The Seattle Sounders welcome Real Salt Lake to CenturyLink Field this weekend for the first time this season. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the game.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The game will be telecast on FS1. If you can't make it to the game, a full list of Sounders FC Pub Partners is located here.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The game will air on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, with a pregame show beginning at 3:30 p.m. PT. It will also air on El Rey 1360AM in Spanish.
RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders (7-12-3, 24 pts., 9th in Western Conference), Salt Lake (10-7-7, 37 pts., 3rd in Western Conference).
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The edge goes to RSL in this series. with the Sounders going 6-8-4 all-time against the Claret and Cobalt. In their first matchup of 2016, RSL claimed a late goal on a controversial foul to win 2-1. The Sounders got their revenge, however, in the U.S. Open Cup in June.
LATE DRAMATICS IN SLC: Sparks flew in the match between these two sides, as it took penalty kicks to separate them in the U.S. Open Cup. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller was the star of the show not only saving two penalty kicks but making several late-game saves to force extra time. The Sounders emerged victorious after four rounds of PKs and moved on in the competition.
SEATTLE REINVIGORATED: The Sounders' attack has been reborn with the arrival of new Designated Player Nicolás Lodeiro. On Sunday at Orlando, Lodeiro unlocked the attacking duo of forwards Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris for three goals and three points. The Sounders will need to maintain this new potent attack if they are to make the playoffs for the eighth straight season with only 12 games remaining.
FUERZA ROMAN: The long awaited return of defender Román Torres is nearly upon us. While there is no confirmed date when he will be back on the gameday roster, the Panamanian defender has been in full training with the team for a week and with another week of training under his belt by Sunday, his return is a possibility.
INJURY UPDATE: Midfielder Erik Friberg (ankle sprain) sat out last weekend’s match against Orlando, and his status for this weekend is unclear. On the RSL side, leading goal scorer Yura Movsisyan (hip flexor) has been absent from the lineup since July 22. Also present on the injury report are midfielders Sunday Stephen (facial fracture) and Jordan Allen (adductor strain).
THE NEW NO. 1: RSL perennial net-minder Nick Rimando made history over the weekend, recording his 181st win, the most in MLS history. The 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire put Rimando at ahead of Kevin Hartman’s previous standing record of 180.
BATTLE FOR THE BOUNTY: With 35 goals scored on the season, RSL have one of the more dangerous offenses in the league. However, with 34 goals conceded (second most in the West) they leave themselves open and vulnerable at the back. If Seattle can put in a similar performance to last weekend, the goals are there for the taking, but defender Chad Marshall and Co. will need to be sharp on their end against the likes of Joao Plata and Javier Morales.
