The Seattle Sounders are taking on Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (2:30 p.m. PT; Q13 FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM) in a rematch of MLS Cup 2020. Here are three matchups to watch:
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Jonathan Mensah
Expect some fireworks in a matchup of two 2020 MLS Best XI selections. Ruidíaz is scoring for fun of late — he leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 14 goals including four in his last three matches in all competitions — and is doing so in a variety of ways. Mensah, meanwhile, headlines a defense that has been breached recently, allowing 13 goals in its last five contests.
Cristian Roldan vs. Darlington Nagbe
Nagbe hasn’t looked like his vintage self this season, but the Crew SC midfielder is still a vital part of Head Coach Caleb Porter’s midfield on both sides of the ball. He’ll have his hands full trying to contain Roldan, the 2021 MLS All Star Game captain, while he makes his trademark central winger runs that open space in the final third. If Roldan can help pin Crew SC deeper, it will also help alleviate some of the pressure on…
João Paulo vs. Lucas Zelarayán
Fellow 2021 MLS All Star João Paulo has been playing at an MVP level this season. The deep-lying midfielder has been Mr. Everything for the Sounders in the middle of the park, especially during the lengthy absence of Nicolás Lodeiro, and will need to be on top of his game yet again this weekend. Seattle will be familiar with Zelarayán, who torched them to the tune of a brace in the final last season. Despite having just one tally in his last seven appearances, he is still a match-winner and Columbus’ best chance at getting something from this tilt.
