The Seattle Sounders are hosting MLS newcomers Austin FC at Lumen Field on Sunday (6:30 p.m. PT; FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS) in their first-ever meeting. Here are three matchups to watch:
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Matt Besler
The Sounders’ Peruvian marksman continues to bag goals, having scored six times already through seven matches this season, including heading in the opener last weekend. He’s been in incredible form and will square off against an MLS veteran and longtime Sounders foe in Besler, who spent the last 12 years at Sporting Kansas City. Look for Ruidíaz to add more to his tally in this one.
Kelyn Rowe vs. Tomás Pochettino
Rowe has had somewhat of a resurgence in Seattle this season, and the Sounders have been the beneficiaries of his excellent two-way midfield play. He may need to play a little more defensive on Sunday alongside João Paulo and let Cristian Roldan do most of the attacking, as the Argentine Designated Player Pochettino loves to pinch in from the left side of Austin’s midfield and connect with teammates. How well Rowe can play disruptor, something he’s done very well to date, will help dictate how Sunday’s result goes.
Yeimar vs. Cecilio Domínguez
Similar to Rowe, Yeimar will have his work cut out for him in stopping Domínguez, who operates as a left winger in Austin’s 4-3-3 formation. The Paraguayan Designated Player has scored twice in six matches and is Los Verdes’ main attacking threat. If Yeimar can swallow up Domínguez, it should allow right wingback Alex Roldan more liberty to bomb forward and really cause problems for Austin defensively, whipping in dangerous crosses like he has all season long.
