US Open Cup Final: Seattle Sounders v Chicago Fire - Projected Lineups, Statistics

by Dave Clark on Oct 4, 2011 7:01 AM PDT in Sounders: US Open Cup

BRIDGEVIEW, IL -AUGUST 03: Marco Pappa #16 of the Chicago Fire and Stefani Miglioranzi #6 of the Philadelphia Union vie for the ball during an MLS match on August 3, 2011 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

The most intriguing thing is that both teams number 10s are gameday decisions. Neither Seattle Sounders winger Mauro Rosales nor center attacking mid Sebastian Grazzini of the Chicago Fire played in their last match due to injuries. Both though are on a path that could have them making a return to the starting XI for the Cup Final. James Riley's availability is also dependent upon his body's health on Tuesday morning. Maybe it is a symbol of how key these players are, but both ourselves and HotTimeInOldTown put forward projected lineups that include the gameday decisions.

Both teams have the opportunity to field their ideal teams outside of the injury issues. Sigi Schmid and Frank Klopas used reserves and rested players over the weekend and so the fans should be able to see two strong, ball on the ground, technical teams battle for a trophy.

Chicago sits in a 4-3-1-2 that's a bit lopsided. Logan Pause shifts from his more typical CDM slot to a right mid, but a patient one that sits back more. Marco Pappa wide left will be more offensive than box-to-box and is certainly capable of playing in a forwards space. They are weak in non-PK dead ball situations with a -8 Goal Differential. Unlike their offense, this has been consistent through the year. Klopas team aggressively pounces on rebounds and their run-of-play goals are much more successful in the past few months.

There is some question as to which Sounder will start at leftback. At this point in the season the two options seem to shift regularly. Leo Gonzalez is the better on man defender and provides strong short passing support in the attack. He is best able to take advantage of Pause' play. If Tyson Wahl starts his height is more likely to be used on offense than his strong service, particularly when Mike Fucito offers left footed service as well.

Statistics today are only for MLS play, except for the box in the lower left that notes the goal scorers in US Open Cup and Qualification play.

US Open Cup Final Sounders v Fire (10/4)

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I'll be honest

I am nervous…that speed up top with Nyarko and Oduro makes me nervous. Last thing I want to see is Parke giving up a PK in the box for over-committing…..

by Mugen Power on Oct 4, 2011 7:06 AM PDT reply actions

The graph shows

Rosales, levesque, White Fucito and Neagle with Goals/90 of 0.00. Thinking somthing is buggy there.

by MurrayD on Oct 4, 2011 7:49 AM PDT reply actions

Fixing now

Going to trust my own math rather than MLS.

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on Oct 4, 2011 8:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Comes down to defense.

With two strong offensive teams, I think this match-up comes down to the performance of the defenses. In that I am more confident in the Sounders back line and Kasey Keller than I would be with Chicago’s back 4 and Sean Johnson. If the Sounder’s defense can weather an early strong attack, get settled in, and not give up a goal because of broken communication or botched marking, then I think they will be in good shape. Easier said than done…yes, but defensive performance is my key to the game.

by AdmiralAwesome on Oct 4, 2011 7:59 AM PDT reply actions

Finishing, too

I think we’ll definitely get chances from the Fire’s D. If we can finish them, hopefully we’ll score more than they do. I’m pretty convinced that the Fire will get at least a goal against us, so I think the offense is going to have to produce when they get a chance.

by Nevtelen on Oct 4, 2011 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions

I think we'll control possession

And I have this feeling that their #10 will be owned by our #6.

by python6114 on Oct 4, 2011 9:14 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Chicago as a whole is no match for #6.

by chrisperry1983 on Oct 4, 2011 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

the entire MLS is owned by #6

He has a spot for them in his back pocket.

by Colin Johnson on Oct 4, 2011 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rosales

So if Mauro can’t go we just plug Neagle in there on the right? Same for Scott if Riley can’t go?

by RalfZakuani on Oct 4, 2011 11:00 AM PDT reply actions

Foreign Player Limit

Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the Open Cup limit the number of foreign players to 5? (not sure if that’s on the field at the same time or on the 18 listed for gameday).

How many players in Chicago’s projected starting 11 are foreign? I don’t have intimate knowledge of the team but with some of the last names on that list it seems like more than 5 to me.

Also, I think we may have 6 out there – Montero, Rosales, Fernandez, Alonso, Hurtado and Gonzalez. Unless the green-cards that Freddy, Osvaldo and Leo? (I think) applied for count.

Does anyone know the specifics of this rule? I imagine it put further significance on the strategy of the lineups that both coaches employ.

by 2ndAveSoundersFan on Oct 4, 2011 11:03 AM PDT reply actions

Neither team is in any danger of being able to start a less-than-full-strength team.

by Aaron Campeau on Oct 4, 2011 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

The rule limits "international" players to 5, but...

Anyone with a green card or who’s here on political asylum does not count. The Fire have six internationals on their roster, just five of whom start. I believe the Sounders only have 5 int’ls on their entire roster. Like Aaron said, it’s a non-issue today.

Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.

by Jeremiah Oshan on Oct 4, 2011 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions