The Seattle Sounders will host the Houston Dynamo on Sunday (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Univision, ROOT Sports, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM) at CenturyLink Field in a rematch of the 2017 season-opener. Here are three matchups to watch:
Right back Brad Evans vs. left winger Mauro Manotas
Normal left winger Romell Quioto is questionable with an ankle injury, but his replacement in Manotas has done a tremendous job carrying the attack. Manotas has started the last six games and has three goals in that span including one midweek in Houston’s 5-1 romp over Real Salt Lake. The Cololmbian Manotas is pacey and deadly around the box, and Evans will be tasked with shutting him down so the other three defenders can focus on stopping Cubo Torres and Alberth Elis.
Attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro vs. defensive midfielder Juan David Cabezas
Uruguayan Lodeiro will go head-to-head with fellow South American Juan David Cabezas from Colombia. An experienced holding midfielder who won Colombia’s league title with Independiente Medellin last fall, Cabezas will aim to contain the runs and movement of the shifty Lodeiro. In Wilmer Cabrera’s 4-3-3 formation, Cabezas wants to distribute to the wings and let Elis and Manotas attack, so if Lodeiro can make Cabezas work hard defensively, it will prevent him from playing balls wide with as much frequency.
Left back/midfielder Joevin Jones vs. Right back A.J. DeLaGarza
Natural left fullback Jones started at left midfield midweek against Columbus Crew SC, but wherever Jones lines up, he loves to get forward. Especially given the international absences of Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey and elbow injury to Will Bruin, Jones will need to carry much of the attacking burden on the left flank. The veteran DeLaGarza is savvy and was a key part of three LA Galaxy title teams before joining Houston in the offseason. His ability or lack thereof to neutralize Jones will go a long way in determining the outcome of Sunday’s match.
