Seattle Sounders FC preview vs Real Salt Lake

By Money Mike



After a much needed break, the Seattle Sounders hit the pitch as they host Real Salt Lake. Kickoff time is at 1pm and will be televised on KING 5 and on Radio at 97.3 KIRO FM. The Sounders are coming off a weeks rest after playing 8 matches in all compititions in the month of August in which the Sounders finished 7-0-1. The last time these two clubs met was on May 25th at Rio Tinto Stadium aka The Fortress (at least until that match ended), where the Sounders ended RSL's 29 game unbeaten streak at home in MLS play by defeating them 2-1. Patrick Ianni and Lamar Neagle were the goalscorers in that one for the Sounders. Now with the Sounders attack stronger than ever, RSL's defense is going to be under so much pressure with the creativity coming from Mauro Rosales and Fredy Montero, the speed of Lamar Neagle and also pressure coming from the central midfield with Erik Friberg and Ozzie Alonso.


Injury report:

Real Salt Lake - God damn, look at this list. Chris Agorsor is out. Nelson Gonzalez, Javier Morales and Chris Wingert, also out. Kyle Reynish is doubtful. Robbie Russell is listed as questionable. Jean Alexandre, Kyle Beckerman, Fabien Espindola, Ned Grabavoy, Jamison Olave, Nick Rimando and Alvaro Saborio are all listed as probable.

Seattle Sounders FC - For the Men in Rave Green, one new player listed on here. Backup goalkeeper Terry Boss suffered a concussion last weekend on international duty with Puerto Rico and has been shut down for the rest of the season. Steve Zakuani still rehabing from that ugly injury. Just a question if he'll be back at all by the time the playoffs begin. Mike Seamon is also out. O'Brian White, also questions about him being back this season. I tell ya what, setbacks are never pretty.


Key matchups:

Lamar Neagle vs Tony Beltran - The Sounders should come right at the defense right away at the start of kickoff. Lamar Neagle coming off a hat-trick a couple weeks ago against Columbus, I don't think Tony Beltran will have a chance to get forward.

Mauro Rosales vs Chris Schuler - Just like Beltran at right back, Schuler is gonna have some nervous moments going up against Mauro Rosales who has 5 goals and 9 assists. It's gonna be a long day for Schuler and his teamates.