In the past few years the Seattle Sounders have taken Sporting Kansas City through a variety of late winners. Games went from well in the hands of the Midwesterners to become talismanic performances by men who become cult heroes. Fucito, Parke, Rosales and Neagle all overcame odds and finished off a challenging side. Unless that history is in the heads of the Sporks nee Wizards it won't help this evening. It is performances tonight that matter.
One of those performances that could be key is that of Eddie Johnson. KC is a former team of his, which adds to the story, but more importantly, EJ's recent goals aren't coming in wins. His recent combinations with Fredy Montero have been with low throughballs rather than high crosses. If Seattle sticks to this system, particularly facing a replacement centerback in Lawrence Olum EJ7 doesn't just have a chance to score, he has an opportunity for a golden performance.
Sigi Schmid will need one or two golden men. Maybe for the first time since early 2009 when none of MLS knew how good Seattle could be the Sounders are underdogs. Sporting is a better attacking team, a better defensive team and is in a hot run of form. Their 4-3-3 is at a frenetic pace of high pressure and quick ground based attacks. At CAM Zusi is running their point well enough to get US National Team looks. Their fullbacks will get forward, but maybe less tonight due to an inexperienced CB being expected to start. How Seattle matches against a potent three forward set, specifically how the fullbacks guard the wingers will be something to watch on the evening.
For the Sounders tonight can be a chance at a return to the expected greatness that they had in their best start in their short MLS history, but it will be their most difficult home opponent of the MLS regular season that stands in the way.
The broadcast is on KONG 6/16 and 97.3 FM (KOMO2 & 99.3 in Spanish) at 7:00 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Scouting Report | Team Notes (pdf) | Tickets for Home Games
Team Statistics Matchups
|
Team |
Shots +/- |
Run of Play |
Dead Ball |
Net Strike Rate |
Net On Frame |
|
Seattle |
3.8 |
1 |
1 |
-0.6% |
0.4% |
|
Sporks |
5.9 |
10 |
1 |
3.0% |
1.4% |
Tactical Keys
- Return To Sigi's Game
- Respond To High Pressure With Crisp Passing
- Don't Wait For Late Winner
- Who Steps Up?
Player Matchups
- Eddie Johnson v Lawrence Olum
- Adam Johansson v Kei Kamara
- Osvaldo Alonso v Graham Zusi
How We're Watching
Beverage: Maibock
Scarf: 2012 Nos Audietis/Sounder at Heart (these are still available if you don't have one)
Kit: "Everything I have"
Where I'm Watching: Berliner Pregame Then Bus; Sec: 214
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum