Tonight's CCL match against Monterey poses an interesting challenge for Sigi and his staff.  The tournament rules state that any player who earns two yellows, has to sit a game.  This one match ban does carry over from the Group stage to the Championship stage next Spring.  (Note, all single yellow cards at the end of the Group stage are eliminated and the players start with a clean slate in the Championship stage.)

This isn't a big deal at the attacking end of the pitch.  Only Rosales, Friberg, Neagle and Jaqua are currently carrying a yellow.  Sigi has plenty of options available.  I don't expect to see either Rosales or Neagle in tonight's contest.  All indications are that Ochoa is going to get the start.  He could be paired with any combination of Montero, Fucito and Jaqua over the course of the game.  I expect that the wings will be Flaco and Levesque and that Evans or Friberg could get the start at CAM.  It's Friberg's turn in the rotation, but he may start on Saturday if Evans is available tonight.   Carrasco may also come in as a late defensive sub if the team can snag a lead.

The defensive picture is a bit trickier.  Gonzo, Riley, Parke, Scott and Keller all have yellows.  Hurtado has to sit tonight due to yellow card accumulation, so Sigi has limited options.   Wahl or Gonzo may get the call on the left.  If Gonzo picks up a second yellow the team can always start Wahl in the Spring.  Riley is probably going to have to play, yellow card or no.  I won't be surprised to see Parke sit out tonight.  Coming off a concussion with a yellow card, discretion is probably in order.  This means that Ianni and Scott start at CD.  Sigi could opt for Scott at RDW and Parke and Ianni at the back, but I don't expect it.  Bryan Meredith may get his first start, but I won't be surprised to see Keller in goal either.  Keller won't be a player next Spring.  If he picks up a second yellow, it has no impact on the next round and with Ianni and Scott at defense, the extra security of Keller in goal may be important. 

The Sounders want this win, but a tie will see them win the Group.   With the players in question, I won't be surprised if the Sounders don't adopt a more defensive shape and look for the counterattack for offense.