Seattle Sounders FC: 3 Keys Versus the Columbus Crew

By Paul Taylor | Apr 29, 2016

May 9, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) dribbles between Columbus Crew SC midfielder Tony Tchani (6) and SC defender Michael Parkhurst (4) in the second half of the game at MAPFRE Stadium. The Columbus Crew SC beat the Seattle Sounders FC by the score of 3-2 Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Fabian Herbers (11) crosses the ball in front of a flying Seattle Sounders defender Brad Evans (3) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Can Sounders cope with potential key absentees?

One player who will definitely be out for the Sounders is Brad Evans, who was sent off late against the Rapids for dissent. Zach Scott will start in his place and it’s worth noting Seattle lost both games earlier this season, without their captain.

Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez both missed last weekend’s loss through injury, with the official word being that it was for precautionary reasons. However, while both designated players practiced with the team this week and are hopeful of playing on Sunday, they are listed as questionable at the time of posting.

Another potential absence is Andreas Ivanschitz, who came off early in the second half in Colorado with a thigh strain. One last concern could center around Jordan Morris, who left training early on Thursday with an apparent back strain, although Schmid is confident he will be fine for Saturday.

Next: Forget home field advantage in this one

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