Ahead of Leg 2 of the Western Conference Championship at CenturyLink Field on Thursday (7:30 p.m. PT; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) between the Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo, SoundersFC.com caught up with ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman, who will be announcing the game with Adrian Healey and Julie Stewart-Binks. [NOTE: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.]
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What was your initial reaction to the Sounders’ 2-0 win in Houston in Leg 1?
TWELLMAN: The same reaction it’s been throughout the last 10 months. Ever since Head Coach Brian Schmetzer has taken over, there’s a professionalism to this team. I’m not saying there wasn’t with Sigi Schmid, but the way they’ve performed in big moments — they’ve been professional, pragmatic, they’ve done their job. I think Nicolás Lodeiro’s missed penalty makes Thursday more interesting because if Houston scores first then we’ve got something, but it didn’t surprise me whatsoever because it’s what I’ve gotten to expect from Seattle.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What are you expecting from Leg 2 on Thursday?
TWELLMAN: If I were a Sounders fan, I would be a little concerned about this team coming out flat because being in those moments where you have that elusive away goal, and they’ve got two, is the urgency there? I think that’s the hardest thing for Schmetzer to tap into. Houston is playing with house money at this point. They have absolutely nothing to lose, they’re terrible on the road. So if they get the first goal, all of a sudden you’ve given that situation more life. If in the first 15-20 minutes, though, Seattle dominates and gets an early goal, you’re looking at a team that has eyes on repeating, and I think they’ve had their eyes on it from the beginning.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What are some matchups you’ll be watching?
TWELLMAN: For Houston, who plays right back with Jalil Anibaba suspended? Joevin Jones has shown the ability to open up the game, that left side has been spectacular for Seattle. It’s been dynamic. And who fills in for the suspended Román Torres? With Torres on the field and Torres off the field, the numbers are drastically different for Seattle. Is it Tony Alfaro? Is it Gustav Svensson? Svensson has been so good in the middle, so I’d be shocked if you moved him, but if you do, then you may move Lodeiro back.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What are some keys for Seattle to advance to its second consecutive MLS Cup?
TWELLMAN: In the first 15-20 minutes, Seattle needs to remind Houston that we own you, we’ve dominated you, this is ours to move on. You need to make sure Houston’s life is on the line, their backs are against the wall. Get an early goal if you can and put the game away. Then in the second half, if you do that, Schmetzer can make some smart decisions regarding injuries and players who may have knocks. Maybe Jordan Morris comes in, or maybe he starts, either or, but maybe he can get some legs and then you can make decisions that way. But if you’re Seattle, high press, get after Houston, get an early goal and make sure they know that they don’t have a shot.
