The Seattle Sounders are hosting 2022 MLS expansion side Charlotte FC on Sunday (6:55 p.m. PT; FS1, FOX Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). Here are three matchups to watch:
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Christian Fuchs
The Sounders No. 9 is heating up at the right time and enters with two goals in his last three games. Ruidíaz will look to keep that momentum going against Fuchs, the 36-year-old center back and former Austria international. Fuchs was one of Charlotte’s first signings, inking a deal last summer ahead of their inaugural season, and was instrumental in leading Leicester City to their improbable English Premier League title in 2016.
Nicolás Lodeiro vs. Brandt Bronico
Lodeiro should be extra rested after having last weekend off following the birth of his daughter. The Sounders captain is still one of the most influential players in the league, so look for him to find room to operate in the attacking third. Charlotte Manager Miguel Ángel Ramírez operates with only one nominal defensive midfielder, and majority of the defensive duties against Lodeiro will fall to Bronico, a tough task for anyone in MLS to try and handle singlehandedly.
Yeimar vs. Karol Świderski
Seattle’s main focus defensively will be stopping Świderski, Charlotte’s 25-year-old Designated Player forward signed from Greek club PAOK. Świderski, a Poland international with 14 caps for his country and who was called up recently for UEFA Nations League matches, has four goals and two assists so far this year. Yeimar & Co. will need to keep Świderski (as well as fellow Poland international teammate Kamil Jóźwiak) quiet if the Sounders want to kick off their five-match homestand with three points.
