The Seattle Sounders are hosting the Colorado Rapids on Sunday (7 p.m. PT; FOX 13+, Prime Video, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS). Here are three matchups to watch:
Alex Roldan vs. Lucas Esteves
When the Sounders have been at their best this season, it’s been when the two wingbacks have been high and wide and forcing overloads to one side. Roldan has been having a career season and will need to try and get the better of 21-year-old Esteves, who joined on loan from Brazil’s Palmeiras this summer. Esteves was brought in to replace United States international and Homegrown Sam Vines, who Colorado sold to Belgium’s Royal Antwerp in August, and will be involved in a cat-and-mouse battle with Roldan all evening.
Cristian Roldan vs. Mark-Anthony Kaye
Alex’s brother comes into this weekend in incredible form, having scored three times in as many matches and added an assist to boot. He’s one of the best players in MLS at making late, darting runs into the box and has made opponents pay over the past week and a half. Kaye, the Canadian international and former LAFC defensive midfielder, has the unenviable task of trying to match Roldan’s motor.
Nouhou vs. Michael Barrios
Nouhou came off the bench at halftime in the Sounders’ 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday and put in a tremendous shift. The Cameroon international has played at an MLS Best XI-level at his peak this year, and he’ll need to lock down the speedy Barrios. The former FC Dallas winger has been reborn in his first season in Colorado and leads the team in goals with seven, including an equalizer the last time Seattle and Colorado met in July.
