What You’ll Watch

The Seattle Sounders will look to continue their push for the playoffs when they host the Houston Dynamo Monday night at CenturyLink Field. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday but was moved to Monday due to the Seattle Seahawks game on Sunday. This is the first of two meetings between the two teams this season.

Houston is still mathematically in the hunt for the playoffs but a loss will more than likely eliminate them. They are currently sitting in tenth place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 9-13-8 (36 points in 30 games played; 1.17 ppg). The Sounders are sitting in fifth place with a record of 14-11-5 (47 points in 30 games played; 1.57 ppg).

Last time out, Seattle decimated the Colorado Rapids 4-0 at home while the Dynamo beat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-2.

A Look at the Enemy

Last Five: L-W-D-W-W with 12 goals scored and seven goals conceded

Leading Goal Scorer: Mauro Manotas, 15 goals (six on road)

Assist Leader: Romell Quioto, 11 assists (three on the road)

Injury Report, Suspensions and International Duty

Houston

Out: Philippe Senderos (hamstring injury), Eric Alexander (left hamstring injury), Jared Watts (right hip injury) and Mac Steeves (hip surgery)

Questionable: Leonardo (right adductor injury)

Suspensions: N/A

International Duty: Romell Quioto, Alberth Elis

Seattle

Out: Jordan Morris (torn ACL), Felix Chenkam (herniated disc), Harry Shipp (right hamstring strain) and Brad Smith (right hamstring strain)

Questionable: N/A

Suspensions: N/A

International Duty: Raul Ruidiaz (Peru), Gustav Svensson (Sweden) and possibly Lodeiro and Delem

Match Officials

REFEREE: Drew Fischer

AR1: Chris Wattam

AR2: Ian Anderson

4th: Alejandro Mariscal

VAR: Allen Chapman

What to Watch

Dynamo System

While Houston is known for playing with width and dominating set pieces, they will have to focus on the latter, as their best two wingers are absent. This could force their coach to adapt his system significantly despite the heavy use of rotation.

Any team that is dominate on set pieces always stands a chance, particularly on a wet night in October. Bounces from a surface that’s suffered from a massive concert and a Seahawks game will be less true than typical. So, while Seattle will dominate the air, the nature of the surface combined with Dynamo’s strong dead ball play will create a challenge.

Look for plenty of long balls feeding Mauro Manotas. He is their top scorer and he will be on a lonely island. This bodes well for a Seattle team that doesn’t lose any of their centerbacks to national team duty. But it is also the best chance for Houston to draw a foul to power their attack.

Quick Keys

• Adapt the offense. Seattle will be lacking their best goal scorer. Early in the season that meant stagnation and little hope. With the injuries and absences it will be key for Victor and Will to power an attack that is lacking.
• Allow shots from distance. Houston is lacking their two dangerous scorers. The remaining talent is best on the counter, so Sounders should shrink away and allow them space to operate 20-35 yards out.
• Glory comes to those who come through. Heroes are those that step up when needed. Monday night needs heroes. If Seattle is to host a playoff game this is nearly a must win. To make the playoffs a point is vital.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Monday, October 8 @ 7:30 pm

Location: CenturyLink Field — Seattle, Washington

TV: JOEtv

Streaming: YouTube TV

Radio: 950 KJR AM (English), El Rey 1360AM (Spanish)