For the second match of its three-game road swing, Sounders FC faces Eastern Conference side Columbus Crew SC on Saturday.
The visiting team has won each of the last three meetings between the two clubs. Furthermore, the Black & Gold have never beaten the Rave Green in Columbus, as Seattle is 3-0-1 all-time at MAPFRE Stadium.
Here are three positional battles that could be pivotal factors in Saturday’s game.
Dylan Remick vs. Ethan Finlay
Finlay, who plays on the right wing, has two goals and two assists in his last three matches for Crew SC. The fourth-year pro leads Columbus with four assists this season after tying for the most goals (11) and assists (seven) on the team in 2014. Kei Kamara has been the most lethal scorer on the squad this year, but the striker is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game due to a groin injury. Remick, who has made five straight starts at left back and recently earned MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week honors, will be responsible for Finlay in what ought to be an intriguing matchup between two young, talented players.
Marco Pappa vs. Steve Clark
Pappa didn’t score until the 14th game of the season in 2014, but after that, the crafty midfielder quickly became a productive part of the Sounders’ attacking unit. It’s only a matter of time before Pappa finds the back of the net this season, as the 27-year-old has taken a team-high three shots in each of the last two games. On Saturday, he’ll attempt to score on a keeper that is relatively new to MLS. Clark, who was originally acquired by Crew SC in a sign-and-trade deal with Sounders FC, has played every minute for Columbus since joining the club prior to the 2014 season.
Gonzalo Pineda vs. Tony Tchani
Wil Trapp is a rising star for Crew SC, but since the 22-year-old has missed most of the season due to a concussion, Tchani and Mohammed Saeid will likely be the two starters in the defensive midfield on Saturday. A seven-year MLS veteran, Tchani has started almost every game for Columbus in the last two seasons. He could spend much of the evening defending Pineda, whose ability to keep possession has helped Seattle earn victories in each of his last four appearances.
