The Seattle Sounders face current Supporters' Shield leaders D.C. United tonight. While the Sounders have lost their last three games using a depleted lineup, D.C. United have gone 2-0-1 in their last three. But they are a team that can be beat. Both the Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers, two teams the Sounders recently faced, defeated D.C. earlier this season.
So what can we expect today? After reading our Scouting Report and Three Questions, join me in diving into the data to see what we uncover about both teams.
Player Updates
The Sounders still have a depleted lineup, but it might not be as bad as previous matches. Clint Dempsey, Brad Evans, and Marco Pappa are with their national teams preparing for the Gold Cup. Obafemi Martins is still injured, but progressing at a nice pace. It sounds like Osvaldo Alonso could be back today, while left back Leo Gonzalez is questionable with an adductor strain. WHAT IS IT WITH SOUNDERS PLAYERS AND ADDUCTOR STRAINS?
D.C. United has its fair share of absences as well. Defender Sean Franklin is out. Chris Pontius, who has scored three goals against the Sounders, is dealing with a calf injury. Bill Hamid, a current contender for goalkeeper of the year, has a right index finger injury.
Interesting Stats
Seattle leads the series with D.C. United at 6-2-4, and the Sounders are unbeaten against D.C. at home, allowing just two goals in six meetings.
D.C. and Seattle both take a relatively low number of shots, but have strong goal conversion rates: 13% for the Sounders and 10% for D.C. United. The teams also are tied for the best goal differential in the league, at 6.
The Sounders need to be disciplined as they come into the second half, as D.C. United leads the MLS in goals scored in the second half. In fact, 15 of their 23 goals have come after halftime. The "Other Washington" team has also allowed the fewest goals in the second half, giving up just 0.30 goals on average after the 45th minute.
Lastly, Zach Scott celebrated his 35th birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday, ZSMM!
Onto the infographic!
