One of the league's most dangerous goal-scorers is in town this weekend as Chris Wondolowski and the San Jose Earthquakes are the Sounders opponent today.
Sounders FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
May 11, 2013, 1 p.m. PT, CenturyLink Field
TV/Radio: KONG 6/16; KIRO Radio 97.3 FM; Univision Deportes (Spanish); La Gran D 99.3 FM (Spanish)
The Sounders will meet the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday in the second meeting of the year between the two clubs. Here are some matchups to watch at CenturyLink Field.
Chris Wondolowski vs. Seattle’s backline
The Sounders FC went up against two high-scoring teams this week in the Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City and held the forwards off the board. On Saturday against San Jose, they will have the defending MLS MVP to contend with in Chris Wondolowski and will need to stop him to maintain that success. He has six goals in 10 matches against Seattle in his career. His five goals this season puts him among the league’s leaders and he pops up all over the field, so the entire backline will need to be aware of him.
Eddie Johnson vs. Victor Bernardez
The Sounders forward has gone up against some physical foes in the past and will get another in Victor Bernardez. The San Jose centerback is good in the air as well as with his man in front of him. His closing speed isn’t near enough to keep up with Eddie Johnson, though, so if Johnson can get in behind him, he will create danger for the Sounders.
Sigi Schmid vs. Frank Yallop
Any time two of the top five coaches in MLS history square off, it’s bound to be a good match, but what makes this matchup intriguing on this occasion is that both coaches will be juggling lineups. Both the Sounders and Earthquakes are playing their third game in eight days and have been faced with injuries and suspensions along the way. How will the coaches rotate their squads at the conclusion of this difficult stretch? Those questions won’t be answered until kickoff, but will certainly provide conversation for fans leading up to the match.
