Times are not bright. It is cloudy, cold and rain is expected. The Seattle Sounders are down three goals and one of their MVP candidates is out for the game. Real Salt Lake doesn't get blown out with a healthy roster. It is a very Seattle day.
It isn't a very Sounders day though. Three straight US Open Cups, 63 regular season points, three straight MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, success in the CONCACAF Champions League. 6-2 over Columbus. 4-1 over Comunicaciones. That's all that Seattle needs to do.
Sigi Schmid, his eleven starters and three subs just need to play the best game they have in their brief MLS' lives. There will need to be tactical shifts, but just minor ones. There will be lineup changes, but that isn't the key. The incredibly deep offense, the two active MVP candidates, and the Keeper of the Year candidate all just need to be at their best.
On short rest this team is quite good. Three of the four blowout wins are in similar circumstances. Salt Lake's three blowout losses are all after short rest. There's reason for hope. But there is no reason for fans to be confident. Prepare for epic, whether that epic is Star Wars or the Charge of the Light Brigade will be decided by the players on the field. The easiest way that happens is a hatrick with an extra goal and a shutout. #HaircutsAndTacos
The game is on ESPN2, ESPN3.com (national) and 97.3FM with Arlo White on the call at 7:00 PM
Pre Match Build-up: Lineup Card | Five Questions | Scouting Report | Two More Questions | Lineup Changes
Opposing Look at RSLSoapBox
Tactical Keys
- Dominate Possession
- Attack the Ball
- Attack the Goal
- Play Sigi's Game
Player Matchups
- Fredy Montero v Nick Rimando
- Mike Fucito v Chris Schuler
- Osvaldo Alonso v Javier Morales
Beverage: Brougham Bitter at Temple Billiards
Scarf: Nos Audietis
Kit: #ChurchOfFucito v2.0 "Everything I Have"
Where I'm Watching: 214
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep