Three matchups to watch when the Sounders visit NYCFC in CCL Semis on Wednesday

Sporting a 3-1 aggregate lead, the Seattle Sounders are headed to Harrison, N.J., to take on New York City FC in Leg Two of the Concacaf Champions League Semifinals on Wednesday (6 p.m. PT; FS1 TUDN, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM). Here are three matchups to watch:

Xavier Arreaga vs. Taty Castellanos

This is the exact same matchup to watch as the first leg because perhaps no other battle on the field will determine the outcome more. With the status of NYCFC playmaker Maxi Moralez still in jeopardy, the Cityzens will need to rely on their talented No. 9 more than ever. Arreaga and the Sounders defense kept the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner off the score sheet in Seattle, and if they do it again, that may be enough in itself to advance to the CCL Final.

Cristian Roldan vs. Malte Amundsen

Roldan leads all players in CCL in assists with five through five matches, including a beautiful one to Jordan Morris in Leg One. Roldan is so instinctual at finding and attacking space, that he poses problems for left backs as he drags them out of position. The 24-year-old Dane will need to try and keep Roldan in front of him because if Roldan gets into the prime assist zone, an away goal may just lock up the series for Seattle.

Albert Rusnák vs. Santiago Rodríguez

Yes, Rusnák opened his Sounders account in the first leg of this tie, but where he was truly valuable was operating as a safety valve when passing out of the back. NYCFC loves to press, and press high, and they will likely do even more of that at home and desperate for goals on Wednesday. Rusnák is so technical and clean on the ball that he makes it easy for Stefan Frei and the entire back line to find his feet knowing he can get Seattle out of trouble and off to the races on a counter.