On Wednesday, the Seattle Sounders return to action on CenturyLink Field against the Philadelphia Union (8 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Youtube TV, 950 KJR, 1360 AM, TICKETS). It’s the lone meeting of the regular season between the two sides, with the Rave Green entering the contest on an unprecedented nine-match winning streak.
Here are a few things to know heading into SEAvPHI.
1. Going Streaking
The winning streak has reached new heights. On Saturday, the Sounders topped the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 at BC Place, claiming the Cascadia Cup and extending their record-setting streak. Nine consecutive wins is a record in the MLS post-shootout era.
2. Ironman Roldan
In his next appearance, midfielder Cristian Roldan will make his 100th career MLS start. It’s been an impressive career thus far for the 23-year-old University of Washington product, who was selected in the first round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. After making 11 starts in 22 appearances as a rookie, Roldan has been a mainstay in the lineup ever since.
3. Fixture Congestion
While Roldan, who hasn’t missed a minute this season, is likely to play, some depth players could get a few more minutes of action on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s road match against the LA Galaxy. Jordan McCrary, Román Torres and Nouhou could see time on the back line to rotate out a group that has been stellar all season, but may need a breather.
4. Dominant D
Once Gustav Svensson and Torres returned from the FIFA World Cup, Ozzie Alonso and Kelvin Leerdam became healthy, Kim Kee-hee adjusted to MLS and Brad Smith was acquired on loan from AFC Bournemouth, the defensive shape has morphed into an absolute unit. The Sounders have allowed just seven goals since July 1 (10-0-2 record), never allowing more than a single tally in a match.
Captain Ozzie Alonso has been playing a top level during the club's unbeaten run. | USA Today Sports
5. Philly Special
Of the seven remaining matches on the Sounders’ schedule, only the Union are currently in postseason position. With a 12-12-4 record, Philadelphia currently sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. After Wednesday match, the opponent with the most points is the LA Galaxy (38 points, 8th in the West).
6. BC Brace
Forward Raúl RuidÃaz has made an immediate impact on the pitch (his first appearance came in the initial win of the current streak). Over the weekend, his first-half brace gave the Sounders the massive road win and led to MLS Team of the Week honors. He now has four goals in his last four matches.
7. Sweet Stefan Frei
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei – 2016 MLS Cup MVP and 2017 MLS All Star – has had his best professional season in 2018. He leads all goalkeepers with a 0.96 GAA (averaging less than one goal allowed per game!), a 78.4 save percentage and is on pace for a career-high in saves.
