Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: 3 Keys for Game 2
By Paul Taylor
3) How will injuries impact the Sounders?
You could argue that injuries haven’t caused the Sounders too many problems, given their surge in recent weeks has come without Clint Dempsey. Regardless, there is always a chance they will still have some influence over events.
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First things first, what we do know is that Alvaro Fernandez and Andreas Ivanschitz will both miss Sunday’s game. However, given that neither participated in the first leg, the Sounders know they can produce without the two midfielders.
Similarly, the Rave Green managed to keep a clean sheet last weekend, despite Roman Torres’ absence with a hamstring strain. Having said that, most fans will feel just that little bit more secure, if the imposing defender is in the starting lineup.
In that respect, Torres traveled with the team to Dallas and while it would be preferable to give him more time to rest, it won’t influence Schmetzer’s thinking. As he told the media earlier this week, if the Panamanian international is healthy enough, he will play.
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What are you predicting from the second leg on Sunday? Will the Sounders do enough to make sure they advance to the Western Conference Final? Let us know in the comments section below.