The Seattle Sounders host the New York Red Bulls on Sunday in the first and only meeting between the sides during the 2019 MLS regular season. Here is everything you need to know:
MATCHDAY GUIDE
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on JOEtv and YouTube TV.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 950 KJR AM and El Rey 1360 AM.
2019 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 13-9-7 (46 points, 2nd West), Red Bulls: 12-12-5 (41 points, 5th East)
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Seattle: LWWDL, New York: LLWDL
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 5-5-3 all-time against the Red Bulls, including a 4-1-1 mark at home.
PREVIOUS MEETING: The Seattle Sounders fell 2-1 to New York at Red Bull Arena on June 13, 2018. The score line flattered the Rave Green, as goalkeeper Stefan Frei was forced into 11 saves, a franchise record for the most stops in a single game. New York opened the scoring in the 38th minute, with Daniel Royer finishing off a box cross at the back post. Momentum firmly in their favor, the Red Bulls doubled their advantage shortly after halftime through Bradley Wright-Phillips. The Sounders managed to pull one back in the 86th minute with a spectacular finish from Harry Shipp but were unable to complete the comeback.
FINAL STRETCH: The Sounders have only three home matches remaining in the season, two of which come against Western Conference teams vying for spots in the playoffs.
SWEET STEFAN FREI: Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was named to the MLS Week 27 Team of the Week bench for his six-save performance in Colorado, which included a surefire Save of the Year contender.
REINFORCEMENTS: In the loss against Colorado in Week 27, the Rave Green were without 10 First Team players due to international call-ups. The roster should be greatly replenished for the match against New York on Sunday.
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME: The Red Bulls broke the single season points record in 2018, racking up 71 points as they secured the Supporters’ Shield. In 2019, however, they’ve struggled to replicate that form. With Seattle’s strong all-time home record against New York, Sunday is a prime opportunity to get back on track.
THANK YOU, JOE: Former Sounders FC Owner Joe Roth will be honored pre-match on Sunday. Show up early to say thank you to the man who was so integral to bringing MLS to Seattle.
NOSTALGIA: Seattle’s inaugural MLS match was also played at CenturyLink Field against the Red Bulls, with the Sounders winning 3-0 behind a goal from Brad Evans and a brace from Fredy Montero.
LIVING LEGEND: Midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro is already the club’s all-time leader in assists. With 48 regular season assists to his name, on Sunday he could become the first player in club history to reach 50.
THE FUTURE IS NOW: Tacoma Defiance midfielder Shandon Hopeau, 20, made his MLS debut in Colorado, while 16-year-old Homegrown midfielder Danny Leyva made his sixth MLS appearance of the season.
