Sounders FC is back in action Saturday evening for its only clash of the season with the Montreal Impact. Here are three key positional battles to watch in the match.
Osvaldo Alonso vs. Ignacio Piatti
Piatti leads the way in the attacking end for Montreal, having recorded a team-high six goals and four assists so far this season. The Argentine has tallied three goals in his last four games and added an assist in the Impact’s 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew SC. The third Designated Player in club history, Piatti slots in at central attacking midfield, where Alonso patrols the pitch for the Rave Green. The four-time club MVP is Seattle’s bulldog defensively, perennially ranking at or near the top of the league in tackles.
Erik Friberg vs. Marco Donadel
When Friberg rejoined Seattle a few weeks ago, the technical staff said he would compete for a starting spot right away. Granted the club is missing many key players at the moment, but judging by his start in last weekend’s match versus Colorado, the Swedish midfielder sure seems to have the trust of his coaches. On Saturday in Montreal, Friberg will be up against a veteran defensive midfielder in Donadel. Although he never suited up for the Italian National Team, Donadel played many years in Serie A with Napoli and Fiorentina before coming to Montreal.
Lamar Neagle vs. Evan Bush
Bush is in his first full season as a starting goalkeeper in MLS. Midway through last season, he won the starting job from now-Sounders FC keeper Troy Perkins, who could be in goal against his former team on Saturday as Stefan Frei is listed as questionable with his shoulder injury. Despite Montreal having played fewer games than any team in MLS, Bush is fifth in the league with 63 saves. Seattle needs Neagle, who played for the Impact in 2012, to ignite an attack that has been lacking in recent weeks. The Federal Way native is third on the club’s all-time scoring list with 25 goals for the Rave Green, and his four scores this season rank third behind Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, both of which will miss Saturday's match.
