Bridge.

Speaking of Chelsea, the Blues drew plenty of fans in Seattle. Most of the crowd, however, was loudly partisan for the Sounders.

Dynamic Duo

Seattle scored two goals, but at times in the first half it seemed like the Sounders might put half a dozen or more past Chelsea's defense.

Part of the reason for Seattle's success was the excellent combined work of forwards Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero. The two worked together seamlessly, timing runs off each other and creating space for themselves and others.

For Montero, a 24-year-old Colombian who scored both of Seattle's goals, Wednesday night might just serve as a springboard for future success.

Saying Goodbye

The Sounders said goodbye Wednesday night to veteran midfielder/forward Roger Levesque.

Levesque, 31, joined Seattle—then a member of the USL First Division—in 2003 and over the years became a fan favorite in the Emerald City. When he entered the match Wednesday night, he earned the loudest ovation of any player present.

Wednesday night was Levesque's final game as a professional. Just before the final whistle, he nearly worked himself into position to turn a header into the net.

It didn't happen, and Levesque didn't get his fairytale ending against Chelsea. But that was fine.

Levesque became a local hero for his loyalty to Seattle, and watching the Sounders say goodbye Wednesday night was touching.

Finding Their Footing

Wednesday night's match was a preseason friendly for Chelsea. It's important to remember that.

The Blues won 4-2, but there were several worrying moments.

Chelsea took an early 2-0 lead but quickly allowed Seattle—through Fredy Montero—to equalize before halftime. Roberto Di Matteo's team scored twice near the end of the half, but in fairness, the Sounders dominated long portions of possession.

Chelsea's defense and midfield repeatedly gave away the ball and the entire team struggled to hold possession throughout the first half.

Again, though, the match was a preseason friendly. What's more, the makeshift pitch was high and clearly made it difficult for players to gain their footing.

That's appropriate. In the coming weeks, we'll see how Di Matteo, Hazard, Marin and Chelsea find their footing ahead of what should be an interesting season.

Follow @MikeCummings37