All Apologies

So, the Zolos currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference, and they are tied for tops in all of MLS with Real Salt Lake and Colorado on 9 points. They have conceded the fewest goals in the league along with Real Salt Lake (1 goal conceded) while scoring the second fewest goals (3, tied with Columbus and Chivas USA). You’d think that being in this position would make Union fans very happy – and, believe me, we are. There’s just one thing that I don’t particularly like about this team: They are just so damn boring. I mean, really boring.

Of course, there are more pressing issues with this club. For example: When exactly is the offense going to gel? Is there something wrong with Le Toux physically? Can Piotr Nowak stop parking the bus after scoring a goal?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Winning is winning is winning. They don’t ask you how you won, they just ask you if you did. If the choice were given between 34 unbelievably boring games that gave the Union a playoff spot, and wild shootouts that kept the Zolos near the bottom of the table, of course I would take the playoff appearance. I’m just saying that it would be nice every once in a while to see the Union click on offense and win a game by a more comfortable 3-0. I think the perfect opportunity to do something like that is this coming Saturday afternoon against the Sounders.

The Sounders enter PPL Park having won their first match of the season, an exciting 2-1 match against Chicago. They are 1-2-2 on the season, and they scored 5 and conceded 6. Their saving grace so far this season has been their older-than-dirt goalkeeper, Kasey Keller, who I believe was one of Jesus Christ’s original 12 apostles. Anyway, he’s the reason why Seattle isn’t further down the table, and why they may still be alive for a playoff spot come late September. Beyond Keller, Seattle’s defense hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in their first 5 matches. Their offense has also struggled at times, but they showed potential last week with having Steve Zakuani return and play up top with the Irish-sounding non-Irishman O’Brian White.

The key to the Union winning this one will be to continue to play the shutdown defense that they have been playing all season. Another key is Seattle’s gotta come across the country to play in a hostile environment which is something they always seem to have a little trouble with. The final key is scoring more than one goal. Seattle has scored 2 goals in each of their least two matches. The Union have to be able to match that should the game turn into a shootout. Seattle’s offense seems to be picking up steam. They are still a dangerous team.

Overall, I like the Union’s chances in this one. They’re 2-0-0 with 2 shutouts at home this season, and PPL Park has become one of the best home field advantages in MLS. I do think they’ll finally break through for more than one goal, but that will only be if they can put a lot of pressure on the Seattle defense and not constantly play on the back foot.

In case you’ve forgotten, here’s a look at what happened when Seattle came to PPL Park last season to open up the stadium down by the river. After all, Seattle invented losing at PPL Park…

C’MON THE U!

Category: Know Your Enemy, Match Preview