A team already weak on crosses will be without one of their fullbacks as Gabriel Farfan serves his final day of suspension. That same team will be without its coach as Peter Nowak also serves a suspension. This weakened Philadelphia Union side already struggles and their Saturday national TV match on NBCSN will be made more difficult by the poor decisions made two weeks ago. They were already going to be underdogs against the Seattle Sounders. Now, MLS fans around the nation will find out just how resilient the youngest team (Union) in MLS is.
For Sigi Schmid he still has some lineup choices ahead of him. It is clear that Bryan Meredith will get to start in place of Michael Gspurning. What isn't known is whether Patrick Ianni returns to the starting lineup as there is no clear need to displace either of Hurtado or Parke. Also unknown is if Mauro Rosales will start again. He could be rested to prepare for the Wednesday trip to Dallas. Could we see wide play of Alex Caskey and David Estrada as Seattle rests Alvaro Fernandez another match? Whatever the lineup choices, the Sounders will still have a stronger attack and a stronger defense than their opponent.
Tactically, the Sounders can win this game by using EJ7 as a hold up player. While the Union defense is pretty good, the combination of EJ7 and Montero is quite strong right now. When in doubt the team can pass the ball to the wings and dump it back into threatening spaces. The Union have given up four goals from crosses in the early season. As the Union are young, particularly at fullback, Seattle can use interchanges to surprise and challenge them. This body moving should lead to blown marking and some opportunities. On defense it will be incumbent on Meredith to get it together and lead his line.
The game is on NBC Sports Network & KIRO 97.3 FM (99.3 FM for Spanish) at 1:30 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets
Team Statistics Matchups
Team Duels Possession Pass Completion Advantage Shots +/- Run of Play Dead Ball Seattle 53.7% 48.5% -0.7 2.2 3 2 Union 49.3% 46.5% -2.1 -5.1 -4 -1
Tactical Keys
- Hold It, Now Hit It
- Pass the Mic
- Get It Together
- Body Movin
Player Matchups
- Mauro Rosales v Sheanon Williams
- Eddie Johnson v Danny Califf
- Leo Gonzalez v Freddy Adu
How We're Watching
Beverage: Margarita
Scarf: Nos Audietis 2012
Kit: Long Sleeve Shale Trainer
Where I'm Watching: Sec: 214
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum