Just a few days ago we didn't know if this match would happen or not. Now with the new collective bargaining agreement in place, we can talk about what is important. Can the Seattle Sounders repeat as Supporters' Shield winners? Can the New England Revolution repeat the magic that was the 2014 season?

The 2014 MLS offseason was not a really busy one for the Sounders when it came to player movement, well at least on the receiving new players’ side. The Sounders lost a lot of veterans in goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and Djimi Traore. They also lost USMNT right back DeAndre Yedlin who left the team on a transfer to play for Barclay's Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspurs.

The Revolution lost a few players in the expansion draft and also learned a few weeks ago that they would be without the services of Jermaine Jones as he recovers from surgery for a sports hernia. That is the key for the Sounders, Jones not being in this match.

You know the old saying, numbers never lie and they don't in the case of how important Jones is to the Revolution. After Jones' arrival at the end of August, the Revolution had a record of they have a 9-1-1 as they head into the 2014 MLS Playoffs. It's almost save to say that without Jones, the Revs would not have made the playoffs.

The last time these two squared off was on Mother’s Day last year and the Revs absolutely embarrassed the Sounders 5-0. After 41 minutes, the Sounders were down 4-0 and you could tell that the team was defeated. 

To say that the Sounders might have a little revenge on their minds would be misleading. If one was to speak with the players, a few might say they have forgotten about it or that it doesn't matter as it is a new season. They are correct. Last year’s game has no effect on this year’s game and but teams are completely different than last year, well kind of different.

It was previously mentioned that Jones would not be playing due to surgery and it is only right to mention that the Sounders will be missing one of their keys players to injury as well. Designated Player Osvaldo Alonso also had surgery a few weeks ago and will still need a few weeks to recover from it. Ozzie makes the Sounders go. There is a drastic difference when he is not in the game. Alonso controls the midfield and makes life miserable for other team’s attackers. It will be vital to see who can step up and fill that role.

The Sounders are 5-1 in season openers in their career and they all have come against Eastern Conference teams. After Sunday night they will improve that record to 6-1 and start the 2015 MLS season of on the right foot. 

Their is one question that remains to be asked. Which new kit do the Sounders wear on Sunday night? Their new Rave Green with pinstripes or their all new white kits with green trim?

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About the author
Chris Blakely
Chris is an American sports journalist based out of Seattle, Washington. Co-Editor of the soccer section of VAVEL USA. He also is the leading editor of VAVEL USA's NWSL section.