MLS returns to the Northwest as the New England Revolution visit Qwest Field to face the Seattle Sounders tonight. The game will be carried live on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. EST, making it back-to-back nights that ESPN has carried an MLS match.
It's a vital matchup for both sides, as Seattle try to keep pace with the Galaxy side they soundly beat at the Home Depot Center last Saturday. The bad news for the Sounders is that according to the Seattle Times, Freddie Ljungberg looks like he'll miss both tonight's game and Sunday at Houston. Also missing will be central defender Tyrone Marshall, sent off against LA. A win for Seattle puts them back in second place and one step closer to a playoff spot.
For the Revolution, the game is all about climbing back into contention in the East. Though they remain six points off the playoff pace, they've only played 18 games, two or three less than most other clubs.
They'll be forced to survive without Steve Nicol on the sideline, who is serving the second game of a two game suspension earned in New England's league match against Toronto on August 1. While the injury bug continues to ail Taylor Twellman and Chris Albright, the Revolution are beginning to resemble a more cohesive squad, certainly capable of a late playoff run. They've managed a four-game unbeaten run prior to their 2-1 loss against Los Angeles on August 8.
Tonight's match could pit the two Gambian brothers against each other, as Sanna (Sounders) and Sainey (Revolution) square off.
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Are you going to watch tonight's game? Do the Revolution stand a chance against the Sounders? Will Fredy Montero seize the goal scoring lead in MLS? Share your thoughts below.
