Sounders at Vancouver Whitecaps - Gamethread

As Sigi Schmid takes charge of his 400^th MLS game Seattle Sounders FC go for another road win in Cascadia Cup play. Vancouver Whitecaps FC is one of the stronger home sides in the league (5-0-3) and present a unique obstacle, because they also have a history of not performing against other sides from the Columbia Basin (winless since joining MLS). Passions run high in these matches, which reduces predictability and eliminates a bit of history. It is also why this is a national game on NBC Sports (TSN & RDS in Canada) at 8 PM Pacific.

Both sides are on short rest, but only one has significant dings due to the Gold Cup. Coach Martin Rennie will still put out a 4-3-3 variant, but the wide play will pull to one side as the absence of Teibert hurts his standard shape these days. That will almost certainly mean more one-on-one play for Rosales against Harvey and a generally empty flank. Seattle must own that opportunity. Sigi is still trying to discover how to get his three scorers on the field at the same time. If this is that match the successful path will include a lot of interchanging. If done well that should provide chances for EJ and Lamar, but they will also be asked to provide pressure in the crowded midfield. Vancouver will have more players there by structure, but the Sounders can fade back and provide help defense.

Eight PM tonight Cascadia Cup action takes to national attention again. May they meet a new King of Cascadia.

TV: NBC Sports (Strong/Earl) - they have streaming now
Radio: KIRO 97.3 FM (Fletcher/Keller)
Spanish Radio: La Gran D 99.3 FM (Aleman/Hernandez)

Referee: Hilario Grajeda - MLS Career: 88 games; FC/gm: 24.3; Y/gm: 3.4; R: 15; pens: 13
AR1 (bench): Bill Dittmar; AR2 (opposite): Baboucarr Jallow; 4th: Tyler Ploeger

Disabled List: SEA: Josh Ford, Steve Zakuani

Suspended: None
Suspended next yellow card: SEA: Eddie Johnson
Suspended next two yellow cards: VAN: Russell Teibert, Gershon Koffie

International Absences: VAN: Russell Teibert (CAN), Simon Thomas (CAN), Carlyle Mitchell (TRI)

Tactical Keys

• Take the empty flank
• Attacking interchange
• Crowd the outnumbered midfield
• Set-play defense

Player Matchups

• Michael Gspruning v Camilo Sanvezzo
• Obafemi Martins v Brad Knighton
• Mauro Rosales v Jordan Harvey

How We're Watching
Scarf: Nos Audietis 2012
Kit: 30^th Anniversary Hoodie (74-04)
Where I'm Watching: Friend's house

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