The Seattle Sounders are hosting Real Salt Lake on Sunday (7:08 p.m. PT; FOX 13+, Univision Seattle, Prime Video, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS) in a match with huge postseason implications. Here are three matchups to watch:
Raúl RuidÃaz vs. Justen Glad
RuidÃaz is slowly working his way back from a hamstring injury and has looked strong in his last two outings. He was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet last weekend in Atlanta, but then he buried a penalty kick midweek that sealed a 2-1 win for the MLS All-Stars over Liga MX. He’ll go head-to-head with Glad, RSL’s veteran Homegrown center back who’s started 17 matches this season.
Jordan Morris vs. Aaron Herrera
Another MLS All-Star, Morris returns after earning the start on Wednesday in his first ASG nod. He’s been especially dangerous at home this season and earned a penalty the last time the Sounders were at Lumen Field because of his ability to stretch the pitch. He’ll be matched up with one of the more attack-minded fullbacks in the league in Herrera, who will need to balance marauding runs forward with knowing where Morris is at all times.
Nouhou vs. Jefferson Savarino
Nouhou will be tasked with slowing down RSL’s biggest attacking threat in Savarino. The Venezuelan international returned to RSL earlier this season after spending the last two years in Brazil with Atlético Mineiro. Savarino is shifty and creative on the ball, and he scored 21 goals and added 21 assists in 82 regular-season matches with RSL in his first stint with the club from 2017-20. Despite playing just 749 minutes so far this year, he is tied for the team-lead in goals with five and has contributed three more assists.
TICKETS FOR REAL SALT LAKE
Come watch Sounders FC as we face Real Salt Lake in our Throwback Match at Lumen Field on Sunday, August 14. Enjoy local food trucks, soccer, and exclusive giveaways!