There was one rather significant surprise in the Seattle Sounders' First Kick starting lineup vs. Sporting Kansas City on Sunday: the absence of Tyrone Mears. The veteran right back was apparently absent from training on Saturday and is neither starting nor on the bench in this game. There has been no explanation given as of yet. (UPDATE: Mears apparently has a quad injury.)
Starting in place of Mears is Oniel Fisher, who made nine starts last year as a left back. Fisher, though, is a naturally right-footed player and had mostly played on the right side during his college career.
The only other change from the Sounders' CONCACAF Champions League games is Cristian Roldan in place of Erik Friberg, who was forced out of the second leg after colliding with Chard Marshall. Oalex Anderson and Dylan Remick are the additions to the bench.
Sporting Kansas City goes with a lineup that appears to be just about what you'd expect, with Dom Dwyer up top and being flanked by Graham Zusi and Connor Hallisey.
HELLO IT’S @SoundersFC LINEUP TIME.
— Sounders Matchday (@LIVESounders) March 6, 2016
Frei
Fisher
Evans (C)
Marshall
Jones
Alonso
Roldan
Ivanschitz
Morris
Valdez
Dempsey
DA BENCH: Miller, Remick, Scott, Sturgis, Kovar, Jones, Anderson
— Sounders Matchday (@LIVESounders) March 6, 2016
#SportingKC's first starting XI of 2016. #SEAvSKC coverage begins at 6pm @FS1 @FOXDeportes https://t.co/sSkhl4I2pP pic.twitter.com/AwpamdvPMY
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) March 6, 2016