Toronto FC head into Qwest field Saturday to face the Seattle Sounders under conditions all Sounders fans wish were better. Though the Sounders have had a good run picking up 4 points in a 2 game road stretch they are coming home to a what surely will be the biggest changes in the lineup for the Sounders yet. Coming into the game at 2-2-3 they will be without starters O’Brian White and Steve Zakuani due to injuries. This leaves room up top and the left wing open to fill.
There has been a lot of speculation over the last 24 hours how its going to play out but I will not even venture to guess who will get the starting nod to replace the large holes on the field. I do see Pat Noonan (listed as probable) and Mike Fucito being options as well as crowd favorite Roger Levesque being available in the 18. Nate Jaqua is more then likely getting the start but thats about all I can figure right now. The rest of the lineup should be as we saw the team on the field at the end of 90 last week. James Riley, Patrick Ianni, Leonardo Gonzalez and Jeff Parke or Jhon Kennedy Hurtado are candidates in the back. Ozzie Alonso, Brad Evans, Erik Friberg and Mauro Rosales sound probable in the midfield with Fredy Montero and Jaqua up top.
Toronto has had a rough start to the season sitting toward the bottom of the table with a record of 1-2-4 and have had a issues with scoring. Coming off a draw against the Columbus Crew last week they are looking to keep that momentum going here in the Emerald city. The Reds will be without Tony Tchani who is suspended for picking up two yellows vs. the Crew. Alan Gordon looks to be a game time question due to adductor tightness. This could really effect Toronto’s top as Gordon has been their go to scorer recently. Other injuries include OUT: MF Elbekay Bouchiba; FW Keith Makubuya QUESTIONABLE: DF Adrian Cann; MF Alen Stevanovic; DF Nana Attakora; MF Gianluca Zavarise.
The game is sure to be full of fireworks as both teams will be digging for points and pride. Both years the Red Patch Boys (a Toronto Supporter Group) has travelled well and I hope to see them as they are a fun group to have in Qwest. The Sounders minority owner Drew Carey stated on Twitter (confirmed by the front office) that their will be a Number 11 11th min tribute to Steve Zakuani whose injury last week from a brutal tackle has set him out for the rest of the season. I would also expect something from ECS in the form of TIFO but have not heard.
Both teams will struggle in the midfield this week and I expect the team that can win the first balls there will control the game. If the line up for the Sounders is as I predicted above, a lot will be resting on Rosales and Friberg to move and control the ball on the wings allowing for penetrating runs up the wings freeing up Fredy and Jaqua to move and work inside the 18 yard area. I did hear that the Sounders favorite ref Ricardo Salazar will be the man in the middle tomorrow. We will hope he can control the game and not go his normal game calling route. He has been known to steal the show.
I am looking at low scoring game and can see a 1-0 Sounders home victory for #11 Steve Zakuani. Kickoff is at 7 PM Pacific Time.
(image courtesy of soundersfc.com)
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