Health issues and not red cards will impact the Sounders FC lineup this week as they take on the Colorado Rapids Saturday at 6:30 p.m. midfielders Brad Evans (knee) and Freddie Ljungberg (migraine) will not be making the trip this week. This is the second week in a row Ljungberg won't be playing.
However, defender Nathan Sturgis will be traveling today and will likely start as Schmid is sure to be more defensive-minded without Ljungberg or Evans.
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Ljungberg's absence although more surprising, was not totally unexpected due to the fact that his migraines continued through the week forcing him to leave practices a few times. Defender Zach Scott will not be making the trip either due to an abominable and possible hernia injury.
The good news is that defender James Riley is back in the lineup after a week off, due to his one game suspension from the red card received against Los Angeles. Sturgis, along with fellow defenders Tyson Wahl, Patrcik Ianni and Taylor Graham, will bolster the back line.
midfielder Peter Vagenes could possibly see his first action this year. However, he is not yet 90 minutes match fit. Stephen King will also be available if needed.
With some key players out, Sigi Schmid and the Sounders are again in a position where they're forced to use a different lineup for the 4th time in as many weeks. Having different players on the pitch every week can lead to chemistry problems but Schmid has been using different combinations in training to help rectify this.
The 18 man roster that will travel are as follows:
GK: Kasey Keller
GK: Ben Dragavon
D: Patrick Ianni
D: Taylor Graham
D: Tyson Wahl
D: James Riley
D: Tyrone Marshall
D: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado
D: Nathan Sturgis
MF: Osvaldo Alonso
MF: Peter Vagenas
MF: Sanna Nyassi
MF: Stephen King
MF: Steve Zakuani
MF/F: Sebastien Le Toux
F: Nate Jaqua
F: Fredy Montero
F: Roger Levesque
Not Traveling due to Injury are:
D: Zach Scott
MF: Brad Evans
MF: Freddie Ljungberg
GK: Chris Eylander
Additional Notes and press release from the club about the matchup:
Facing the most challenging circumstances yet this season, the Seattle Sounders FC (4-4-3) ventures to the Denver area to play the first of two back-to-back games against the Colorado Rapids (3-2-3) on Saturday night, May 23, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT.
Both teams are 1-0-2 in their last three MLS matches and are coming off ties. Sounders FC is unbeaten (1-0-3) in its last four league games (five overall) and has drawn three in a row. Seattle is 1-1-2 on the road. Colorado is 2-0-1 at home.
The two teams will turn around and play a U.S. Open Cup Play-In game at Tukwila’s Starfire Sports Stadium next Tuesday, May 26. $10 bleacher seats are still available. There will be limited seating capacity. Tickets are general admission and fans are encouraged to arrive early to get the best possible seats. For information on Open Cup tickets please visit www.SoundersFC.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.
Broadcast Information (all times Pacific)
Local TV: KONG 6/16 (Pregame begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Local English Radio: News Talk 97.3 FM (Pregame begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Talent: Kevin Calabro (play-by-play), Ty Keough (analyst)
TV Replay: FSN (May 23, 10:30 p.m.; May 24, 4:30 p.m.)
Reach Greg Roth - Sounders Fan Insider at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
