Everything you need to know about Dynamo-Sounders

After winning Game 1 of their best-of-3 series, the Seattle Sounders have a chance to clinch advancement with any sort of win. In the first game, they relied on penalties. That’s probably not their preferred method of advancement, but their earlier performance should give them some confidence if it comes to that.

One thing that throws a bit of a wrench into plans is Saturday’s injury report which surprisingly included Danny Musovski being listed out and Albert Rusnák as questionable. Assuming neither starts, this will almost certainly be the most rotation the Sounders have used in lineup in months.

Here’s what you need to know:

Availability news

Sounders

OUT: Jacob Castro - Adductor; Danny Musovski - Quad

QUESTIONABLE: Cody Baker - Head; Jordan Morris - Hamstring; Albert Rusnak - Hip.

Houston

OUT: Coco Carrasquilla – Suspension; Lawrence Ennali – Knee; Nelson Quinones – Knee

QUESTIONABLE: Brad Smith – Thigh (Questionable)

Stats to look smart

  • The Sounders have an all-time record of 5-5-4 in Houston, but have dominated the series in recent years. Since 2017, the Sounders are 5-1-1 at Shell Energy Stadium that includes a tie there earlier this year.
  • Although all eight teams who won the first game in their best-of-3 playoff series advanced last year, three of series still went to a third game.

Tactics to impress

  • Somewhat surprisingly, the Dynamo dropped their line of confrontation very deep in Game 1 as they seemed content to play for penalties. It would be even more surprising if they did that again in Game 2. Not only are the Dynamo at home, but they’re unlikely to leave their chances to penalties. The Sounders will hopefully be able to find ways to exploit some of the space even without Jordan Morris.
  • With Morris out, Raúl Ruidíaz will likely play effectively as a false 9. To compensate for that, the wingers are going to need to stay high. If Albert Rusnák is also out, Pedro de la Vega could move inside to provide connect with Ruidíaz while Paul Rothrock and Georgi Minoungou stretch the field on the outside.

Kit matchup

Opposition research

Sounder Strategy: Dynamo redemption
Seattle will search for solace in Houston against a renewed Dynamo squad that controls the ball.

Other news

Obed Vargas welcomed back with open arms
The Sounders midfielder is hoping to make up for lost time after missing the first playoff game while serving a suspension.
Sounders preparing as if Raúl Ruidíaz will start Game 2
Jordan Morris officially deemed “doubtful” to play.
Jordan Morris questionable for Game 2 after leaving early
The Sounders striker only made it about 50 minutes before coming out with hamstring tightness.