Seattle Sounders: 3 Keys vs. Sporting KC
By Paul Taylor
As the Seattle Sounders prepare to host Sporting KC in the first round of the playoffs, we look at three factors which will help determine the outcome.
One of the many intriguing aspects of professional sports, is the delightful ironies that often present themselves. Thursday’s matchup between the Seattle Sounders and Sporting KC represents one such example.
When the two sides last met, the Sounders lost 3-0 and found themselves 10 points out of a playoff spot after 20 games. However, the defeat also proved to be the catalyst for a much-needed changed, as it resulted in the decision to part ways with Sigi Schmid, who the players were speculated to have lost faith in.
Now, things couldn’t be more different as the teams prepare to meet again, in the first round of the playoffs. The Sounders are in the ascendancy under Schmid’s replacement, Brian Schmetzer, with a record of 8-2-4 since he took over.
Whether this translates to a better result against Sporting KC remains to be seen. (The Sounders also lost 1-0 at home to them in the first game of this season.) Regardless, let’s consider three factors, which will likely decide the final result.