The Seattle Sounders will look to rebound from last week's loss as they travel to Chicago for a rare road match at the Fire (6 p.m. PT; ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM). Here are three matchups to watch.
Oniel Fisher/Gustav Svensson vs. David Accam
With Jordy Delem suspended, whoever lines up at right back for the Sounders — if Brad Evans is fully healthy he may start at center back and push Svensson back out to the right — will be tasked with slowing down Accam. The Fire’s pacey left winger has three goals and three assists this season and loves running off forward Nemanja Nikolic. Evans, Fisher or Svensson will need to keep Accam in front of them at all times.
Osvaldo Alonso vs. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger doesn’t play as a No. 10, but as one of three center midfielders, he’ll be pushing forward into Alonso’s path quite often. Schweinsteiger won’t be taking Alonso off the dribble very often, but the former German international and World Cup-winner loves to play deft balls into the runs of Accam and Nikolic and can pick out passes on a dime. Alonso excels in clogging up those lanes, and his presence as a stop-gap for the back line will go a long way in keeping Chicago off the scoresheet.
Joevin Jones vs. Juninho/Drew Conner
The Sounders’ left back is as vital a part to the offense as the attacking players in front of him. He gets up and down the wing better than any fullback in MLS and should have a favorable matchup against a pinched-in and attack-minded midfielder in Juninho and a young right back in Conner. Seattle loves to attack up the left flank anyway, so expect much of the same on Saturday with plenty of the offense moving outside-in through Jones.
