Seattle has had the hardest run of form of all teams in the MLS this season. Still without a win, the Sounders will be looking to capitalize on a beleaguered Rapids side that has still been able to put it together this season.
Historically, Seattle has been the better side, winning seven, drawing one, and losing one. This season has been far from typical for the Sounders, though, so Saturday is bound to be interesting.
Encouraged by finally having nearly all players in full training this week, Sigi Schmid will be feeling confident that his side will be able to finally secure three points and get their season under way. Last week’s draw at home against a struggling New England side did nothing but pile on the misery for Seattle, as the Washington-based side had also been vaulted from CONCACAF Champions League play.
Colorado are without their starting goalkeeper, two of their main midfield maestros and are now even without their goal-scoring rookie, Deshorn Brown, who was ruled out with a minor thigh injury when injury reports came out yesterday. Colorado’s injury list only continues to get longer, but the performances by Brown, Irwin, and company has allowed the Rapids to open up their first unbeaten streak of the season, currently sitting on two in a row coming into the match versus Seattle.
Seattle will be looking to counter the direct approach that Colorado has undertaken this season by solidifying their defense and keeping back line mistakes to a minimum.
What Seattle has been missing is their usual goal-scoring threat that they usually bring to the table. Zakuani and Johnson have failed to convert chances this season and the lack of a certain Fredy Montero in the side has left Seattle looking a little dry and barren going forward. Eddie Johnson is returning from a hamstring injury and Brad Evans is returning from a calf strain, so the option that the Sounders have going forward will be bulked up for this match.
However, Obafemi Martins, Seattle’s massive signing of the season, has had knee issues since joining and was kept to a limited training regimen since his blitz of games a few weeks ago. A healthy Martins would be a much-applauded reprieve for Seattle’s attacking needs, but Schmid will more than likely keep playing time limited while trying to let the Nigerian international regain fitness and form.
Kickoff is Saturday at 6PM EDT and will be shown live on MLS Live. If you’re on Twitter, follow along the action live by using the hashtag #COLvSEA.
