The Seattle Sounders are taking on Real Salt Lake on Saturday in a pivotal Western Conference match. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. PT at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
WHERE TO WATCH: The game will be televised on JOEtv.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The game will air on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and in Spanish on El Rey 1360 AM.
2017 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 11-7-11 (44 points, 4th West), RSL: 11-14-5 (38 points, 6th West).
FORM GUIDE: Sounders: WDDDD; RSL: LWWLW
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 9-8-4 all time against RSL, including a 1-6-2 mark on the road.
RECENT MEETINGS: The Sounders defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 on May 20 at CenturyLink Field behind a 42nd-minute goal from Harry Shipp.
UNBEATEN RUN: Seattle extended its club-record unbeaten streak to 13 matches last week after a scoreless draw with FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas. The club has not lost since June 17 at New York City FC.
HAMSTRUNG: Forward Jordan Morris is still out several weeks with a hamstring strain, while center back Chad Marshall missed last weekend’s match with the same issue. Marshall’s injury appears to be less severe than Morris’, but Marshall’s status for RSL is uncertain.
ATTACKING FOCUS: The Sounders are devoting much of their time this week to the attacking third and finishing as they “try and figure out ways to score goals.” RSL has allowed the second-most goals in MLS this season.
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE: The Sounders have more shutouts (five) in their last nine matches than they do goals allowed (four). Goalkeeper Stefan Frei has tied a career high with 10 shutouts this season and is third in the league in Goals Against Average with 1.14.
STRUGGLES IN SANDY: The Sounders have only won once in the regular season at Rio Tinto Stadium, a 2-1 win in May 2011, but Real Salt Lake owns just an average 7-4-4 home record in 2017.
RSL RUN: After dwelling near the bottom of the Western Conference for most the season, RSL entered the playoff picture with a win over the Portland Timbers last week. Salt Lake is 6-2-3 in its last 11 matches and has the fourth-most points in MLS since July 4.
SUPER SLOVAK: RSL is led by Slovakian international Albert Rusnak, who has seven goals and 12 assists this season. The 23-year-old Designated Player has two goals, four assists and 17 shots in his last four matches, helping RSL to a 3-1 record in those games.
SILVA SIDELINED?: RSL Head Coach Mike Petke said midfielder Luis Silva left last weekend’s match against Portland with a right groin injury and that his status for Saturday’s clash against the Sounders is to be determined. Silva’s absence would be a big loss for RSL, as the 28-year-old has six goals and three assists in 27 matches this year.
