SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
BECKHAM and DONOVAN invade Seattle to kickoff MLS season.....930ET ESPN
TV info
9:30 pm ET; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com, Live Chat on MLSsoccer.com
Game intro
Last season’s Supporters’ Shield-winning LA Galaxy travel north to kick off the 16th MLS season against the US Open Cup holders Seattle Sounders FC. A raucous Seattle crowd will greet the Galaxy, who have been stellar at Qwest Field so far. Their 2-0-1 all-time record includes the refund-inducing 4-0 trouncing last season.
“There’s a lot at stake because obviously they are the team that knocked us out of the playoffs, so we want to come out and we want to play well for that reason,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said.
The Sounders, who have set MLS attendance records in each of the past two seasons, are hosting the league's season opener for the third consecutive season.
Seattle Sounders FC
A sense of urgency has pervaded Seattle’s preseason as the expectations have risen in the franchise’s third year. Schmid presides over a roster bolstered in the offseason by the arrivals of Erik Friberg (BK Häcken, Sweden) and O'Brian White (Toronto FC).
Injury concerns have hit Seattle, who saw starters Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans limp off the field in the club’s final preseason match. If Zakuani were unable to go, his loss would be especially disappointing as he has been Seattle’s best player against the Galaxy.
LA Galaxy
There have been some changes in the City of Angels. With Edson Buddle leaving in the offseason to try his hand in the German 2.Bundesliga, Bruce Arena brought in Juan Pablo Angel (formerly of New York) and Chad Barrett (Toronto FC) to lead the line. With Landon Donovan and David Beckham serving up crosses, both players could be primed for big years.
“We’re working on it,” Ángel said of playing alongside Barrett. “It takes time to build a partnership.”
Defender Frankie Hejduk also arrived to supplement a defense that allowed the second-fewest goals (26) in the league last season, behind Real Salt Lake (20).
“We are clearly driven to win a championship this year,” Arena said. “No question about it.”
Heroes & Villains
Schmid vs. Arena: Ever since Schmid came to Seattle, Arena has had his number. LA lead the all-time MLS series 4-1-1 (2-1-1 regular season).
“The body of work for your whole season is the Supporters' Shield, but people remember who wins the MLS Cup,” Schmid said. “People don’t remember who wins the Supporters' Shield.”
Donovan vs. Alvaro Fernandez: This matchup of Designated Players could swing the match in either team’s favor. The onus is on Fernández to prove his worth against arguably MLS’ best player.
Stat that makes you go, “Hmm …"
Seattle midfielder Brad Evans has scored a goal in each of Seattle’s two season-openers, both at home.
Illusion gave Fishhead 5 SBR Point(s) for this post.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Fishhead
