FULL TIME: Despite a 23-2 shots advantage, the Sounders had to settle for a scoreless draw against Austin FC in their home opener on Saturday.
SETUPS: Pedro de la Vega makes his first MLS start and the Sounders return to their basic 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Seattle Sounders and Austin FC are both looking for their first win of 2024 heading into Saturday's game. The Sounders lost 2-1 on the road to LAFC, while Austin suffered a 2-1 decision at home to Minnesota United.
The Sounders will continue to be slightly shorthanded with Stefan Frei, Yeimar Gomez-Andrade, João Paulo and Albert Rusnák all missing for the game. Joining them on the away list is Nathan, who is currently in Brazil completing his green card process. However, Pedro de la Vega, who impressed in his debut with the Sounders last week, will likely move into the starting lineup. It also looks like Raúl Ruidíaz will at least be available for the game after suffering a rib injury in the LAFC game.
Austin will likely be without Sebastian Driussi again after missing the home opener. Austin looked particularly lost in the season opener, only managing three shots in the first half, and was probably lucky to only lose 2-1. Minnesota was credited with seven “big chances” in the game.
- This is the second week in a row that replacement referees will be used after the PRO and PSRA failed to reach an agreement this week.
- Austin FC won only three away games last year, but one of them was at Lumen Field, a 2-1 victory.
- Osvaldo Alonso will be honored in a pre-match ceremony after signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Sounders.
- The Sounders have a 10-5-0 record in regular season home openers in their MLS history.
Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension
Seattle
OUT OF: Reed Baker-Whiting (left hamstring); Stefan Frei (right thigh muscles); João Paulo (left hip); Nathan (not due to injury); Braudilio Rodrigues (right hamstring); Albert Rusnák (right ankle); Yeimar Gómez Andrade (not due to injury)
QUESTIONABLE: ; Raúl Ruidíaz (ribs)
Austin
OUT OF: Brendan Hines-Ike (out due to injury); Leo Väisänen (foot)
QUESTIONABLE: Sebastián Driussi (irritation of the right thigh muscles)
Officer
REF: Rafael Santos; AR1: Raidel Toledo; AR2: Andrew Hanks; 4th place: Christopher Calderon; VAR: TBD; AVAR: TBD.
Here's how to watch
Match date/kick-off time: Saturday, 7:38 p.m. PT
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
Global streaming English: MLS Season Pass (Keith Costigan & Lori Lindsey)
Global streaming Spanish: MLS Season Pass (Sergio Ruiz & Walter Roque)
Local radio: 93.3 KJR-FM Seattle, iHeartMedia (Danny Jackson & Brad Evans)
Local Spanish radio: El Rey 1360 p.m. (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia)
Can this game be streamed for free? NO
Will Sounders Radio be available as an alternative feed? Yes
Lineups
Highlights will be released as the game progresses.
This is Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC; Watch with us