Some teams are defined by a key player or two, others by a system that lasts between coaches, in the Columbus Crew there is a team that was once a system/player team, but is now defined by its coach. No player sticks our as an anchor, particularly with their injuries. Robert Warzycha takes a little bit of tactics from his time with Sigi Schmid and supplements those with an attitude that is pure Crew - hard working team on a budget. It's a system that worked last year and probably should this, despite early struggles.
The Seattle Sounders have talent advantages, a more experienced coach and a clear statistical lead. The Sounders are better finishers and now have the attacking core together; we may even see an ideal XI for the first time as Brad Evans is likely to return. If that does happen it will almost certainly mean that every sub is used and early. Alvaro, Mauro and Eddie probably can't go 90 today and start this weekend. How Sigi adjusts at half and subs could define the game.
With the Crew having a thrown together lineup on a midweek game traveling from the East Seattle can push the speed of play and attack the enemy's goal. There are opportunities to score against the Crew. That means this year, not history. Columbus allows 36.7% of shots on frame and a strike rate against of 8.6%. While that second number is lower than league average, it is higher than Seattle's last couple of opponents. Push the game to them, wear them down and earn us a haircut.
The game is on KONG 6/16 and 97.3 FM (KOMO2 & 99.3 in Spanish) at 7 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Scouting Report | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets
Team Statistics Matchups
Team
Duels
Possession
Pass Completion Advantage
Shots +/-
Run of Play
Dead Ball
Strike Rate
Strike Rate Against
OnFrame %
OnFrame Against
Seattle
52.3%
49.9%
-0.7
2.1
6
1
10.6%
5.4%
30.3%
28.6%
Crew
49.1%
51.3%
1.7
-1.1
-2
-1
7.0%
8.6%
32.8%
36.7%
Tactical Keys
- Push The Tempo
- Enemy's Gate Is Down
- Communicate Counter Defense
- Adjust At Halftime
Player Matchups
- Alvaro Fernandez v Eddie Gaven
- Fredy Montero v Danny O'Rourke
- Eddie Johnson v Josh Williams
How We're Watching
Beverage: Gin & Tonic - Long week already
Scarf: 2012 Nos Audietis/Sounder at Heart
Kit: Established 2007 T
Where I'm Watching: 214
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