Recap: Finally, the Sounders earn a point in 2018 league play. The rough match involved serious defensive errors by Nouhou, but there were many positives to take away. Schmetzer’s side earned a road win against the best team in the Western Conference, ended their goal drought and got their captain back.

The 2-2 draw was a fair, if frustrating, result. Down a DP, the highest paid HGP in history, two TAM players and starting two rookies, this could be considered a stolen point. In a rough season this is a good theft, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

Seattle’s next game is April 22 against Minnesota United on ESPN and in CenturyLink Field.

For the first time in 2018 the Seattle Sounders hold a lead in an MLS match. Cristian Roldan netted the go ahead goal.

Sadly Graham Zusi goes undefended by Nouhou and the lead disappeared just minutes later. Yes, that means both of KC’s goals are on Seattle’s left back.

Sporting KC took advantage of shaky defense by Nouhou to draw a penalty and finish it taking the 1-nil lead. Ilie Sánchez finished the kick from the spot.

It took until injury time during the first half for Sounders to open their goal account. Their 422 minute league drought is now over. Will Bruin tapped in a well placed flicked header from Chad Marshall. It was Nicolas Lodeiro’s looping throw after SKC cleared heavy pressure.

Over history this matchup between two of the West’s stronger sides goes Seattle’s way. The Seattle Sounders are 8-5-3 +1 against Sporting Kansas City, largely on the back of late winners. But in 2018 it is the Sporks with the better record (4-1-1 +3 vs. 0-3-0 -5) and the better fortunes.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer will be without many of his top talents. Injury and suspension took a preseason favorite and turned them into a bottom dweller. It is those late winners, even on the road, that give Sounders fans reason to hope. BBQ tears can flow again, if someone takes a spot on the mantle next to Neagle, Rosales, Parke, Fucito, Scott, Traore, Valdez.

Who can be a hero today? Who can be a hero forever?

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Seattle: Kim Kee-Hee and Jordan Morris are out. Alonso (R quad strain), Francis (R hamstring strain), Rodríguez (R knee sprain), and Shipp (R ankle sprain) are all questionable.

Sporks: Felipe Gutierrez (Hip Injury) is questionable.

No players are in danger of accumulation. Clint Dempsey and Kelvin Leerdam are suspended.

Drew Fischer is the center referee. His video assistant is Geoff Gamble.

nos audietis in somniis | nos audietis in alto

you will hear us in your sleep | you will hear us from the deep

this is our Sound

Keys to the Game:

• Crush the wings
• Dominate possession
• Win second balls, never quit
• Claim a space on the mantle

How I'm watching

Outfit: You will hear us throughout North America

Scarf: You will hear us / nos audietis

Where: Berliner Pub, Renton

North America will hear us

• $1

Available in multiple styles, cuts and colors.

• $1 at Web Community Tees

How to Watch

Match date/time: April 15, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Venue: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas

Online Streaming: Watch ESPN or ESPN+ (blackouts apply)

National TV: ESPN (Healey, Twellman)

Local Streaming: YouTube TV (Seattle & Spokane markets)

Local English Radio: 950 KJR-AM Seattle (Johnson, Keller)

Local Spanish Radio: El Rey 1360 AM (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Patia)

International TV

Asia: beIN Sports (Asia) | Australia: beIN Sports (Australia) | Europe: Eurosport | India: DSport / ATR Media | Middle East & North Africa: Abu Dhabi Sports | Singapore: Starhub | Sub-Saharan Africa: FOX Africa | Taiwan: Sportcast | United Kingdom: Sky Sports

Lineups

Sounders

Frei; Nouhou, Marshall, Torres, McCrary; Svensson, CRoldan; Bwana, Lodeiro, ARoldan; Bruin

Bench: Meredith, Alfaro, Delem, Alonso, Wolff, Neagle, Wingo

Sporks

Melia; Medranda, Besler, Opara, Zusi; Croizet, Sanchez, Espinoza; Salloi, Shelton, Russell

Bench: Zendejas, Sinovic, Amor, Lindsey, Lobato, Rubio, Fernandes

This story will be updated throughout the game.

This is Seattle Sounders at Sporks; watch with us