Everything you need to know about Rapids-Sounders

The Seattle Sounders will look to extend their unbeaten streak to six games and solidify their place in the Western Conference standings when they visit the Colorado Rapids tonight. As it is, this is the first time since 2018 that they’ve had two separate unbeaten streaks of at least five games in a single season.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

QUESTIONABLE: João Paulo - Calf; Raúl Ruidíaz - Knee

Rapids

OUT: Cole Bassett - Quad; Kévin Cabral - Elbow

Stats to look smart

The Sounders have won more games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (9) than at any other away stadium in MLS. They have claimed at least a point in 4 of their last 5 trips there (1-1-3).
The Rapids have drawn 14 penalties this year, by far the most in MLS. That ties the MLS record for most penalties drawn in a season (2022 LA Galaxy, 2018 Atlanta United). They’ve missed five of those, also tying the MLS record (LA 2022 Galaxy).

Tactics to impress

The Rapids have a reputation as a relatively active defensive team that wants to play pretty direct on offense. To a degree that’s true, but probably not quite as extreme as the narrative suggests. The Rapids are relatively middling when it comes to direct attacks, but do rank in the bottom third of passes per sequence and sixth in direct speed (how quickly the advance the ball). If the Sounders can slow them down and keep from fouling (they are second with 12 set-piece goals), they should be in good shape.
Although the Sounders tend to favor relatively slow and long build-ups, they again showed on Wednesday how dangerous they can be when they are able to get into the open field. Especially since Paul Rothrock has become a starter, the Sounders have thrived in transition. If they can break the Rapids high line of confrontation, they should be able to find some joy.