The Seattle Sounders are taking on Inter Miami CF in their first-ever meeting on Saturday (7 p.m. PT; FS1, FOX Deportes, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). In what is expected to be a rotated Sounders side after their Concacaf Champions League aggregate win on Wednesday, here are three matchups to watch:
Will Bruin/Fredy Montero vs. Damion Lowe
One of either Bruin or Montero will likely get the start after Raúl RuidÃaz went 83 minutes on Wednesday and scored a crucial away goal at New York City FC. Montero has been very effective this season, particularly in CCL, and Bruin has looked sharp after coming back from an injury that he dealt with to start the season. Former Sounder Lowe has been a regular at center back for Head Coach Phil Neville since Lowe’s return to MLS after several years in Norway and Egypt, and he’ll look to mark his return to Lumen Field with a clean sheet.
Cristian Roldan vs. Gregore
One of the players who may not need the rest, the Sounders’ Iron Man will try and get the better of defensive midfielder Gregore. Roldan has been incredible so far this season in an attacking role, and he’ll have a strong battle with the Brazilian who joined Miami last year after several years playing against fellow Brazilian João Paulo in Brasileiro Série A. Look for Roldan to try and drag Gregore out of position with his movement to open up space in the middle.
AB Cissoko vs. Leonardo Campana
With Yeimar still nursing an ankle sprain and Xavier Arreaga having just played 90 minutes on Wednesday, this could be a big opportunity for Cissoko. The 22-year-old Frenchman has 18 career appearances and 13 starts for the Sounders since signing from Tacoma Defiance last year. He’ll have a big task in slowing down Campana, the reigning MLS Player of the Week after a hat trick performance against the New England Revolution. There’s a chance that Neville rolls out legendary forward Gonzalo HiguaÃn, but the Argentine missed last week due to injury and his status remains unclear for the weekend.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR INTER MIAMI
We host Inter Miami and former Homegrown Player DeAndre Yedlin for the first time at Lumen Field on April 16. Get your tickets today!