The starting XI for each MLS Cup finalist has been revealed as the Seattle Sounders and Columbus Crew prepare for kickoff.
Columbus head coach Caleb Porter opted to start Aidan Morris and Derrick Etienne Jr. in place of key players Darlington Nagbe and Pedro Santos, who are not medically cleared to play.
Morris, 19, has just two starts this season and has yet to appear during the postseason. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last year in his lone season at Indiana University. He's represented the United States at various youth levels. Etienne has made one start this postseason, adding an assist.
No. 1 goalkeeper Eloy Room, who missed the team's last two playoff games, returns to the lineup. Stars Lucas Zelarayan (four assists this postseason) and Gyasi Zardes (two goals and an assist this postseason) lead the line as usual.
As for Seattle, Brian Schmetzer makes no changes to the squad that advanced past Minnesota United last round. Kelvin Leerdam and Gustav Svensson remain on the bench in favor of Alex Roldan and Joevin Jones.
Xavier Arreaga misses out as he remained in Seattle for the birth of his child. Stars Raul Ruidiaz, Nico Lodeiro and Jordan Morris make up the attack as expected.
Between Svensson, Leerdam, Will Bruin, Brad Smith and others, the Sounders have plenty of firepower available off the bench.
