Everything you need to know ahead of Crew-Sounders

It has not been a particularly positive couple weeks for the Seattle Sounders, who are coming off two dispiriting losses as well as some negative news from the locker room. They’ll get a chance to turn things around when they face arguably the best team in MLS today.

The Columbus Crew are absolutely rolling right now, coming off a Leagues Cup trophy that comes on the back of a trip to the Concacaf Champions Cup final and a MLS Cup victory. But they’re also missing eight players to a combination of suspension, injury and international duty. Of those eight players, six are virtually guaranteed starters, one is a top reserve and three are goalkeepers. The Sounders are missing four potential starters of their own, but it’s a trade that seemingly levels the field at least a bit.

Here’s what you need to know:

Availability news

Sounders

OUT: Stefan Frei - Concussion; Nouhou - International duty; João Paulo - Calf; Raúl Ruidíaz - Knee; Obed Vargas - International duty

Crew

OUT: Malte Amundsen - Suspended; Evan Bush - Arm; Mo Farsi - International duty; Nicholas Hagen - International duty; Cucho Hernandez - International duty; Steven Moreira - International duty; Jacen Russell-Rowe - International duty; Patrick Shulte - International duty.

Stats to look smart

Since Wilfred Nancy took over as the Crew head coach to start 2023, they’ve lost just 2 of 42 games at Lower.com Field across all competitions, an overall record of 28-2-12.
The Sounders have an all-time record of 5-3-1 in Columbus, which includes a win in their only previous trip to Lower.com Field. The Sounders won that 2021 meeting 2-1 behind two very late goals.

Tactics to impress

Regardless of how many players the Crew may be missing, one constant in how they play is they want the ball. They lead MLS with an average of 59.8% of possession per match and have only dropped below 54% twice, and never at home.
While the Sounders have not been nearly as explosive on the counter-attack as they have wanted this year, they have been at their best when they do get transition opportunities. This might actually be a wonderful opportunity for them to use some of those skills.