Match Preview: DC v Seattle Sounders

We are going into the final 3 games of the regular season, and we have already clinched a playoff place without even kicking a ball. Thanks to results earlier, Orlando & Montreal getting beat and Chicago drawing with Cincinnati, we can go into this game knowing that a win this evening gives us the home advantage. Getting that home tie is then in our hands, normally I would say this would be a must win, but given our road record this season, I wouldn’t be upset with an away tie. This should be an entertaining match, given how leaky the Sounders defence has been and the recent DCU record. Let’s break it down.

DC United

As said already, the recent record has been good for DC United. No goals conceded in the previous two games, something that hasn’t happened since the back to back lean sheets against Sporting Kansas and Toronto in May, and that has lent to the fact that Canouse has deputised as a right back in both of those games. He has been a revelation moving into that position. He does have a tendency to get a bit central, but his defensive capability has meant that crosses are just coming in. Alongside those two clean sheets, the last two games have both been victories, but not just wins, wins on the road. We’ve not had back to back wins since May too.

Player wise, it looks like Kamara is struggling to make the 18, Hamid has had an illness but should be available after only missing one day.

Lineup wise, here is my prediction.

Seattle Sounders

Coming off a midweek match, in which they drew against FC Dallas at home, they make the travel over to DC. And we all know how much of a toll that travel has on the team. Their recent form has been very good, with only one defeat in the last 5 games, road game against Colorado. On the flipside, they do like to concede a goal, 47 in total so far this season.

Players wise, they will be missing Will Bruin and Jonathan Campbell this evening.

Match Prediction

I think, at the moment, we can win this game. Defensively we’ve been solid all season, if Kamara is fit, then I expect a few goals. Hopefully Rooney can return to form and bag a goal or two. I don’t expect Seattle to breach the Brick Wall Brillant and Birnbaum back line, but I expect a fair bit of pressure. 2nd half needs to improve as that has always been a weak point. Hopefully bagging that playoff place already doesn’t mean that they will lose the concentration.

An early goal will set the tone for the match and I expect a 3-0 win for the home side.

Where to watch

This evening’s game is available to watch on Premier Sports 1 in the UK, FloSports/ESPN+ in the USA. Kick off is 01:08 BST.