SOUNDER 3, FAST VALUES 0: Héber opened his Sounders account, converting a close-range shot after the defense failed to process Nicolás Lodeiro’s cross.
SOUNDER 2, FAST VALUES 0: Jordan Morris headed in a loose ball from close range as he fell and converted a chance created when a Nicolás Lodeiro cross was deflected off a defender.
SOUNDER 1, FAST VALUES 0: Cristian Roldan converted his own rebound after his first shot was saved by a Jordan Morris shot.
TIFO: ECS unveiled an epic show with “DJ” Brian Schmetzer over the phrase “Don’t Call It a Comeback”.
POSITIONS: João Paulo returned to the starting lineup and Héber replaces Raúl Ruidíaz, but otherwise the Sounders play with the same line-up as against Al Ahly.
The Seattle Sounders enter their 15th MLS season against an opponent they have thoroughly dominated over the years, particularly at home. In 18 games against the Rapids at Lumen Field, the Sounders have a 15-2-1 advantage, their most recent loss coming in 2016.
Both teams will try to recover from disappointing campaigns in 2022. The Sounders, of course, missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. The Rapids finished one spot ahead of the Sounders overall but were still four points behind the postseason after conceding the second-most goals (57) in the Western Conference.
The Sounders will likely employ the same 4-2-3-1 formation they’ve used during most of Brian Schmetzer’s tenures, but with some tactical tweaks that should give them a fresh look when in possession. The Rapids are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 that places an emphasis on pushing forward.
- The Sounders are 8-6-0 all-time in the MLS era in their regular-season openers, including a 1-0 loss to Nashville SC last year.
- The Sounders not only missed the playoffs for the first time in their existence in the MLS, but also set a franchise record with 17 losses. Of these, 15 were with just one goal.
- The Rapids were just 1-13-5 on the road in all competitions last season.
- Diego Rubio set a Rapids franchise record last season with 23 goal contributions (16 goals, 7 assists).
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QUESTIONABLE: Raúl Ruidíaz (R-Hamstring strain)
AUS: Obed Vargas (R-Quad Tribe)
rapids
DOUBT: Aboubacar Keita (right knee); Jonathan Lewis (L ankle); Jack Price (rear)
OUT: Dantouma Toure (right knee), Diego Rubio (knee)
REF: Alex Chilowicz; AR1: Ian Anderson; AR2: Chris Elliott; 4th: Fotiz Bazakos; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Tom Supple
Match date/kick-off Time: Sunday, 5:25 p.m. PT
Venue: Lumenfeld, Seattle
Global Stream (English): MLS Season Pass (Mark Rogondino & Heath Pierce)
Global Stream (Spanish): MLS Season Pass (Pablo Ramirez & Carlos Ruiz)
English TV: FS1 (Nate Bukaty & Tony Meola)
Local English radio: 950 KJR-AM Seattle, iHeartMedia (Danny Jackson & Steve Zakuani)
LoCas SpaniardsH radio: El Rey 1360h (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia)
Is this game free to stream? Yes
Will Sounders Radio be available as an alternative feed? Yes
The highlights will be released as the game progresses.
This is Seattle Sounders vs. Rapids; watch with us
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