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Sigi Schmid and his Seattle Sounders have not won in Texas yet. Not against the Houston Dynamo, nor against Saturday night's opponent FC Dallas. It isn't that the sample size is huge, but as the season progresses it becomes more clear that the Toros and Sounders are likely to face off in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and if confidence matters getting a win during the regular season will help towards that. Dallas will have a weakened defense as George John is sitting out due to an Ejection in his last MLS match.
Facing the make-shift backline is the likely continuation of the Mike Fucito & Fredy Montero pairing up top. While that pairing didn't score when these two sides last faced off, it did create chances against the full strength defense. The Sounders created more chances (12 to 6 by PowerStats101) and more opportunities (43 to 15). The small-small worked, in everything but the scoreline. The key will be conversion. Last time conversion was limited not just by Kevin Hartman's 4 saves, but also by the 6 blocks from his outfield players. But all signs in that last match were that if Seattle played every game like that they would win a lot more than they lose. Tonight should follow that rule, and not be another exception of playing well but losing.
The game is on KONG at 6PM, but with NO RADIO due to the Seahawks pre-season game. Arlo White has the call.
Pre Match Build-up: Projected Lineup | Fucito means changes to midfield? | Weather concerns
BigDSoccer for opposing info
Tactical Keys
- Pass to the Feet
- Throughball and Flick-Ons Rather than Punts
- Always Know Where Brek Shea Is
- Backline Communication Regarding Unconventional Formation
Player Matchups
- James Riley v Brek Shea
- Fucito/Montero v Ihemelu/Loyd
- Erik Friberg v Daniel Hernandez
Statistics
| Traditional | Goals | Assists | Save % | GAA |
| Toros | Shea (10) | Jacobson (5) | Hartman (68%) | Hartman (1.04) |
| Sounders | Montero, Fernandez (6) | Rosales (7) | Keller (73%) | Keller (1.08) |
| Additional | PP90 | Set-Play | Run | Team Shot +/- 90 | Team ShOG +/- 90 |
| Toros | Shea (0.89) | GD +8 | -2 | 3.40 | 0.52 |
| Sounders | Montero (0.93) | GD +2 | +6 | 1.44 | 0.64 |
Beverage: Cascadia Rising
Scarf: Nos Audietis
Kit: #ChurchOfFucito v 1.0
Where I'm Watching: Mother-in-law's House
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep