Seattle Sounders: 3 Keys vs. Sporting KC

Mar 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Brad Evans (3) battles for control of a corner kick against Sporting KC midfielder Soni Mustier (93) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Brad Evans (3) battles for control of a corner kick against Sporting KC midfielder Soni Mustier (93) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Sporting Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber (10) turns upfield against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Benny Feilhaber

For a lot of people, Dom Dwyer is the main concern, especially after he scored twice the last time these two sides met. In a more general sense, 50 goals in three seasons speaks volumes of the challenge he poses to the Sounders’ defense.

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However, it all starts with the talented Benny Feilhaber in midfield, who just last season was named as one of three finalists for the MLS MVP award. While he may not have been quite up to the same standard this year, he is still Sporting KC’s number one threat.

With seven goals and 13 assists during 2016, it comes as no surprise the 31-year old has been named team offensive player of the year. However, it goes deeper than that, with him controlling possession and maintaining a reputation as one of the best box-to-box midfielder’s in MLS.

With Feilhaber’s contract set to expire after this season, some fans are worried he may be distracted by his future options. However, if anything, this will only increase his desire to leave his mark, making him an extremely dangerous opponent on Thursday night.

Next: Seattle aim to put last loss to Sporting KC behind them

What are you predicting from the Sounders’ clash with Sporting KC? Who do you think will win and why? Let us know in the comments section below.