The Seattle Sounders will host Western Conference foe, the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at CenturyLink Field. The Sounders are coming off an impressive 3-0 win at home over the defending Eastern Conference Champions, New England Revolution. The Earthquakes lost 1-0 on the road to FC Dallas after a stoppage time goal from Blas Pérez.
It first must be noted that the Sounders played against a Revolution team that was missing two of their best players in Lee Nguyen and Jermaine Jones. When a team is missing two MVP caliber players, it’s not an easy task to play against the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners. That being said, the Sounders looked pretty impressive.
Star strikers Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey looked like they didn’t take any time off during the offseason. These two players play extremely well together and if they both stay healthy, it’s going to be a very long year for the rest of the league. The Sounders were missing their third designated player in Osvaldo Alonso as he is still recovering from offseason surgery. The midfield didn’t really miss a beat without him on the pitch. Michael Azira did a decent job taking his spot.
Brad Evans, mister “I can play anywhere”, played center back for the Sounders. He has filled in at the position before, most recently last May when center back Djimi Traore went done with an injury against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He made a few mistakes, one that almost cost the Sounders a goal, but for the most part played well next to Chad Marshall. Evans gives the Sounders a reliable player on the back line that can pass the ball well. Newcomer Tyrone Mears played well also as he notched his first career MLS assist on Martins header in the 41st minute.
This is not the same Earthquakes that use to be so dangerous and “never say die”. Alan Gordon is no longer with the team as he was traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy last year. They still have Chris Wondolowski, Cordell Cato and Steven Lenhart. Since 2012, the Earthquakes have had success against the Sounders, going 6-2-1 in nine meetings. San Jose’s six wins against Seattle since 2012 is the most against any opponent during that time span. Another thing to keep an eye on will be Wondolowski. He has seven career goals against Seattle, three more than any other player in MLS history. It is safe to say that he is a Sounders killer.
Defenders Clarence Goodson and Jordan Stewart did not play last week and their status for this week is still up in the air. Forwards Mark Sherrod and Lenhart will both be out for this game as they are recovering from knee surgeries. The Sounders will still be without Alonso.
The Sounder back line already looks much improved. Yes, it’s only been on game, but there is a good feeling in the air. This writer is not sure if having Goodson and Stewart will help the Earthquakes at this time. It should be another easy victory for the Sounders as the boys in Rave Green win 3-1.