Osvaldo Alonso expected to play in MLS Cup

Everyone in Seattle more than likely held their collective breaths when they all saw Colorado Rapids left back Marc Burch clatter clumsily into Osvaldo Alonso. You probably held your breath a little longer seeing Ozzie grab his knee.

Alonso tried to soldier on but was subbed out a few minutes later. After getting back to Seattle and having an MRI done, head coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed earlier reports that Alonso had a slight knee sprain when he spoke with the media on Wednesday.

“He’s had an MRI, it’s a slight knee sprain, I expect him to play. He’s waited for this for a long time. I don’t think much could keep him from playing in that game.”

“The final test would be a training day, but with Ozzie it could be a game time decision, Jordan the other day was a game time decision."

Schmetzer also spoke about Brad Evans’, Erik Friberg’s and Nelson Valdez’s chances of playing.

“They are doing everything humanly possible to get on the field to play. And if they are able to, I’ll put them on the field.”

Alonso’s fellow defensive midfielder Cristian Roldan, one half of Jorstian Mordan, also spoke about Alonso.

“I think he’s prepared to put everything on the line for this game. He’s got eight years with the Sounders, he’s not going to miss it for the world. We have high expectations for our game play, but Ozzie is a big reason why we play so well."

There are nine days until MLS Cup at BMO Field in Toronto. Alonso may not be 100 percent by the time the game rolls around, but I have a feeling nothing will keep him off the field for the most important game of his Sounders career.