Major League Soccer’s Sunday afternoon clash will feature two of the top possession-based teams in MLS. The game between the Eastern Conference’s Columbus Crew and the Western Conference’s Seattle Sounders is a must-see TV clash for those who like midfield play. Both teams have capable front lines and adequate backlines, playing decent soccer. The midfield block, which serves as the front and back of both teams’ attack and defense, will tip the scales in favor of victory.
BOTH BACKLINES ARE NOT UP TO SPEED
The Sounders’ backline has been hobbled with injuries, which has limited the team’s ability to defend opponent counterattacks. Yeimar, Jackson Ragen, Jon Bell, Kim Kee-Hee, and Stuart Hawkins have all missed games due to injuries and Red cards. Alex Roldan started at right center back alongside Ragen in the team’s 2-0 win over Austin FC.
Of the injured center backs, Bell is available for Sunday’s match against the Crew. Look for Roldan to get a second consecutive start at center back. The Crew’s Steven Moreira was last season’s Defender of the Year, but his play has substantially decreased this year. Seattle has allowed 25 goals in MLS play this year, and the Crew is right behind them with 26 league goals.
MIDFIELD HAS BEEN THE KEY
What has helped both teams is their midfield play in transition. Crew head coach Wilfred Nancy has alternated Amor Sejdic and Dylan Chambost at the central midfield position next to puppeteer Darlington Nagbe. Sejdic started in the club’s last game, a 1-0 win over Philadelphia, while Chambost featured in the Crew’s 3-1 victory over Atlanta United.
Nagbe is similar to the Sounders’ Cristian Roldan in his ability to read the game, react, position his players correctly, and make long downfield passes that unlock opposing defenders. Sejdic and Chambost play similarly to the Sounders’ Obed Vargas. They push up in the attacking third and track back on defense to help the backline.
COLUMBUS ON A FINE RUN OF FORM
The Crew are riding a three-game win streak and will look to make it four in a row against the Sounders, who are looking to make it two in a row after a five-game losing skid. Seattle will look to start on the front foot with a high-pressing, attacking style of football and feed off the home crowd. All three of the Crew’s wins have been at home.
The Crew is led by former LAFC star Forward Diego Rossi, who has scored nine goals in 19 MLS matches this season and is tied for 11th. Sounders head coach Bria Schmetzer confirmed that forward Jordan Morris is fully healthy after suffering a hamstring injury on March 11 in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match. It has been a long road back for the club’s all-time goal scorer, marked by setbacks and limited playing time. Danny Musovski and Jesus Ferreira have alternated starting in place of Morris. Both score the teams’ win over Austin FC.
BIG TAKE
This is a tougher match than it appears, and on the other hand, it presents an opportunity for the Sounders to take a step toward being a legitimate contender for an MLS title. Seattle has to show that it can consistently do the little things good teams do. Be physical and tactical when required. Know when to slow the opponent when they are attacking high up the pitch, be decisive when attacking without rushing, and when in transition.
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