Seattle Sounders Coach Sigi Schmid returns to the land where he last won the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield, a land that he likes. The Sounders have done quite well against the Columbus Crew, not yet losing and even winning one of their two Lamar Hunt US Open Cups against the Yellows. While Robert Warzycha's team has significantly changed personnel, and wasn't expected to be a challenger this season, they have followed a Sigi profile building from the back winning through defense and one or two impressive offensive players. Tactically they are what Seattle has been when healthy.
Seattle continues to adjust to the losses of Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White and are on the back-end of a double week with minor injuries and fitness issues effecting the lineup and formation that has been used. A big-small pairing up top may be difficult, and the midfield could be anything from a diamond, the CDM/CM, or even a bucket. However Sigi and staff choose it will be a grouping that is inexperienced together trying to claw their way to a goal or two.
The Sounders will wear their new Shale alternate kit for the first time this afternoon.
Today's game is on KONG 6/16/106 and KIRO 97.3FM at 4:30 PM
Build-up to Match Day:
Opposing Looks
Statistics
|
Traditional |
Goals |
Assists |
Save % |
GAA |
|
Crew |
Renteria (3) |
Duka (2) |
Hesmer (77%) |
Hesmer (0.71) |
|
Sounders |
Evans (4) |
Rosales (3) |
Keller (72%) |
Keller (1.00) |
|
Advanced |
PP90 |
Shot +/- |
Team Shot +/- 90 |
Team ShOG +/- 90 |
|
Crew |
Renteria (1.58) |
Burns (4.05) |
3.29 |
0.43 |
|
Sounders |
Evans (1.32) |
Ianni (5.40) |
4.50 |
1.78 |
|
Opta |
Duels Won % |
Passing % |
Opp Pass % |
Possession |
|
Crew |
52.7 |
77.5 |
73.2 |
53.3 |
|
Sounders |
51.4 |
72.0 |
74.7 |
49.2 |
Tactical Keys
- Generate space through ball movement for Montero to be Fredy Montero
- Prevent wide play on defense for the easy entry ball
- Have patient centerbacks that don't enter attack until the score is +1 for Sounders
Player Matchups
- Patrick Ianni v Emilio Renteria
- James Riley v Robbie Rogers
- Alvaro Fernandez (or other LM) v Sebastian Miranda
This is your gamethread
Beer: drinkless for this one
Scarf: Nos Audietis (~20 left contact Jeremiah)
Kit: Shale Trainer 2009
Where I'm Watching: On Radio and via Twitter
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep