Seattle has played Chivas USA twice this season and lost both times by a combined 3-0 score. Will this be the match that the Sounders finally score a goal against Chivas? Will they win? We shall find out Saturday.
In the first meeting on April 18, both teams were 2-0 for an early season clash of the unbeatens. Kasey Keller was out for a red card he received in the previous match. Chris Eylander made his first start but was beaten twice, once in the 32nd minute on an own goal and then in 84th minute by Chukwudi Chijindu on a sliding stab of a cross from Bojan Stepanovic.
In the second meeting on June 6th, Chivas scored the lone goal of the match in the 39th minute. Kasey Keller made a diving save on a shot from Paulo Nagamura but couldn’t control the ball so Eduardo Lillingston was able to tap it into the back of the net.
In both matches, Chivas USA was able to control the ball, keeping Seattle on the defensive. They were also the first team to employ the "Beat Up Fredy Montero" strategy that put him off his game. Montero has shown the ability to overcome that now so it shouldn't be a factor anymore.
Now both teams are in the playoffs but only separated by a single point. A win for either team impacts the playoff positioning although the tiebreaker would go to Chivas as they have won the season series with Seattle thanks to the two earlier wins.
Starting lineups and bench for Seattle will be (in a 4-1-3-2 formation): Kasey Keller - James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Tyrone Marshall, Leo Gonzalez - Osvaldo Alonso -, Brad Evans, Freddie Ljungberg, Steve Zakuani - Nate Jaqua, Fredy Montero. Substitutes: Sebastien Le Toux, Patrick Ianni, Peter Vagenas, Roger Levesque, Terry Boss, Zach Scott, Nathan Sturgis, Tyson Wahl
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
I've got my ticket and alarm set (a noon match!)
The Sounders are playing well and better sock it to Chivas. Sounders FC played well in the earlier two games and kept it tough. They are a better team now, possibly picking up some style from the Chelsea and Barcelona matches earlier in the season.
The usual 30,000+ fans in the stands will be making noise.
btw, the Sounders don't have a choice. They have to take this season to the MLS Cup. since the game will be played in Seattle (chosen Cup site this year), it would be good if they were in the final since we are hosting the match!
2 - Douglas Mays
Russ, do you have any stats on how many Sounders FC jerseys have sold? It is amazing at these games how many people in the stands are wearing them.
At $70 a shirt, they have probably brought down $3million or so, so far. Macy's ran out of stock early in the season.
3 - Douglas Mays
Ah geez... 0-0 draw. not a boring game. The Chivas goalkeeper was the result. Kell in goal for Sounders could have just slept. Sounders kept attacking Chivas on goal all day...
I skip taking the #522 bus to the stadium because it is usually SRO with Rave Green jerseys. So I get the #41 local. SRO with Rave Green within about 5 stops after I get on.
Good game, picking up 3 point instead of 1 would have been nice.
UW saved the day for me at least.