A team that plays a mile high at home tends to struggle more than usual when on the road. The Colorado Rapids are no different. Their poor away record is compounded by not yet winning when they give up the first goal (0-5-4). They've given up 9 goals in the first 30 minutes of play while the Sounders have scored five during that stretch. With the way the results have been against Sigi Schmid's side, expect them to push it even more than usual early in the first half of tonight's nationally (NBCSN) televised 8 PM Pacific Game.

In some ways the result may come down to a form match. Is Seattle's streak of weakness more significant than the Rapid's road woes? In other ways it can come down to overall quality. The Sounders are healthy, and even with the 9-match winless run in league play they are 8^th on the table for total points and points per match. That isn't good enough for the ambitions of Roth, Hanauer and Co., but today's game is one that could help pull them back towards their goals.

Fredy Montero's ability to play in the space between a defensive line and a defensive midfielder is highlighted by the typical shape of Colorado, but one of their CBs (Marvell Wynne) is the fastest defender in the league. This still would put Eddie Johnson with opportunities to beat a single back when he's central. With the Rapids flooding the top of the 18, the Sounders' defenders must communicate their coverage. If they do a shut out is possible. Combine that with an initial moment of magic and free haircuts may come again. And maybe we'll just see something else truly special as well, if late-game conditions are right.

The broadcast is on NBC Sports Network (Comcast 626) and 97.3 FM (99.3 in Spanish) at 8:00 PM Pacific.

Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets for Home Games

Officials

REFEREE: Kevin Stott. SAR (bench): Adam Wienckowski; JAR (opposite): Brian Poeschel; 4th: Mark Declouet

MLS Career: 224 games; FC/gm: 25.7; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 58; pens: 45

SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: SEA: Fredy Montero ... COL: Jeff Larentowicz

Team Statistics Matchups

Tactical Keys

• Control Center of Defensive Third
• Force Centerback Help For Their CDM
• Feed Eddie
• One Moment Of Brilliance

Player Matchups

• Brad Evans v Jeff Larencowitz
• Osvaldo Alonso v Omar Cummings
• Fredy Montero v Marvell Wynne

How We're Watching
Beverage: Maibock
Scarf: 2012 Nos Audietis/Sounder at Heart
Kit: 2010 Electricity Yellow
Where I'm Watching: Pregame: Berliner Pub | Game: Sec 214 Row C

Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum