After a narrow mid-week loss to the LA Galaxy, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are flipping the page for a quick turnaround against Supporters' Shield leaders and Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC.
Let's get you set with three things you need to know about this new-look Sounders side.
NEW SYSTEM
Coming into the season, not many people would’ve expected the Sounders and head coach Brian Schmetzer to turn to a new system, considering how successful they’ve been in the past couple years operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
But with long-term injuries to key playmakers Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro, Schmetzer and his staff opted to switch to a 5-3-2 formation, which has translated into an incredible club record 10-game unbeaten start (7W-0L-3D).
However, what’s more impressive than the unbeaten run in Schmetzer’s eyes is the fact the side has yet to concede a goal from open play this season.
It’s also important to note the Sounders’ new system has brought the best out of every single player in the starting XI.
Wingbacks Brad Smith and Alex Roldan have offered exquisite deliveries into the box from wide areas, defenders Nouhou Tolo, Shane O’Neil and Yeimar Gomez Andrade have been a huge part of their outstanding defensive record, while midfielders Joao Paulo and Cristian Roldan have showcased their passing prowess, combining for six assists so far this season.
Not to mention the Sounders also boast one of the league’s leading goalscorers in Raúl Ruidíaz, who has eight goals in 10 appearances this season.
As mentioned above, the formation change for the Sounders has brought the best out of everyone, mainly because their system is designed to be interchangeable on both the defensive and offensive.
The formation allows the Sounders to counter with the pace of Smith and Alex Roldan in wide areas, but also allows them to build up in possession across the field to the top of the opponent’s penalty area, with Ruidíaz waiting to either pounce in the area or get involved in the play at the top of the box.
Meanwhile, the back three of Nouhou, O’Neil and Gomez Andrade stay relatively stable to wipe out any opposing counters. Once teams try to break down the Sounders with possession around the box, the trio cut out passing lanes while staying tight with their man marking inside the area.
If the Sounders keep this early-season form throughout the rest of the campaign, while welcoming back the likes of Lodeiro and Morris later on, expect this side to be a true contender for MLS Cup once November hits.
ONE TO WATCH
Who else could it be?
Former ‘Caps striker Fredy Montero (photo credit: USA Today) joined the Sounders this past offseason on a free transfer, having previously spent time with the Rave Green from 2009-12 and now sitting as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 62 goals thanks to his two strikes this season.
The Colombian registered 28 goals along with 14 assists in all competitions for the ‘Caps in two separate spells and currently sits second all-time for most ‘Caps goals in MLS.
Despite seeing limited minutes this season, Montero has made a big impact for the Sounders once he does step foot on the field, oftentimes combining well with Ruidíaz up top and helping spread the ball around the field with his wide range of passing.
Combine those passing skills with his nifty flair and creativity in the final third, as well as his finishing capabilities inside the area, and the Sounders have yet another deadly force on the attack up front.
Montero didn’t start the Sounders’ midweek win over Real Salt Lake, so expect the former ‘Caps man to be a bit more involved once the Blue and White visit Lumen Field this weekend.
SET PIECES
As mentioned before, the Sounders have been fantastic so far this season, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been perfect in every aspect of their game.
The one point for improvement for the Rave Green this season has been their defensive record off set pieces, with all five goals against coming off dead ball situations.
Given the ‘Caps’ early-season-success off set pieces with five goals this season from dead balls, it could make for an interesting battle come Saturday night with the likes of Andy Rose and Érik Godoy coming close to scoring from set pieces in recent outings.
Despite conceding the least amount of goals in MLS thus far, the Sounders have ironically given away a league-high four penalties, with the most recent one coming on Wednesday against Real Salt Lake.
Meanwhile, the ‘Caps have been awarded two penalties so far this season, both being put away by winger Cristian Dájome.
Nevertheless, it’s sure to be another feisty encounter between the ‘Caps and their Cascadia rivals. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. You can catch the match live on TSN1/3 and AM730, with the radio pre-game show starting at 5 p.m. PT.
