· When these two teams last met, it took less than a minute for the Rapids to unlock the Seattle defense and all it really took was a well placed “hail mary” to speedy rookie Deshorn Brown. Seattle does not have a lot pace in their side on the defensive side of the ball. Yedlin, easily the fastest player on the team is still prone to making defensive mistakes and against most teams he can recover with his pace…but against Deshorn Brown he struggled earlier this season and may struggle again tonight. Pair that with Vicente Sanchez and Gabriel Torres getting on the end of balls from Dillon Powers and this could be a long night for the Sounders backline
2. Is the Dempsey hex broken?
· Deuce finally got on the score sheet in the last game of the season for the Sounders and celebrated by pointing at an imaginary watch in an “it’s about time” gesture…you’re right Clint, it was about time, but does this mean more goals will come? Deuce lined up at the top of a diamond midfield behind true strikers Lamar Neagle and Eddie Johnson, a position he often plays with the US National Team and one that offers him a lot more freedom to move and create, and he seemed much more comfortable against Los Angeles than he has all year. Will this lead to more goals? Who knows, but Seattle has only scored 3 goals in 5 October games thus far.
3. Who is really feeling the pressure?
· A month ago, Seattle was in the driver’s seat for the Supporters Shield. With only one point through 5 games in October (and let’s face it, they could lost that one to LA) they limp into the play-in game against the Rapids. Seattle has a bloated budget, has had well publicized disputes with its leading goal scorer Eddie Johnson, the biggest MLS signing since David Beckham who has scored one goal since his return to the league and the biggest fan following and media circus in the league. Seattle comes into every season expecting to win the cup and has failed to do so every season. Colorado on the other hand, is a much improved team from last year. They have a completely revamped squad that has gone above and beyond for head coach Oscar Pareja, win or lose tonight, Colorado should be very pleased with their performance in 2013. Seattle, at home, cannot afford another let down.