The Seattle Sounders are taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps at CenturyLink Field on Saturday (7 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). Here are three matchups to watch:
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Yeimar Gómez Andrade vs. Lucas Cavallini
One of the Sounders’ pivotal offseason additions, Yeimar has settled in nicely of late and established himself as one of the most intimidating defenders in MLS. The Colombian center back anchors the league’s fourth-best defense and will get his first crack at the Whitecaps after missing the match against Vancouver in July. His main responsibility will be keeping fellow offseason acquisition Cavallini off the score sheet. Vancouver’s club-record signing also did not feature against Seattle earlier this year, as he did not travel for the MLS is Back tournament, but will be looking to improve his goalscoring form, having tallied just twice in 10 MLS matches thus far.
Jordan Morris vs. Jake Nerwinski
Morris could theoretically be here every week given that he’s arguably MLS’ worst 1-v-1 matchup. With the left winger’s killer combination of pace and flourishing playmaking acumen, there are few, if any, MLS right fullbacks capable of slowing him down. This week, the unenviable task falls to Nerwinski, who will likely need some defensive cover to keep Morris in check. That won’t be easy, considering…
Raúl RuidÃaz vs. Whitecaps center backs
The Whitecaps have their hands full with RuidÃaz, who will be returning hungry following his one-match suspension. He has eight goals this season, which is third in MLS. After rotating both center backs in their last match, Head Coach Marc Dos Santos will likely return to his main pairing of Derek Cornelius and Ranko Veselinovic. It may not matter who starts for Vancouver, though, as the ‘Caps have leaked 31 goals in 14 matches, second-worst in MLS. RuidÃaz also loves playing Vancouver, having scored three goals in four career appearances against Seattle’s Cascadia rival.
