Open Cup lineup light on 2016 starters, ambition

Zach Scott is captaining the type of lineup that is looking to rest the best Seattle Sounders players. While this is a US Open Cup quarterfinal it is clearly not the point of emphasis for Sigi Schmid and the team at this time. In total seven players have started an MLS game in 2016, but only Aaron Kovar has started a majority of possible MLS matches.

The side being fielded against the LA Galaxy includes 32 player-games started in 2016. The midfield is essentially an S2 midfield with Mathers-Sturgis-Farfan. The backline does have experience and has held its own in the Open Cup so far.

Tonight's @Delta Starting XI for #LAvSEA:

Miller

Fisher
Scott (C)
Alfaro
Remick

Mathers
Sturgis
Farfan

Kovar
Gomez
Anderson

— Sounders Matchday (@LIVESounders) July 21, 2016

Scoring duties will fall on Herculez Gomez, Oalex Anderson and Kovar. Combined they have 1 goal in all competitions this year.

The Galaxy squad is light in wide areas (based on MLS play) but strong in front of the box with regulars at centerback and the two central midfielders.

#LAGalaxy XI: Diop; Garcia, Steres, Leonardo, Romney; Husidic, De Jong; Lletget, Magee, Boateng; Gordon #LAvSEA pic.twitter.com/cWjfidPNoX

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 21, 2016

Sigi's bench is strong. If it is close late the likes of Evans, Morris, Joevin Jones and Roldan could make magic.

And then came...the BENCH: Frei, Mears, Evans, J. Jones, Roldan, Craven, Morris #LAvSEA

— Sounders Matchday (@LIVESounders) July 21, 2016

This might be the first time that Sigi has played a significantly weaker lineup in the Open Cup in his eight years with the Sounders. It is a huge gamble that could result in punting a trophy that is only three matches away for the attempt at a magical run in the second half of the season.