A Measuring Stick Game: Sounders Host Crew in MLS Showdown
It is a true heavyweight bout in Seattle on Sunday as two of the best teams in Major League Soccer clash in a marquee inter-conference matchup. The Seattle Sounders will look to build on a much-needed win as they test their home-field advantage against the visiting Columbus Crew.
Confident at Home
The Sounders are coming off a convincing 2-0 victory over Austin FC that snapped a frustrating five-game losing streak across all competitions. Now back at home, they are playing with a renewed sense of confidence.
“We know that at home, nobody can compete with our fans and with our style of play,” said Sounders forward Jordan Morris.
That confidence will be put to the test against an elite opponent in what midfielder Albert Rusnak is calling a “measuring stick game.” “It’s not the same as us but they have a lot of similarities,” Rusnak said. “It makes it easier to predict but you still have to defend it.”
A Defensive Masterclass
The Crew travel to Seattle fresh off one of the most impressive defensive performances of the MLS season. In their last match, they earned a 1-0 victory over the first-place Philadelphia Union, a game in which they did not allow a single shot on goal. This disciplined and organized defensive unit will provide a massive challenge for the Sounders’ attack. Analyzing these kinds of strength-on-strength matchups is a key topic in our expert betting guide.
Key Returns
The Crew’s already stout defense may get even stronger, as starting goalkeeper Patrick Schulte has returned to training and could be available for Sunday’s match. “Everything is good,” coach Wilfried Nancy said. “He has no pain.”
The Matchup
This game features two of the most talented teams in the league in a fascinating clash of styles. The scores and odds for this contest will be tight, reflecting a game that could truly go either way. To see who our experts are backing in this MLS showdown, check out our daily soccer picks.