The Seattle Sounders open up their Group Stage of the CONCACAF Champions League on the road. This is different from the other MLS teams that went 3-0-0 to start Round One, and it should not be overlooked. Over the past two season of the CCL, the Home advantage has been a massive 0.8125 goal advantage.
That means even a point tonight is huge. A win changes everything.
Scouting Report | Match Day Quick Reference Card
The keys to this game are simple
1 - Use the Height Advantage. It doesn't matter if Nate Jaqua starts or not. Seattle will be the taller team. Score a header and force that defense into a more traditional 5-3-2. And I know that isn't very traditional, but its closer than a 3-4-1-2.
2 - Get the Other Winger Into the Game Early. Whoever takes the pitch in the place of Zakuani has to get involved early. Those touches can change how they feel about the game, about their teammates, and about themselves. Roger Levesque, Nate Jaqua or Miguel Montano all have distinct advantages. The one who starts must make an early declaration that they deserved it.
3 - Physicality doesn't Matter. Metapan tried it and it was laughable. Seattle is used to getting fouled. Don't focus on that. The refereeing will suck. It doesn't matter. Put shots on goal and move on.
Fox Soccer Channel has the TV
97.3 FM Seattle has Radio
SoundersFC.com with streaming
But THIS IS YOUR GAMETHREAD
Tonight's beer pairing is Full Sail Brewing Limited #3. A classic pilsner. Likely margaritas later.
Tonight's scarf is from the Armed Services Group of the ECS.