Scouting Report: Sporting KC vs Seattle Sounders

Sporting Kansas City will face the Seattle Sounders for the first time since the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday night at Sporting Park. Historically, it's been a series dominated by Seattle but the teams are currently on opposite ends of the standings (Sporting KC tied for 1st in East, Seattle last in the West). 

Team News

Seattle will be without several players for Wednesday's match due to injuries and suspensions. DeAndre Yedlin and Lamar Neagle both were ejected against Philadelphia while Steve Zakuani, Obafemi Martins, and Shalrie Joseph are not expected to be available because of injuries. Osvaldo Alonso, who missed the last match to be with his wife for the birth of their child, is expected to be available for Wednesday.

Formation

The Sounders usually play a 4-4-2 but could make a few changes for Wednesday's match. In recent matches, Eddie Johnson has been partnered with Martins and Neagle (both not available for Wednesday's match) but the formation could shift to a 4-4-1-1 with Mauro Rosales playing a supporting striker role. The absence of Neagle and Martins leave Seattle stretched at the forward position, a spot in which Rosales has played in the past.

Style of Play

The number of players missing for Seattle and the fact its at Sporting Park will affect their approach to the match. Seattle are generally an attacking side that will use its speed on the wings (Zakuani, Yedlin) to create space for the forwards and attacking midfielders. Wednesday could see a much more counterattacking style with Seattle looking to be concede possession, remain sound defensively, and not get too exposed against Sporting KC.

Key Players

Eddie Johnson - A familiar face to KC fans, EJ is a very athletic striker who has scored 16 goals in 32 regular season matches for Seattle.

Mauro Rosales - A creative midfielder who can provide assists and goals. The Argentine won the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award in 2011.

Osvaldo Alonso - The central midfielder has established himself as one of the best in MLS with his ability to defend and control the middle of the pitch.

Recent Lineups