After a huge 2-1 come from behind victory over the Galaxy on Saturday, the Sounders (6-3-0, 21pts) return to a full capacity Lumen Field to host Real Salt Lake (3-3-1, 12pts) on Wednesday. The match will be the 2nd in a stretch of three in one week for the Rave Green, with all three coming against fellow western conference clubs.
Club Update
As mentioned before, the Sounders are riding high after a 2-1 victory over rivals LA Galaxy. Seattle fell behind early when the Galaxy were awarded a penalty and converted, but goals by Yeimar Andrade (41′) and Raúl Ruidíaz (49′) secured three points for the visitors.
The win has Seattle sitting atop of the Supporters Shield standings with 21 points. With Nashville’s loss on Friday, the Sounders are also now the only unbeaten club in the league.
Match Recap: Sounders complete comeback in win over Galaxy, 2-1
Who’s Suiting Up?
The news that Raúl was going to be available for the Galaxy match was huge, unfortunately there will be no surprise appearances vs RSL. Nouhou and Xavier Arreaga are still out on international duty and will not be on the back line this week. Good news is that new signing AB Cissoko looked solid at CB alongside Shane O’Neill on Saturday and looks more than capable of holding the fort down until reinforcements come.
Are You For Real?
Real Salt Lake was predicted by many to not be a strong competitor in the MLS this season. Despite that, they have gotten off to a 3-3-1 start and sit in the 6th spot on the western table with 12 points. A big reason for this success can by attributed to newcomer Rubio Ruben.
Ruben joined RSL this season from the USL’s San Diego Loyal and has instantly showed off his ability. In seven matches played, he has four goals and a pair of assists to his credit. Once a US international, Ruben has bounced around as of late but appears to be finding a second wind in his career.
Ruben and Salt Lake are coming off a 3-1 win over their roommates the Vancouver Whitecaps. The match appeared to be headed for a draw, but stoppage time goals by Erik Holt (90’+2′) and Damir Kreilach (90’+5′) secured three points for the tenant in this living arrangement.
Last Time We Played
The last time these two sides squared off was in October of last year at Lumen Field. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for the Rave Green thanks to goals by Jordan Morris and Yeimar. Not much can be taken from that match but it’s always fun to look back.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
Wednesday’s match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PT kickoff from Lumen Field in Seattle. The game will be broadcast live on JOEtv, Amazon Prime and ESPN+ if you are out of market. As always 950 KJR AM and EL Rey 1360 AM will carry the match through the airwaves.
Another option is in-person viewing due to Lumen opening up to full capacity. If you are like this writer and enjoy the atmosphere of sports, tickets for tomorrow’s match can be found here.
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Russell is the Content Director for the Eli Network. He studied broadcast journalism at Eastern Oregon and North Dakota State University. Mostly covers soccer and basketball in the Seattle area and is the current play-by-play voice for Seattle Redhawks basketball. You can follow him @brussbrwn.
