Even including results in non-MLS competition Seattle's record against the LA Galaxy is not good enough for Sounders fans. There is no other team that can clearly be argued as better than the one here. Both have three major trophies in the past three years, but LA's are more significant. They are roughly equal in CCL play. The margin in the regular season is pretty tiny. It is the MLS Cup Playoffs and in head-to-head battles where Landon Donovan and Bruce Arena's team is better.
The good news for Seattle Sounders fans is that three of the Galaxy's best players will not be at CenturyLink tonight. There will be no Josh Saunders, no Robbie Keane, no David Beckham. There's a tiny chance that Pat Noonan could even start over Edson Buddle or Chad Barrett. Beating that team will not get rid of any monkey. It will be a "six pointer." Because at the end of 2012 this one game in May will not determine which team had a better season, but the total records and who goes further in the Playoffs will.
Tonight, the Seattle Sounders FC have the opportunity to take advantage of LA's absences. Sigi Schmid's squad is healthier than it's been in weeks. He will have options he did not have in the 4-1-1 start. The Sounders will be younger, faster and more technical. They are a better set-play team, better defensive team and should be favored even against a full strength squad. The only matter standing in the way - the actual game.
The game is on KONG 6/16 & KIRO 97.3 FM (99.3 FM for Spanish) at 7 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | Lineup Questions | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets
Team Statistics Matchups
|
Team |
Duels |
Possession |
Pass Completion Advantage |
Shots +/- |
Run of Play |
Dead Ball |
|
Seattle |
53.8% |
48.7% |
-0.6 |
2.4 |
1 |
2 |
|
Galaxy |
53.3% |
50.7% |
-1.6 |
2.7 |
1 |
0 |
Compiled from Opta data for all available matches - Duels and possession are typical. Passing advantage is a plus/minus figure comparing the team's pass completion rate to the team it opposes. A 10 for Seattle would mean that it averages a 10 point advantage in passing over the opponent. Shot +/- is the team stat.
Tactical Keys
- Don't Foul In Dangerous Places
- Force DeLaGarza To Defend Bigs
- Use Speed Advantage
- Feed Fredy
Player Matchups
- Leo Gonzalez and left mid v Landon Donovan
- Mauro Rosales v Todd Dunivant
- Fredy Montero v Bill Gaudette
How We're Watching
Beverage: pre-Cinco Margerita
Scarf: Nos Audietis 2012
Kit: One Nation Under Sigi
Where I'm Watching: Temple (if you want a scarf let me know) pre/post - Sec: 214 during
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum