By Giordan Bonanno
After three straight positive results in all competitions, the Sounders are looking to finally turn the corner on their disappointing season, and a win against the LA Galaxy on Saturday could do just that. Entering the week in ninth place in the West and seven points out of a playoff position, Seattle will be looking to not only send a message to the rest of the league but also give their playoff hopes new life.
Luckily for the Sounders, they will be able to put a mostly full strength team on the field. After leaving the West Ham friendly late in the game with what appeared to be a minor injury, Jordan Morris has been cleared by Sigi Schmid, along with Chad Marshall who has passed the concussion protocol and is expected to start. Clint Dempsey should be well rested for the match as well after sitting out last week against Toronto FC. The only question mark for the Sounders appears to be captain Brad Evans, who Sigi Schmid stated will be a “game-time decision”.
Although the Galaxy sit fourth in the West and are never an easy team to play, they have managed only one win in their last eight games; last week’s 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Unfortunately, those results are a rather misguided as they were missing key players such as Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes due to international call-ups for a majority of that period. With both players back, LA will be traveling also with a nearly full strength team, missing only midfielder Nigel de Jong due to his red card suspension from last week. In what will be the first of three match-ups between the two teams, this match will present a huge challenge for the Sounders.
Although it may be tempting for the Sounders to push hard for a goal, it is important that the team plays conservatively. With the statistically worst offense in the league, Seattle will have a hard time finding goals in this match, therefore their best bet is to play to zero and hopefully take advantage of the few opportunities that come their way. LA will be goal dangerous no matter how well Seattle plays defensively and so it is vital that the team maintains their composure and limit the Galaxy’s chances.
Prediction: Seattle 1 – LA Galaxy 2
Keane (Gerrard) 20′
Dempsey (Morris) 55′
Dos Santos (Keane) 75′
Seattle Sounders FC
