The Seattle Sounders host the New York Red Bulls on Sunday (3:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, Univision-Seattle, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) in Week 28 action. Here are three matchups to watch, presented by Toyota.
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Tim Parker
As is often the case, Ruidíaz’s ruthless efficiency in the final third will be the key ingredient to success on Sunday. The Peruvian goal-scoring machine has struck the back of the net 11 times this season – in addition to his three assists – despite playing only 1,346 minutes and taking zero penalty kicks. With clever movement and superb striking technique, Ruidíaz’s role in the Sounders game model this season has evolved, as he’s become more integrated into the build-up play.
The Red Bulls’ playing identity is a known quantity at this point. They live and die by the press, harassing opponents as they attempt to mount attacks from the back. A byproduct of this tactical setup is the center backs have to step high to compress the field, leaving acres of space in behind. While Aaron Long possesses plenty of pace for a central defender, Parker isn’t quite as mobile. Look for Ruidíaz to punish the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners on the counter on Sunday.
Gustav Svensson vs. Kaku
Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer often preaches the importance of active defending, or adopting a team shape in possession that can quickly neutralize opponent playmakers as soon as the Rave Green lose the ball. That will be of the utmost importance for Svensson on Sunday, as Kaku can wreak havoc when the Red Bulls force opponents into midfield turnovers.
The Red Bulls’ mercurial playmaker has struggled to replicate the form that made him such a creative force in 2018, but he’s been heating up of late. With a goal and an assist in his last three outings, he’ll be the key to New York picking up points in Seattle. Svensson will need to track Kaku’s movement all afternoon, even when the Sounders hold possession.
Kelvin Leerdam vs. Daniel Royer
While the Red Bulls might be struggling this season, the same cannot be said of Royer. The 29-year-old Austrian is in the midst of his most productive campaign, racking up nine goals and seven assists from his wide midfield spot. He’s not lightning-quick or a mazy dribbler, but he’s incredibly clever and a menace in the press.
The key to neutralizing Royer will be Seattle bypassing the press and forcing New York to defend deep. Broadly speaking, Royer’s greatest strength is making sharp, incisive movements into pockets of space as soon as the Red Bulls press forces a turnover. If Seattle can keep sustained possession, sending Leerdam forward to overload the right side, it will require Royer to assist left back Kemar Lawrence. The further away he is from goal, the better.
