Sounders FC in their early MLS history end home streaks. First up was Columbus and then destroying the RioT of RSL. Next up is New York Red Bulls who are yet to lose in 2012 (5-0-2 +9) and ended with a three match regular season streak last year. There's also the little issue of 3 time zone travel that Seattle sports fans know so well. To beat Red Bull on national TV (ESPN at 1PM) the Sounders will need to be at their best.
New York under Hans Backe is a strong attacking team that wants to run a diamond but has the personnel for the bucket. This turns Frenchmen Thierry Henry into a playmaker and scorer (Montero says hello). Prior to injury he was stunningly effective. They are using a patchwork backline due to injuries that at times includes Rafa Marquez, though he should be a midfielder today. This is a team that scores early (19 goals in first half) and often (32 overall).
Sigi Schmid will counter with a forward pairing that is currently hotter than Cooper/Henry and back-to-form Mauro Rosales. The defense may get the benefit of the return of Michael Gspurning. Even with the Austrian back in the lineup it will be imperative of Osvaldo Alonso to shut down the ability of Henry to feed Cooper and then spring into dangerous space.
If there's one thing that's certain, there will be goals tonight. < /Inigo Montoya voice>
The broadcast is on ESPN (Healey & Twellman) and 97.3 FM (Gus Johnson & Kasey Keller) at 1:00 PM Pacific.
Pre Match Build-up: Three Questions | Scouting Report | Tickets for Home Games
Officials
REFEREE: Jorge Gonzalez
MLS Career: 81 games; FC/gm: 24.7; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 24; pens: 23
SAR (bench): Ian Anderson; JAR (opposite): Chris Strickland; 4th: John McCloskey
Team Statistics Matchups
|
Team |
Shots +/- |
Run of Play |
Dead Ball |
Net Strike Rate |
Net On Frame |
|
Seattle |
3.1 |
-1 |
3 |
-0.7% |
0.6% |
|
Red Bull |
-1.5 |
0 |
3 |
2.7% |
1.0% |
Tactical Keys
- Abuse Space Of Bucket With Secondary Runs
- Successful Attacks Up Left Flank
- Feed Eddie & Fredy
- Help Defense on Henry
Player Matchups
- Osvaldo Alonso v Thierry Henry
- Jeff Parke v Kenny Cooper
- Caskey/Fernandez v Le Toux/Barklage
How We're Watching
Beverage: Curve Ball
Scarf: 2012 Nos Audietis/Sounder at Heart
Kit: 2009 Long Sleeve Shale Trainer
Where I'm Watching: In Laws
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum