P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 29, 2023 21:15:28 GMT Zafiro and Holden like this

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 29, 2023 21:15:28 GMT

Our 2-nil victory versus RSL on 4 March was our first victory against them in three matches. But we are on the road, and RSL is one of the toughest venues for visitors; we've only gotten one result (a draw) in our last eleven trips to Utah. However, RSL are only 2-0-2 (WDL) at home this season, so it may not be as much of a fortress this season as in years prior. While they may currently occupy the 9th and final playoff sport in the West, RSL have improved as of late, taking down a strong SJ 3-1 last week. After our colossal collapse at POR (worst.20.minutes.ever.), we bounced back (just enough) to beat MIN 1-0 with the deciding *only* goal being scored by former-RSL DP (and current SEA DP) Rusnak. We have a +10 goal differential while RSL have a *checks and double-checks notes* -7 GD. But, as I mentioned, they seem to be on an upward tick. Both clubs played in USOC on Wednesday; we all know how our home match came down to the wire, going 120 minutes, but RSL traveled to Las Vegas and won 1-3 in 120 minutes as well (in fact, all four goals in the match came in extra time). None of our starters featured in our USOC victory--well, allow me to walk that back: Chu was the only starter to feature in the win; RSL had a handful of starters play, including their biggest attacking threat Kreilach doing his best Fredy Montero impression by going the full 120 and scoring the first and winning RSL goals.

Availability Reports:
RSL
OUT: Zach Farnsworth (thigh)
OUT: Axel Kei (ankle)
OUT: Delentz Pierre (leg)
QUESTIONABLE: Andrew Brody (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: Erik Holt (Achilles)
QUESTIONABLE: Anderson Julio (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE: Brayan Vera (hip)
QUESTIONABLE: Tomas Gomez (knee)

SEA
OUT: Jacob Castro (right adductor strain)
OUT: Raul Ruidiaz (right hamstring strain)
QUESTIONABLE: Nouhou (illness)*
QUESTIONABLE: Cristian Roldan (concussion protocol)*

*Schmetzer confirmed neither C.Roldan nor Nouhou would make the trip

Previous H2H: 3/4 home victory2-0 (goals from Morris and Heber)
Final of three: 7/22 @ RSL

Kickoff Time: 6:39PM (Pacific)
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Listen: KJR 950 AM, KJR 93.3 FM, or iHeart Radio app/web

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airkeeper
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Posts: 8,197

P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 29, 2023 21:23:36 GMT

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 29, 2023 21:23:36 GMT

I am struggling with a lineup prediction for this one, specifically in the back since Nouhou is out. I guess Rowe might start at LB or A.Roldan is switched to the left and one of the "kids" comes in at the right. What is for sure is that Heber should get the start up top if he is good to go, with Chu on the left and Morris on the right; that would keep Rusnak alongside JP. I am hoping for all sorts of scoring chances and some good finishing from Heber and Morris (at least), but it would be nice to see Rusnak get on the scoresheet against his former club (in a victory this time). EBFG

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Holden
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 29, 2023 23:57:11 GMT via mobile

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Post by Holden on Apr 29, 2023 23:57:11 GMT

Wonder what Nouhou is sick with to be out for two weeks, sounds rough. I'll be interested to see who starts at RW. With Heber up top I think Chu slides to the bench. I don't see any reason why we can't get 3 points here, Go Sounders!

rjshae Full Member Posts: 827	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 1:15:03 GMT Zafiro, airkeeper, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by rjshae on Apr 30, 2023 1:15:03 GMT Given our abysmal record in that stadium, I'd be happy if we achieve a tie game.

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 1:49:33 GMT via mobile Holden and sounderfan1974 like this

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 30, 2023 1:49:33 GMT

JP's early caution (7 min) seems rather harsh. The contact was body to body, not dangerous. I don't think he will be able to go 90 now, but Vargas or Atencio could see some minutes. Honestly, at least the ref gave a yellow for Savarino's challenge on A.Roldan in 9' *shrug*

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Holden
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 1:56:39 GMT

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Post by Holden on Apr 30, 2023 1:56:39 GMT

Apr 30, 2023 1:49:33 GMT airkeeper said:

JP's early caution (7 min) seems rather harsh. The contact was body to body, not dangerous. I don't think he will be able to go 90 now, but Vargas or Atencio could see some minutes. Honestly, at least the ref gave a yellow for Savarino's challenge on A.Roldan in 9' *shrug*

Neither of them should have been yellows imo. JP did clearly go in studs up even if contact was body to body so harder to argue.

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 2:31:58 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974 likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 30, 2023 2:31:58 GMT

No ideas on the attack--rather, no patience on the attack: too quick to take a no-chance shot or make a poor pass/cross to no one (no one open). One good chance I can think of was when Chu drifted to the right and Morris went more centrally, and Chu megged the defender but Morris's shot was easily saved.

Frei is MotM thus far, lest we be down by two.

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sylvia Full Member Posts: 1,193	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 2:32:00 GMT airkeeper and sounderfan1974 like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by sylvia on Apr 30, 2023 2:32:00 GMT Frei is having a good game...the rest a bit frustrating. Our dependable players are a bit less dependable these days...I hope they get up to speed sometime soon🥴

sylvia Full Member Posts: 1,193	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 2:33:37 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by sylvia on Apr 30, 2023 2:33:37 GMT Ha! Looks like Airkeeper and I are watching the same match!

sylvia Full Member Posts: 1,193	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 2:55:59 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by sylvia on Apr 30, 2023 2:55:59 GMT WHY IN THE H... DID WE USE RUSNAK FOR THE PENALTY? I would say he kicks the ball over the goal 90% of the time (I didn't look it up but it is a shock when he scores - at least since he's been with the Sounders!)

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 3:10:28 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974, INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ, and 1 more like this

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 30, 2023 3:10:28 GMT

Teves for Chu? F*cking Schmetzer subbing off the most dangerous player yet again. SMDH (Hoping we don't witness another 20 minute collapse)

Also, this ref is card happy...

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Holden Senior Member This too shall pass. Posts: 5,083	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 3:13:35 GMT via mobile airkeeper, sounderfan1974, and 2 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Holden on Apr 30, 2023 3:13:35 GMT Lodeiro is having an old man game. I've always been concerned that his playstyle won't translate well as he ages.

INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ Senior Member Posts: 3,717	P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 3:13:38 GMT via mobile airkeeper, sounderfan1974, and 2 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ on Apr 30, 2023 3:13:38 GMT I don't get Schmetzer's obsession with taking Chu off.

airkeeper
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Posts: 8,197

P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 3:37:07 GMT via mobile Zafiro, sounderfan1974, and 3 more like this

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Post by airkeeper on Apr 30, 2023 3:37:07 GMT

Hearing the RSL fans with no soccer IQ screeching has been more annoying than hilarious. And the commentators were absolutely awful--it's as though they didn't know that dissent or delaying a restart or late (petty) fouls all warrant cautions.

The draw is a much better result for us than it is for RSL, and not just because we were the visitors. We really need to stop playing down to the quality of our opponents; this is the fourth consecutive match we've done that. Anyway, point on the road, cleansheet even, without two key players I C.Roldan and Nouhou....

Frei is no doubt MotM.

Last Edit: Apr 30, 2023 3:37:43 GMT by airkeeper

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sounderfan1974
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P/I/P Sounders @ RSL 4.29.23, 6:30PM Apr 30, 2023 4:16:09 GMT Zafiro, airkeeper, and 3 more like this

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Post by sounderfan1974 on Apr 30, 2023 4:16:09 GMT

Apr 30, 2023 3:10:28 GMT airkeeper said:

Teves for Chu? F*cking Schmetzer subbing off the most dangerous player yet again. SMDH (Hoping we don't witness another 20 minute collapse)

Also, this ref is card happy...

Chu was NOT happy coming off. You could read his lips- "Why?" as he came to the touchline. Oviedo was close to getting a second yellow because of Chu.