Going up against Desert Diamond Cup hosts FC Tucson (PDL) may mean that the second XI gets a significant run by Sigi Schmid when Seattle Sounders FC play their first preseason match of 2015.
What to watch;
- Brad Evans at CB - This is our first chance to see how the Sheriff and the Marshall work together. Will this lead to more rapid transitions from defense to attack? How does Evans adapt to running an offside trap?
- Michael Azira, Andy Rose and Cristian Roldan as the "other CM." Pineda is clearly in the 1st XI. One of these three will be his partner until Alonso heals. Their strengths are varied. Azira is better at defending on the ground, Rose is better in the air and Roldan is probably the best passer of the group. Combining them would be ideal. That can't happen.
- Is the hydra fully active?
The Rapids, Sporting KC, RSL and New England competed in the DDC played earlier today. Seattle plays the Sporks on Saturday at 7 PM Pacific.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 8 PM (local), 7 PM Pacific
Venue: Kino North Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
TV: No TV
Online: MLSSoccer.com and their YouTube page
This is your 1st Sounders gamethread of 2015.