UPDATE | Wednesday’s match in Colorado has been postponed due to inclement weather and is rescheduled for Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. PT.
The Seattle Sounders visit the Colorado Rapids (6:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) on Wednesday second and final meeting between these two clubs in the 2019 season. Here are three matchups to watch, presented by Toyota.
Stefan Frei vs. Kei Kamara
When the Sounders defeated the Rapids 2-0 back in Week 2, Kamara provided several moments of individual quality that tested Seattle’s goalkeeper. A force in the air, the Sierra Leone international isn’t afraid to mix it up on set pieces, a prospect Frei must be mindful of on Wednesday. In Colorado’s 4-3 loss to Orlando City on Saturday, Kamara bagged his 115th career MLS regular season goal, taking him past Ante Razov into the fifth spot on the league’s all-time leading scorer list. The Rapids have rolled out several two-forward setups to start the season, so Frei, who has three shutouts in five matches, must utilize his excellent organizational capabilities to nullify any central overloads. It helps that the last time Frei was in Commerce City, Colorado, he pulled off the 2018 MLS Save of the Year.
Kelvin Leerdam vs. Dillon Serna
Though there have been slight tactical tweaks, the Rapids have typically rolled out a 4-4-2 diamond in each of their matches this season. Lacking width in midfield, Leerdam will have acres of space to bomb forward from right back. The Dutch defender scored one of his two goals on the campaign in Seattle’s 2-0 win over the Rapids in Week 2, so he’ll be eagerly awaiting any opportunities to pad his stats. If Seattle can create overloads on the right, they’ll have ample chances to get behind Serna and serve dangerous crosses from the right flank.
Cristian Roldan vs. Cole Bassett
Colorado’s wonderkid had a breakout performance against Orlando City over the weekend, pitching in a goal and an assist. Though Bassett has showcased a soccer IQ and technical acuity that bely his age, he’ll have a tall task on Wednesday as he faces off against Roldan. If Colorado lines up in a diamond midfield once again, the USMNT midfielder will need to communicate regularly with Seattle’s wide players, directing them to pinch inside to negate the Rapids’ numerical superiority in the center of the park. With three games in seven days, Roldan’s relentless running and unmatched motor will be key to Seattle controlling tempo on the road.
