P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 27, 2024 21:29:30 GMT Holden, INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ, and 1 more like this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 27, 2024 21:29:30 GMT

Saturday evening, we host Western Conference foes Houston Dynamo, and, dang, on paper our clubs are fairly even. They are directly above us on the table by just one point, PPG are nearly identical, our records are damn near the same, our goals for and conceded are about even (their GD is +10, ours is +11), and our last match (@hou on 19 June) ended 2-2.... However, if history has anything to say about this meeting, HOU are in for a hard night. We are 11W-1D-1L against HOU going back to 2017, and, all-time head-to-head, we are 17-8-6 against them (I haven't checked to verify this, but I believe it is one of the most lopsided head-to-heads in MLS). OH and did I mention that HOU have never won in Seattle? *knock on my right knee* Yeah, that stat was kind of surprising for me too!

Both teams will be playing to clinch their spot in the playoffs; a win does this for either. However, HOU will clinch regardless of the result if DAL loses or draws vs ORL. In addition to an outright win, there are two additional scenarios that would clinch for us: if we draw and DAL lose/draw vs ORL, or DAL lose to ORL and ATX lose/draw vs RSL. Of course, I prefer to win our way into the playoffs and control our own fate.

HOU are dangerous on the road; in fact, their road record is markedly stronger than their home record. They have only lost twice in their last 16 MLS matches. And if Herrera and Ponce are "on," we will have a tough time.

Saturday is also Fan Appreciation Night as well as Latinx Heritage Night, so a win that clinches us a playoff berth would make for an even bigger celebration! The man, the legend, the tower, Roman Torres will honored before kickoff.

Torres vs Elis in Seattle's 1-0 victory on 5/11/19

Torres vs Elis in Seattle's 1-0 victory on 5/11/19

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT

Houston Dynamo
OUT: Lawrence Ennali (knee)
OUT: Hector Herrera (hamstring)
OUT: Nelson Quiñones (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: Latif Blessing (head)
QUESTIONABLE: Ezequiel Ponce (thigh)

Seattle Sounders FC
OUT: João Paulo (calf)
QUESTIONABLE: Léo Chú (illness)
QUESTIONABLE: Raúl Ruidíaz (knee)

MATCH OFFICIALS
REF: Allen Chapman
AR1: Micheal Barwegen
AR2: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho
4TH: Brad Jensen
VAR: Geoff Gamble
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson

*Chapman has been the person in the middle for 25 Sounders matches (12-5-8); of those, 14 have been home matches (8-3-3). He has been in charge of one home match for us this season, and we lost. He's been in charge for road matches featuring HOU 12 times (5-2-5), and they've lost both matches on the road this season when Chapman has the whistle.

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV
Radio/Audio-streaming: 93/3 KJR FM and El Rey 1360 AM

Last Edit: Sept 28, 2024 3:58:34 GMT by airkeeper

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 27, 2024 23:47:41 GMT airkeeper and sounderfan1974 like this

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Post by INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ on Sept 27, 2024 23:47:41 GMT

Thanks as always, airkeeper.

Much like San Jose last week, this has "trap game" written all over it. What worries me is that Houston has the lowest GA in the conference, and it took two dismal pieces of defending from SJ to get us on the board. I am once again begging Schmetzer to try something different like PDLV or even Cristian at the #10.

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 28, 2024 22:00:02 GMT airkeeper likes this

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Post by sounderfan1974 on Sept 28, 2024 22:00:02 GMT

Interesting P/I/P, airkeeper! I too am surprised by the Sounders' stats vs. the Dynamo. I seem to recall that early in the MLS Sounders era, Houston were a difficult foe. Maybe it's because I still remember the Dynamo knocking the Sounders out of the playoffs in 2009 on an ex-Sounders Brian Ching goal, 1-0.
What I find somewhat odd is that this match is "Fan Appreciation Night". Correct me if I'm wrong but in all of Sounders' history going back to the NASL days, it was always celebrated during the last match of the season. The only thing I could come up with is that since the Timbers will be their final opponent in the regular season, they don't want any distractions. At least that's what I'm hoping. In the recent past, the FO has tried tying other PR events into the home Portland matches, as if extra hype was needed- remember the unveiling of the CCL Championship banner, right before the Sounders were embarrassed by Portland 3-0 in July 2022? Ugh.

Anyway, the Sounders had better not have another "trap game"- Houston is more dangerous than SJE and will lose if they don't get their act together. As airkeeper and others have stated, the Sounders need all the points they can get.

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 2:41:45 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974 likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 2:41:45 GMT

DAL lost to ORL, so HOU are in the playoffs regardless of the outcome. Since DAL lost and ATX drew with RSL, we also clinched. However, seeding matters and we have a lot to prove. Let's get the fricking win. EBFG

Last Edit: Sept 29, 2024 2:48:30 GMT by airkeeper

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INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ Senior Member Posts: 3,717	P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:06:08 GMT via mobile airkeeper and sounderfan1974 like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ on Sept 29, 2024 4:06:08 GMT I am rapidly losing faith in PDLV.

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:33:57 GMT via mobile INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 4:33:57 GMT

Sept 29, 2024 4:06:08 GMT INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ said:

I am rapidly losing faith in PDLV.

I hear you. It may seem unfair to criticize him given the injury issues, but he is a professional footballer so.... PDLV lacks fitness--not just in terms of gas in the tank but also looks out of shape from what I'd expect from a younger winger (I don't mean to body shame, but his physique is reminiscent of Sammy "Top Pot"), and then he has zero chemistry/understanding with his teammates--not making the runs that others expect, passing too heavily or too far behind, and losing the ball too easily. He just seems to be more than a few steps off from the rest of the squad. Honestly, Georgi looks more active and dangerous in his appearances. PDLV isn't looking worthy of the #10 shirt, the salary, the DP slot, or the playing time. Honestly, it seems like the dude is being coddled.

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:37:22 GMT via mobile airkeeper, sounderfan1974, and 1 more like this

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Post by INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ on Sept 29, 2024 4:37:22 GMT

Pretty impressive when you can get three points AND move me ever closer to not renewing AppleTV next season. It's so freaking boring.

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:40:13 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974 likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 4:40:13 GMT

We won. I am having some trouble getting too excited about it. But hey it was a playoff team we beat! Our anemic offense came up against a more anemic offense. It was boring to me, particularly in the second half--maybe I am wrong? Rothrock's goal was lovely. Our defense seemed to do a good job keeping HOU out of dangerous areas. The officiating was...weird haha--a number of questionable calls/non-calls. Oh! HOU still has never won in Seattle!!!

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airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:43:52 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974 and INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ like this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 4:43:52 GMT

Sept 29, 2024 4:37:22 GMT INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ said:

Pretty impressive when you can get three points AND move me ever closer to not renewing AppleTV next season. It's so freaking boring.

Okay so it isn't just me. That was so damned boring, and the commentators had a lot to do with it. They had no clue about either team, and they even called HOU "Orlando" a couple times. They weren't excited nor exciting. I wish there was a way to rate the match commentary or give feedback because it was one of the worst experiences this season. I think I should start watching the Spanish language feed instead--some folks have said it's better.

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:50:55 GMT via mobile airkeeper likes this

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Post by INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ on Sept 29, 2024 4:50:55 GMT

Sept 29, 2024 4:33:57 GMT airkeeper said:

Sept 29, 2024 4:06:08 GMT INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ said:

I am rapidly losing faith in PDLV.

I hear you. It may seem unfair to criticize him given the injury issues, but he is a professional footballer so.... PDLV lacks fitness--not just in terms of gas in the tank but also looks out of shape from what I'd expect from a younger winger (I don't mean to body shame, but his physique is reminiscent of Sammy "Top Pot"), and then he has zero chemistry/understanding with his teammates--not making the runs that others expect, passing too heavily or too far behind, and losing the ball too easily. He just seems to be more than a few steps off from the rest of the squad. Honestly, Georgi looks more active and dangerous in his appearances. PDLV isn't looking worthy of the #10 shirt, the salary, the DP slot, or the playing time. Honestly, it seems like the dude is being coddled.

There were times earlier in the season where he looked like he was going to be a playmaker. In the last two games he's looked like a league minimum vet, just a complementary player. He cost Lodeiro money but he's playing like a Fucito or Shipp.

I think you're right about the kid gloves. I'm sure Schmetzer would like to call him out but after all the injuries I'm sure he's fragile.

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 4:52:21 GMT via mobile INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 4:52:21 GMT

Sept 29, 2024 4:50:55 GMT INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ said:

Sept 29, 2024 4:33:57 GMT airkeeper said:

I hear you. It may seem unfair to criticize him given the injury issues, but he is a professional footballer so.... PDLV lacks fitness--not just in terms of gas in the tank but also looks out of shape from what I'd expect from a younger winger (I don't mean to body shame, but his physique is reminiscent of Sammy "Top Pot"), and then he has zero chemistry/understanding with his teammates--not making the runs that others expect, passing too heavily or too far behind, and losing the ball too easily. He just seems to be more than a few steps off from the rest of the squad. Honestly, Georgi looks more active and dangerous in his appearances. PDLV isn't looking worthy of the #10 shirt, the salary, the DP slot, or the playing time. Honestly, it seems like the dude is being coddled.

There were times earlier in the season where he looked like he was going to be a playmaker. In the last two games he's looked like a league minimum vet, just a complementary player. He cost Lodeiro money but he's playing like a Fucito or Shipp.

I think you're right about the kid gloves. I'm sure Schmetzer would like to call him out but after all the injuries I'm sure he's fragile.

Agreed 100%

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sounderfan1974
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 5:37:01 GMT airkeeper likes this

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Post by sounderfan1974 on Sept 29, 2024 5:37:01 GMT

I wish I knew how to take a screenshot of my phone. I had just texted Kim, "Boring game so far. 22nd minute". Just as I sent it, Rothrock scores!
Good "professional" win, but I sure would like to see more chances created. Bummer that Morris couldn't have gotten more on the one that glanced off the post! Yeimar was a rock in the back.

With all the possession Houston had, I was concerned they would sneak one in at the death like the Earthquakes did. But in the end it seemed both teams were satisfied with the result since in the big picture, they both clinched the playoffs.

Last Edit: Sept 29, 2024 5:38:24 GMT by sounderfan1974

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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 5:42:27 GMT airkeeper likes this

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Post by sounderfan1974 on Sept 29, 2024 5:42:27 GMT

Sept 29, 2024 4:43:52 GMT airkeeper said:

Sept 29, 2024 4:37:22 GMT INVINCIBLE 2023 Fantasy Champ said:

Pretty impressive when you can get three points AND move me ever closer to not renewing AppleTV next season. It's so freaking boring.

Okay so it isn't just me. That was so damned boring, and the commentators had a lot to do with it. They had no clue about either team, and they even called HOU "Orlando" a couple times. They weren't excited nor exciting. I wish there was a way to rate the match commentary or give feedback because it was one of the worst experiences this season. I think I should start watching the Spanish language feed instead--some folks have said it's better.

I wish I knew what was going on with MLS and AppleTV. Except for the fact that Messi is in MLS, they can't be making much money as far as I can tell. Even now, even though we can get it, the audio is always about 5 seconds later than the video. I don't know if it's a problem on our end or theirs, but it's frustrating.

airkeeper
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 29, 2024 5:54:19 GMT via mobile sounderfan1974 likes this

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Post by airkeeper on Sept 29, 2024 5:54:19 GMT

Hey! Nouhou managed to go another match without earning himself a caution (he's been on accumulation warning). Unfortunately, MLS doesn't make available the number of matches before the "good behavior" incentive. If he isn't back in good graces, I'd rather see him pick up a yellow against VAN and miss the COL match than risk having to see RBW start against POR.

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fuzzy
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P/I/P Sounders vs HOU 7:30PM 9/28/2024 Sept 30, 2024 23:52:03 GMT airkeeper and sounderfan1974 like this

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Post by fuzzy on Sept 30, 2024 23:52:03 GMT

Didn't watch the match. The highlights were kind of exciting though and given what I've read here, I'm happy with my choice

If we can get 7pts from our last 3 we will likely finish 4th in the West and this will be our 6th best MLS season ever by ppg. If that plays out it would be shocking to me given how consistently shit we've been; yet it's a real possibility.