Seattle Sounders FC preview vs D.C. United

By Money Mike



The Seattle Sounders return home from their Costa Rican trip as they play host to D.C. United. Last time these two sides met on May 4th, the Sounders had a chance to pull into a tie for first place in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but it just wasn't to be. Seattle came away with nothing as D.C. United struck twice and defeated the Sounders 2-1. While the Sounders try to at least hold on to the 2nd spot in the West, D.C. are in a huge fight for a playoff spot. As I've said before, every game at this stage is a must win game and the Sounders do have the tools to get the three points.


Injury report:

D.C. United - Let's take a look at the wounded D.C. players. Branko Boskovic has a torn ACL on this left knee and that will keep him out of this match. Chris Pontius suffered a right tibia fracture (yep, another player victimized) and that will rule him out for the remainder of the 2011 season. Jed Zayner is also out with a sprained left knee. Backup goalkeeper Steve Cronin has a strained right shoulder and he is listed as questionable. Also listed as questionable is Dejan Jakovic with a strained right hammie. GK Bill Hamid also has a strained hamstring and is listed as probable.

Seattle Sounders FC - For Seattle, a few new names added to the list as well as some information to take note of. Terry Boss of course is shut down for the rest of the year with a concussion. Mike Seamon is also done for the season after dealing with a lateral ankle tendon injury and you can also close the book officially on Steve Zakuani who suffered a fractured tibia and fibula from the Colorado away game on April 22. O'Brian White underwent a second blood clot surgery about a few weeks ago. He's not on the DL but he won't be back for a while, which is very very disappointing because this was supposed to be his breakout year, and he was off to a good start as well. Erik Friberg suffered a strained hip flexor last week in Seattle's 2-1 home loss to Real Salt Lake and is a game-time decision for this match, I don't want to take any chances, I'd leave him out of the lineup. Brad Evans just can't stay healthy, I don't know about this guy playing tomorrow. He is currently dealing with a strained hammie and is listed as probable. Ozzie Alonso didn't make the trip to Herediano during midweek due to an adductor strain, he is currently listed as probable.


Suspensions:

D.C. United - NONE

Seattle Sounders FC - For the Men in Rave Green. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado will be a big loss at the back. He picked up a red card last week after throwing a forearm at Alvaro Saborio (the referee felt for that bullshit). Servando Carrasco is also suspended for picking up his 5th yellow card of the season, this is the 2nd time he's had to surve a suspension this season.


Key matchups:

Fredy Montero vs Brandon McDonald - With Jakovic possibly out for the match, look for Montero to match up with former Earthquake defender Brandon McDonald who has seen him quite a bit and made some huge contributions since he was acquired by D.C. back in late June.

Charlie Davies vs Jeff Parke - Well this guy has just been the real deal for D.C. since recovering from that life threatening motorcycle accident. Charlie Davies has scored 11 goals this season in 20 appearances including a hat-trick last week on the road at Chivas USA. Jeff Parke was matched up against him in D.C. and I tell you what, looking back to that, this matchup should decide the factor in this game.