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I'm not sure I entirely believe in the concept of a "trap game," but if one ever fit the bill, this is it. The Seattle Sounders are coming off a very tough stretch that saw them playing emotionally and physically draining games once or twice a week for about a month. They face a similar stretch coming up. Playing at home, fully rested on an afternoon that should have glorious weather against Chivas USA will undoubtedly look like the easiest games they'll play for quite some time.
Don't let that fool you, though, Chivas USA is a pretty solid team. Probably even more solid than their 7-8-8 record suggests. If you're thinking this is a good chance to get some players a little extra rest, think again. The Sounders are still in the Supporters' Shield race and if they hope to stay there, they'll need three points.
Our projected lineup reflects that mentality. Most of these spots seem pretty well locked up, except maybe who starts at forward alongside Fredy Montero. We're guessing Roger Levesque is back there, although it would be cool if O'Brian White could make an appearance. The other big question is who starts at center back next to Jeff Parke. We're projecting that Jhon Kennedy Hurtado is ready to go after playing in this week's reserve game.
The Chivas USA is pretty much what they've been using for the last several weeks, but it was provided to us by Alicia Ratterree of The Goat Parade. It seems like they've settled on a backline from right to left of Zarek Valentin, Michael Umana, Heath Pearce and Ante Jazic. Justin Braun appears to have finally displaced Marco Mondaini as the permanent starter and Alejandro Moreno has slid back in next to him after getting back from Copa America.
PDF: sounders-chivas 0813