Ahead of the Western Conference Championship between the Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders, MLSsoccer.com breaks down the two finalists position-by-position. The two teams will face off in the first leg at CenturyLink Field on Tuesday (FS1 and FOX Deportes in USA; TSN1, TSN3, RDS2 in Canada).
| Colorado Rapids | Seattle Sounders | |
|---|---|---|
| GOALKEEPERS | ||
| The Rapids looked to be all set at the goalkeeper position with US national team ‘keeper Tim Howard between the pipes. That all changed over a week ago when Howard suffered a season-ending groin injury. They will now turn to Zac MacMath, who was solid at the start of the season but was prone to the occasional gaffe that could hurt the team in the playoffs. | Advantage to: | Stefan Frei isn’t one of the flashiest ‘keepers in MLS, but he’s certainly one of the steadiest. The former Toronto FC draft pick has started 98 of 102 games for the Sounders since joining the club prior to the 2014 season. Sounders fans have had little to worry about with Frei in between the pipes. |
| DEFENDERS | ||
| There are no big names here but there is certainly strength. Axel Sjoberg had a breakout year, as he was named one of the finalists for Defender of the Year, while Jared Watts has been a solid, technical partner next to him. Marc Burch possesses one of the best crosses in the league at left back and right back Eric Miller can hold his own against any winger in the league. | Advantage to: | Roman Torres is an injury question mark at center back, and while his replacement, Zach Scott, held his own against FC Dallas, the pairing of the big Panamanian with Chad Marshall is more of a physical presence, shutting down opposing attacks whenever they’ve played together. Joevin Jones is really more of a winger in a left back role, as he is very dangerous going forward but he is prone to lapses defensively. Tyrone Mears has been an above average right back in MLS since his arrival. |
| MIDFIELDERS | ||
| Jermaine Jones’ return provides a big boost in central midfield and he's expected to play more of an attacking midfield role. Veteran Sam Cronin, one of the most effective defensive midfielders this season, will likely pair with Micheal Azira in the center to provide cover. But the wide midfielders are a question mark: former Sounder Sebastien Le Toux looks to have staked a claim on the right wing, and with Shkelzen Gashi an injury doubt for the first leg, we could see either the speedy Dominique Badji or Marlon Hairston fill in on the left. | Advantage to: | Nicolas Lodeiro was the MVP of the league over the last three months of the season and his acquisition is the primary reason the Sounders even made the playoffs. Osvaldo Alonso should be a Best XI selection at defensive midfield and Cristian Roldan emerged as a top young two-way midfielder next to him. Erik Friberg has established himself in a more advanced central midfield role, but that could change going forward. Wide players Jordan Morris, Andreas Ivanschitz and Alvaro Fernandez are dealing with injury concerns and the left wing starter will likely come down to health. |
| FORWARDS | ||
| Mastroeni has played both Dominique Badji and Doyle in recent weeks as his lone center forward and either could start against the Sounders. Badji had a strong end to his regular season, scoring four goals in his last eight games, but his pace has not been a factor so far in the playoffs. Doyle has scored just two goals since July 9. | Advantage to: EVEN | Nelson Valdez has assumed the role of starting striker for the Sounders. That is a phrase that most Sounders fans would’ve dreaded at most points of the season. The Paraguayan international has scored just one goal in 1,313 minutes over his MLS regular season career but he has come alive during these playoffs, scoring two goals in just 125 minutes, including the game-winner in the Knockout Round. He will look to continue that run of good form against one of the strongest defenses in MLS history. |
| MANAGER | ||
Pablo Mastroeni came into this year with his job in jeopardy, as the Rapids had not made the playoffs in either of his first two seasons. His team has come into this campaign on a mission since Day One, and had one of the biggest turnarounds in MLS history, nearly capturing the Supporters’ Shield. His team’s style isn’t always the most appealing, but it's proven effective, which is the most important thing in the end. | Advantage to: | Brian Schmetzer became the interim coach with the Sounders’ season in peril. Over the last three months, and with Lodeiro leading the way, the Sounders averaged almost two points per game and secured their spot in the playoffs. Schmetzer deserves a lot of credit for the turnaround, and the run earned him the permanent job. He could have some tough decisions to make in this series due to injuries, but he has shown the ability to make all the right moves over the last three months. |
| BENCH | ||
| With all the players mentioned in the previous sections, it’s clear that the Rapids have some depth. Hairston and ex-Sounder Marco Pappa are dangerous attacking options, while Doyle or Badji could also start on the bench. Bobby Burling is a solid backup center back while Mekeil Williams provides depth at either fullback spot. | Advantage to: | Brad Evans is one of the most versatile players in MLS history and could be a key player off the bench for the Sounders. He could fill in at any spot in the midfield or defense and do it effectively. Herculez Gomez has struggled in his time with the Sounders but always has the potential to score a big goal. Oniel Fisher and Aaron Kovar provide depth at the fullback and winger positions. One of Andreas Ivanschitz or Alvaro Fernandez could also make an impact, pending their injury recovery. |
| OVERALL | ||
| Colorado have logged one of the best defensive seasons in MLS history and they surely will not stray from that identity, despite the loss of their No. 1 goalkeeper. They will play a conservative style and count on the fact that they can score goals when needed. The question is whether they can truly get it done without Gashi, while they wait for Jones to reach top form and the striker corps to get on a hot streak. | Advantage to: | There’s little doubt that the Sounders have been the best team in MLS over the past three months, but they do have some question marks coming into this series. Morris is nursing a hamstring injury, Torres is coming back from an injury and Valdez is not exactly the most reliable striker in MLS. The good news is that Nicolas Lodeiro is on their team, which might just be enough to take them to their first MLS Cup. |
