The Seattle Sounders are hosting FC Dallas in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs at 6:30 p.m. PT on Sunday (FS1, KIRO Radio 97.7 FM, El Rey 1360AM). Here is Seattle’s Starting XI:
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
GK: Frei (24)
RB: Mears (4)
CB: Marshall (14)
CB: Scott (20)
LB: Jones (33)
CM: Alonso (6) – Captain
CM: Roldan (7)
RM: Lodeiro (10)
AM: Friberg (8)
LM: Morris (13)
FW: Valdez (16)
SUBSTITUTES:
GK: Miller (1)
DEF: Alfaro (25)
DEF: Fisher (91)
MF: Farfan (12)
MF: Evans (3)
MF: Kovar (11)
FW: Gomez (9)
NOTES:
- Roman Torres and Alvaro Fernandez were late scratches due to hamstring strains suffered in the Sounders’ Knockout Round win over Sporting Kansas City on Thursday.
- Zach Scott replaces Torres at center back, while Jordan Morris slides from forward to left wing for Fernandez. Nelson Valdez, who scored the late game-winner on Thursday, starts up front.
- Cristian Roldan slides back to defensive midfield after two straight games on the right wing, Erik Friberg moves up to attacking center mid and Nicolas Lodeiro slides to the right wing.
- Interim head coach Brian Schmetzer said on Saturday that captain Brad Evans was still not 100 percent. He starts on the bench on Sunday.
- Defender Tony Alfaro and midfielder Michael Farfan join the 18-man roster with Torres and Fernandez sidelined.
- Midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz (right knee sprain) and forward Oalex Anderson (right hamstring strain) miss their fourth consecutive match.
