Facing a team that fell well short of their goals for the season the Seattle Sounders have the opportunity to have essentially an intense scrimmage to prepare themselves for the coming MLS Cup Playoffs. It isn't that Chivas USA has been bad per se, just not mediocre enough to sneak in the playoffs. Their goal differential on the year is an even zero and plus four at home. Their relatively solid defense grants the Sounders an opportunity to finalize playing time decisions for the upcoming Western Conference Semi-Finals.
The Seattle defense though does have specific issues to work on in this game. Mistaken passes in the backline, attempts at offside traps and set-play lapses that have occurred recently must be stopped prior to the Playoffs. The Goats are good at crossing the ball and scoring (11 goals, +6 GD) which should help refine those points of need. They aren't a good set-piece team (9 goals for, +1 GD) but real practice is already better.
In the end this game is good for three things - permanent records of greatness, refining the few weak areas the Sounders have and staying healthy and fit. There's no lineup card, because so many different angles could occur for both teams. The projections would be less than guesses. There are small battles at two starting roles. Mike Fucito and Sammy Ochoa can use this match to show who gets the 60+ minutes starting (though that may still be a tactical choice), while Leo Gonzalez' and Tyson Wahl's 50/50 battle for starts has to be settled prior to the short Playoff run. At the end of the evening Seattle will know it's first round opponent. Real Salt Lake v the Portland Timbers and FC Dallas at the San Jose Earthquakes will determine when and where Seattle plays next weekend.
The game is on KONG 6/16 and 97.3FM with Arlo White on the call at 7:30 PM
Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions
Tactical Keys
- Prevent Wide Service
- Never Lose a Marker
- Continue Montero's Scoring Streak
- Stay Healthy and Fit
Beverage: Brougham Bitter
Scarf: Nos Audietis
Kit: #ChurchOfFucito v1.0
Where I'm Watching: Mad Pizza
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep