The Seattle Sounders face Real Salt Lake (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM; TICKETS) on Saturday in Week 6 MLS action. Here are three matchups to watch, presented by Toyota.
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Nedum Onuoha
Ruidíaz, who has 16 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for the Sounders, will hope to return to the scoresheet against RSL after Seattle’s scoreless draw at Vancouver last weekend. It’s a favorable matchup for the Peruvian, as center backs Erik Holt and Justen Glad wlill likely miss out because of injury. Onuoha is the closest thing to a surefire starter for the visitors at center back and is part of a back line that has conceded 11 goals during RSL’s current three-match losing streak. The onus for organizing RSL’s defense will fall upon Onuoha, and if he’s preoccupied with covering for his new center back partner, expect Ruidíaz to capitalize on the chaos with his poacher’s instincts.
Nicolás Lodeiro vs. Everton Luiz
Two midfielders who cover a ton of ground, Lodeiro and Luiz’s combined GPS tracking data will likely look like hectic marathon. On the ball, Luiz is a conservative and safe passer, opting to shuttle possession to RSL’s more inventive players with short passes. Defensively, he steps high and hard, forcing attacking players to make decisions quickly or risk coughing up possession in dangerous spots. Lodeiro, conversely, is an ambitious, intelligent distributor, setting the tempo and unlocking defenses with a diverse array of passes. Through four matches, the Uruguayan midfielder has one goal and three assists. Saturday’s result will largely be determined by whether Lodeiro or Luiz wins control of the midfield.
Gustav Svensson vs. Albert Rusnák
RSL’s most consistent danger comes from releasing wingers into space or isolating them 1-v-1 against outside backs. The engine behind this successful wing play is attacking midfielder Albert Rusnák, who has seven key passes over his last three starts. A No. 8/10 hybrid with immense technical ability, Rusnák’s has the ability to find his teammates in spots where they can create chances for themselves. He faces a tough task on Saturday, though, as Svensson has elevated his game to another level in 2019, showcasing a fantastic blend of defensive grit and comfort in possession. But what makes this matchup even more intriguing is that Rusnák played as a false 9 in RSL’s last match against FC Dallas. Seattle’s Swedish defensive midfielder will have to decide whether to pick up his talented counterpart when he checks into gaps between the lines or track runners as Rusnák pulls the center backs out of position.
