Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United FC
1 p.m. PST Sunday, April 22, CenturyLink Field, Seattle
Records:
Seattle: 0-3-1, 1 point, -5 GD (12th in West)
Minnesota: 2-4-0, 6 points, -4 GD (8th in West)
Key injuries/absences:
The Sounders scored their first two goals of the MLS season last weekend, but their attack is still somewhat limited as striker Jordan Morris recovers from an ACL injury. Midfielder Victor Rodriguez is nearing a return from a knee injury, but may still be a week away from seeing any action. The MLS injury report as of April 20 also listed center back Kim Kee-Hee as out, while left back Waylon Francis and midfielder Harry Shipp were questionable. The biggest question mark might be Nouhou, who appeared to be playing hurt in last week’s outing in Kansas City. The Sounders might have to drastically alter their lineup if Nouhou or Francis can’t go at left back.
Minnesota is also missing a few players who would likely be in its first-choice 11. Midfielder Kevin Molino, who is tied for the early-season team lead with two goals, tore his ACL and is done for the season. Midfielder Sam Cronin is out, reducing the Loons’ physicality in the middle of the park. Right back Tyrone Mears and left back Marc Burch – both former Sounders – are also hobbling. Mears is listed as out and Burch was replaced due to injury during last week’s match at Portland, so it’s uncertain if he’ll be available.
Key players:
For the first time since its season opener, Seattle will enter a match without any suspended players. Clint Dempsey is eligible to return after a two-game red-card suspension and Kelvin Leerdam is expected to return to his starting role on the back line. Last week, the Sounders also benefited from the presence of veteran midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, who played his first minutes since September 2017. If Alonso starts in defensive midfield this week, it could mean pushing Cristian Roldan further upfield to bolster the attack. Roldan scored a sensational goal last week in a 2-2 draw at Sporting Kansas City.
The Loons haven’t exactly set the world alight with their offensive production, scoring eight goals in six games, but midfielders Ethan Finlay and Miguel Ibarra are capable of breaking opponents’ lines with the right runs and passes. They figure to improve throughout the season as Minnesota continues to incorporate forward Darwin Quintero, the club’s first-ever Designated Player signing, into the lineup. Last year’s scoring star, Christian Ramirez, has reportedly been benched in favor of youngster Abu Danladi. And the Loons may still have questions between the goalposts as veteran Matt Lampson has taken over.
Key stats:
40: The number of shutouts that goalkeeper Stefan Frei collected during his first four seasons in Seattle, a club record. The Sounders’ slow start – a 2-5-1 record and 12 goals allowed in all competitions – has hardly been a result of any poor play from Frei, but he has yet to get a clean sheet in MLS this season. That will surely be mission number 1 for the Sounders on Sunday.
31: The number of clearances the Loons forced last week from the Portland Timbers, compared to just 12 clearances for Minnesota. The Timbers won the match, 3-2, but putting the Sounders’ defense under similar pressure would go a long way toward helping the Loons earn some road points.
For the first time since its season opener, Seattle will enter a match without any suspended players. Clint Dempsey returns from a two-game red-card suspension.
For the first time since its season opener, Seattle will enter a match without any suspended players. Clint Dempsey returns from a two-game red-card suspension.
