Sounders hit the road for the first time this season as they take on D.C. United

By Money Mike


After taking six points out of nine in their first three matches of the season (all at home) the Seattle Sounders get set to play their first road match of 2012 as they invade the nations capital. The Sounders take on D.C. United today at 4:30pm. The Sounders are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 1-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes. D.C. are coming off their first win of the season, winning 4-1 at home last week against FC Dallas. Maicon Santos scored two goals in that match and Dwayne De Rosario who has yet to score this season picked up two assists. The Sounders are 4-2-1 all time against D.C. including their U.S. Open Cup final victory in 2009 which was the first of three in a row for the Men in Rave Green.


Injury report:

Seattle Sounders FC - For the Sounders, Eddie Johnson who's been dealing with a right hip strain looks like will be good to go for tomorrows match. I expect him to be on the bench to start this one. Adam Johansson missed the last two matches with a strained left hamstring. Right now there's about a 50/50 chances he'll return. I don't expect Mauro Rosales to return until next Saturday when the Sounders return home to face the Colorado Rapids. He suffered a knee injury in the season opener against Toronto FC.

D.C. United - For D.C., Ethan White is out after having surgery on his right knee. Rookie Lance Rozeboom has a torn left ACL and he is out. Bill Hamid sprained his left ankle while he was with the U.S. U-23 national team in their bid for the 2012 Olympics (which was unsuccessful). He is listed as questionable, expect Joe Willis to get the start in net. Dejan Jakovic, Kurt Morsink and Josh Wolff are all listed as probable.


Key matchup:

Danny Cruz vs Marc Burch - Well Burch will have his work cut out for him against his former team. Going up against one of D.C. United's offseason acquisitions Danny Cruz. We've seen what Danny Cruz can do with his left foot, he loves to cut inside which is where he's dangerous. It's a question of how Burch will fare against a young talented player like Cruz.