By Steven Agen and Toby Dunkelberg
It’s no Dempsey or Martins for the Sounders today as they take on the San Jose Earthquakes for the second time in 2015. Here are the three keys for Seattle to stay atop the West:
1. The Brad Evans v Chris Wondolowski matchup
The centerback had yet to settle into his new role in the second week of the season, when Wondolowski went off for 2 goals en route to a 3-2 San Jose win. In fact, culpability for all three defensive lapses were put on Evans, and serious questions were asked about whether or not he was fit to start at the back.
Since then, the story has changed. Despite a sending off in the Open Cup on Tuesday, Evans has been a revelation at centerback for the Sounders. Can he show how far he’s come, and hold off one the most prolific goal scorers in league history? It won’t be easy, given Wondo’s penchant for scoring against Seattle.
2. Wide midfielders in the center of the park
Thomas, Roldan, and Pappa make up the forward three in Sigi’s 4-2-3-1. All three of them have been deployed solely out wide for the Sounders in 2015. WIth none of them being a true CAM, expect to see them rotate through the positions as the game wears on. It’ll be chaotic, and there will be loads of creativity on the field. But will it be effective?
In order for the Sounders to control the attack, one of them will have to step up and fill the shoes of Gonzalo Pineda. The Sounders miss the passing creativity and leadership of their former Mexican international. His vision and ability in tight spaces have been the catalyst for Seattle’s possession-based game plan this year.
All the candidates are wide players, and two of them have little MLS experience. Chances are, it’ll be Marco Pappa who either takes charge or forces Sigi Schmid to reconsider the 4-5-1.
3. Andy Rose’s simple role
Rose has at times looked overwhelmed by the offensive requirements of wide midfield and the versatility needed for a center midfielder in a 4-4-2. Today he has the chance to thrive at defensive midfield in the 4-5-1. Partnered with Michael Azira, the UCLA product’s task is a simple one.
Rose merely needs to stay behind the ball on defense and get the ball quickly and accurately to the attacking midfielders when in possession. Given the limited scope of what he’ll be asked to do, this is a chance to see Rose break out in one discipline of the game instead of seeing his impact dissipated over several.
BONUS 4th Key: Try not to miss Dempsey and Martins.
