Deep in the heart of Texas is a little stadium with no name where FC Dallas plays some soccer. On most nights they have one of the strongest starting XIs in MLS. This night that won't be true. Instead, they will have a hodge-podge team heavy with players who are of Olympics age. The Seattle Sounders FC may rest a few players, but what they won't do is put out a lineup where the goal is a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. Sigi Schmid's cynicism is limited basically to playing in Mexico.
Instead the Sounders have an opportunity to get points against a team that pre-season was seen as a competitor for a non-Wild Card slot in the West. An early three points here could push that dream aside. After this week Seattle gets a mini-break and doesn't play a competitive game next week. Some of the lingering injuries or tired legs will be overcome with adrenaline and purpose.
How does Seattle win?* Have the newcomers or infrequent members of the starting XI "get it." They can order Animal Style too. They are part of the club now, just like everyone else. Seattle will have the flair advantage. They can use their better technical ability and go Deluxe. Defensively they will be a zonal team, but with man marking similarities especially if Brek Shea and Zach Scott matchup. Like a Taco Time Soft Taco, it doesn't matter what you call it. It works. Bryan Meredith will continue to step into the role as a starting keeper. A role that only good fortune has him playing. A role that has earned us Free Tacos 1.5 times and should again with a greatly diminished opposition attacking force.
The game is on KONG 6/16 (99.3 FM for Spanish, no English radio) at 5:30 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | GAM + Goleador | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets for Saturday
Team Statistics Matchups
|
Team |
Duels |
Possession |
Pass Completion Advantage |
Shots +/- |
Run of Play |
Dead Ball |
|
Seattle |
53.3% |
48.9% |
-0.4 |
3.3 |
4 |
2 |
|
Toros |
51.0% |
44.9% |
-3.6 |
-4.3 |
-8 |
2 |
Tactical Keys
- In-N-Out Animal Style
- Dick's Deluxe
- Taco Time Soft Taco
- Jack In the Box Tacos
Player Matchups
- Zach Scott v Brek Shea
- Fredy Montero v James Marcelin
- Eddie Johnson v George John
How We're Watching
Beverage: Hop Rod Rye Specialty Ale - Bear Republic
Scarf: Nos Audietis 2012
Kit: One Nation Under Sigi
Where I'm Watching: Home
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
* yes, this is a tribute to the In N Out v Dick's debate. Also Jeremiah and Dave's on going Taco Time fued. I couldn't force praise for the crisp burrito.