Seattle Sounders Aim to Get Back on Track in Montreal

What can we expect from the Seattle Sounders, as they travel to Montreal to face the Impact on their controversial artificial surface in the Olympic Stadium?

You could argue that it doesn’t matter if the Seattle Sounders get off to a slow start this season. After all, they lost a franchise record three straight games to begin the 2016 campaign and still rebounded to win the MLS Cup.

However, the Sounders will be the first to concede that last season was a one-off, special set of circumstances. In that respect, it’s important for them to bounce back from the season-opening 2-1 loss to the Dynamo. (Are they ever going to win in Houston?!?!)

In theory, a trip to Montreal isn’t the best scenario for the Sounders, as they look to gain their first positive result of 2017. They’ll be facing an opponent who was one exceptional Toronto FC comeback away from being their opponent in last year’s MLS Cup.

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In addition, the Rave Green will have to contend with the Impact’s controversial artificial pitch. However, the task may not be as imposing as first believed.

For a start, the Impact are not exactly dominant on their home turf. Last season, they had the lowest home points total of all 12 teams in made the playoffs.

There is also the fact the Sounders won the only other time they played in Montreal. Although it’s worth noting the 2-0 victory was back in 2014, with goalscorers Obafemi Martina and Lamar Neagle no longer on the roster.

Still, Brian Schmetzer and his team have every reason to enter Saturday’s game with confidence. It helps that they now have Harry Shipp, who was playing for the Impact just last season and will no doubt be able to provide some inside information.

The Sounders’ main concern will be the absence of defender Brad Evans, who is still out with a left calf strain. He is joined on the injury report by midfielder Aaron Kovar, who is recovering from groin surgery.

The Impact’s only major doubt is midfielder Andres Romero, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. They will definitely be without center back Hassoun Camara, who will miss the game with a red card suspension.

Overall, the Sounders will face a difficult challenge, if for no other reason than the fact this is the Impact’s home opener and they will have a passionate crowd to draw inspiration from. However, it will be a disappointment if they don’t leave Montreal with at least one point to show for their efforts.

Next: 5 Questions for the 2017 Season

What are you expecting from the Sounders in their game against the Impact? What do you think the final outcome will be, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.