What You’ll Watch

The Seattle Sounders take a brief break from MLS play as they hit the road to take on Sacramento Republic FC of the United Soccer League in the fourth round of the 105th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. At least it’s not the Portland Timbers as their first opponent.

Seattle, as you all know, has struggled all season with a lack of scoring and an incredible amount of injuries. Maybe playing in a tournament that used to matter to them can ease some of the pain in this dire season.

Sacramento is third in the Western Conference with 24 points; a record of 7-3-3 (4-1-1 at home). Sacramento entered the U.S. Open Cup in the second round and promptly defeated San Francisco City FC 3-1 at home. In the third round, Sacramento defeated Reno 1868 FC on the road 1-0.

A Look at the Enemy

Last Five: W-L-W-L-W (USL)

Leading Scorer: Cameron Iwasa, five goals

Assist Leader: Villyan Bijev and Iwasa, three each

Things to Look At

• Early round Open Cup matches have traditionally been a chance for the Sounders to run out The Youth. With a number of promising youngsters in the ranks this should be a fun match to see some of the players who are closer to ready in a more results-based environment.
• With so many injuries there aren’t a large number of first teamers who have minutes to give. Who’s available and who’s given minutes should give us a bit of an inside track on the “plan” for this weekend’s DC United match.
• But why sign Chenkam only to drop him off the face of the earth? If he doesn’t start at forward, who will at this point - a one-legged Will Bruin? Lamar Neagle has reached the point where he probably shouldn’t be trusted against USL-level play, and it’s not like S2 was swimming in high-functioning forwards either. The same question rears it’s head, then, even at the opening round of the US Open Cup: from where do the forward play and goals come from?

How to Watch

Date/Time: June 6 @ 8:00 pm

Location: Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, CA

Streaming: soundersfc.com