The Seattle Sounders visit D.C. United on Sunday in the first and only meeting between the sides during the 2019 MLS regular season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. PT at Audi Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on JOEtv and YouTube TV.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 1090 KJR AM and El Rey 1360 AM.
2019 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 14-9-8 (50 points, 2nd West), United: 12-10-9 (45 points, 5th Eest)
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Seattle: DWLWW, DC: WWLLL
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 9-2-2 all-time against D.C. United, including a 4-1-1 mark on the road.
PREVIOUS MEETING: The Seattle Sounders defeated D.C. United 2-1 at CenturyLink Field back on June 9, 2018. Former Rave Green forward Clint Dempsey carved out a couple of quality chances early in the match but was unable to capitalize. The visitors made Seattle pay for their inefficiency in the 53rd minute, with Darren Mattocks scoring on a rebound after Stefan Frei had made a truly spectacular reaction save. Seattle equalized three minutes later as Nicolás Lodeiro smashed home a volley from just outside the box. With the match seeming destined for a draw, the Sounders secured all three points courtesy of a Magnus Wolff Eikrem goal in the 83rd minute.
FREILSTONES: Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei broke the 100-save mark for the season on Wednesday against FC Dallas, taking him 103 saves in 2019. He also recorded his 74th career MLS regular season shutout.
DCU MEMORIES: Back in 2017, the Rave Green found themselves down 3-0 to D.C. United in the 50th minute at CenturyLink Field. But by the end of the match, the Sounders had completed the the largest comeback in franchise history, winning 4-3 behind goals from Will Bruin, Brad Evans, Gustav Svensson and Cristian Roldan.
NEW STADIUM, WHO DIS?: Sunday marks the occasion when the Sounders will play a match at United’s new stadium, Audi Field, which was completed in 2018.
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: Team captain Nicolás Lodeiro started his 100th regular season MLS match on Wednesday night. In those 100 matches, the Uruguayan midfield maestro has compiled 26 goals and 48 assists.
DILEMMA: Sounders center backs Xavier Arreaga and Kim Kee-hee have shown an improved understanding and chemistry of late, culminating in a midweek shutout against FC Dallas. That pairing will be broken up for the away fixture on Sunday, though, as Arreaga was sent off in the 86th on Wednesday night for his second yellow card.
FAREWELL TOUR: D.C.’s star player, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, announced that this will be his final year in MLS, as he’ll join up with Derby County at the end of the season.
