Rainy preparations for Seattle as Wednesday playoff looms

The Seattle Sounders were right back onto the training pitch today, less than 12 hours after their 3-1 home win over Real Salt Lake. Coach Sigi Schmid admitted the advantage that the Sounders have over Wednesday's playoff opponent, the Los Angeles Galaxy, since the Sounders didn't have to travel for either of their matches while the Galaxy only got back to Los Angeles from Kansas City last night and will be flying to Seattle tomorrow.

The health of the squad is the same as it was going into Sunday's match, with the only question mark being Osvaldo Alonso, who appeared to limp off during Sunday's match. Schmid said that they should know more on Alonso's status later today or tomorrow, so it sounds like he'll be a gameday decision.

Most of Sunday's starting XI practiced indoors today, with the rest of the squad training in the chilly rain in Tukwila. Lamar Neagle, who was not in the matchday squad on Sunday, has no injury and was left out due to coach's decision.

Schmid acknowledged the Sounders' history with the Galaxy, especially last year's playoff elimination due to away goals. But he also stressed the Sounders have a good home record, especially against the Galaxy, with the last meeting in Seattle ending in dramatic fashion due to Chad Barrett's late equalizer.

The Sounders will have a much more complete team than that last meeting, as well as (hopefully) having Alonso, who missed out on playoff matches against the Galaxy for the last two years. As for the Sounders having an advantage over Los Angeles due to the latter's recent record, Schmid said "you can throw all that stuff out the window when it comes time for the playoffs."