Everything you need to know about Sounders-Dynamo

The Seattle Sounders can clinch a playoff spot for the 15th time in 16 seasons with a win tonight against the Houston Dynamo. Perhaps more importantly, they can also jump the Dynamo in the standings and potentially get as high as fourth in the Western Conference table.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: João Paulo - Calf

QUESTIONABLE: Léo Chú - Illness; Raúl Ruidíaz - Knee

Dynamo

OUT: Lawrence Ennali – Knee; Hector Herrera – Hamstring; Nelson Quinones – Knee

QUESTIONABLE: Latif Blessing – Head; Ezequiel Ponce – Thigh (Questionable)

Stats to look smart

The Sounders last dropped points to the Dynamo at home on Oct. 12, 2016, and have never lost to them at Lumen Field in 13 all-time meetings.
The Sounders are Dynamo are tied with the Columbus Crew for the fewest non-penalty goals allowed per game in MLS this season. All three are giving up 1.0 goals per game.

Tactics to impress

No team likes to hold onto the ball more than the Dynamo, who average 59.6% possession. They are a classic “defend with the ball” type of team, to the point that they are also the slowest attacking team. No team has fewer “direct attacks” than the Dynamo this year (20). While stout defensively, they have given up nine set-piece goals which is tied for the sixth most goals.
This is the kind of opponent the Sounders have enjoyed a good degree of success against this year. Although it goes against their instincts, the Sounders would be smart to cede the possession battle and look for opportunities to get into transition.