San Jose is an odd team. They actually give up more goals early in the game. They and the Sounders both score more often in the second half, but tonight with Seattle being exhausted from a compact schedule they could push for an early goal well as fresh as they can be and sit back. This kind of cynical tactic is rarely used by Sigi Schmid, but today it makes sense. If the Sounders are to make a run at the Supporters' Shield they need three points tonight. It would be an appropriate tactic for the one game.

Otherwise this is a game that could get out of hand. The San Jose Earthquakes are rested and a better team statistically. They play at a high tempo and have All Stars scattered throughout the pitch (six in total). That isn't a great place to be for a top team in the league, but it's the place where Seattle is. There is a slow-down forthcoming so maybe some players get asked to push themselves through this one last game.

Maybe it's a good time to be a clear underdog, a good time for there to be little pressure, because than the Seattle Sounders FC can just be themselves and play a game and have some fun.

The broadcast is on KONG at 7:30 PM Pacific.

Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | Tickets for Home Games

Officials

Referee: Baldomero Toledo - MLS Career: 139 games; FC/gm: 25.0; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 48; pens: 51
AR1 (bench): Mike Kampmeinert; AR2 (opposite): Paul Scott; 4th: Alejandro Mariscal

SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: SEA: Eddie Johnson, Andy Rose

Team Statistics Matchups

Tactical Keys

• Beware Of Ghosts
• Counter, Counter, Counter
• Prove The Depth
• Go Up Early And Sit Back

Player Matchups

• Jeff Parke v Steven Lenhart
• Patrick Ianni v Chris Wondolowski
• Christian Tiffert v Rafael Baca

How We're Watching
Beverage: Mojitos
Scarf: Heritage Scarf
Kit: I Gave My Full 90 T
Where I'm Watching: Casa de Rayl

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