Orlando City will make the cross-country trip to take on Seattle this Wednesday night at 10:30ET. This will be the first and only meeting between the Lions and Sounders of the 2017 MLS season. Read below and get to know Orlando City’s Western Conference opponent for the big game tomorrow night.
Recent Form
The reigning MLS Cup winners have had an up-and-down season. Seattle has four wins and four losses in their last eight matches. 1-0 wins against Portland and Houston were somewhat overshadowed by disappointing losses like their 3-0 defeat to Columbus and, most recently, a 2-1 loss to NYCFC last weekend. The Sounders have struggled to find consistent form in 2017; but remember, it was not until late last season when Seattle surged into Playoff position and wound up winning it all. Seattle has also won five consecutive home matches in all competitions.
Who’s Hot
Clint Dempsey will most likely lead the Seattle front line. The USMNT legend has scored 4 goals this season - tied for most on the Sounders. Christian Roldan scored the team’s only goal against NYCFC at the weekend. He will probably line up alongside club captain Osvaldo Alonso in midfield for the Sounders. Nicolas Lodeiro loves to get a hold of the ball and find gaps in opponents’ back lines. The Orlando City midfield will have to close him down early and often.
Who’s Not
Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei has not followed up his stellar 2016 season with consistent performances in 2017. It is difficult to say a goalkeeper with the quality of Stefan Frei is in a slump; but his numbers suggest there has been a dip in form. Frei is currently conceding at a rate of 1.5 goals against per game, posting an unspectacular 31% win percentage on the season. As far as the opposite end of the pitch, talented striker Jordan Morris has failed to find the back of net with much regularity in 2017. A minor ankle injury has kept the US international from 100% fitness so far this season.
Head-to-Head
The Lions are 0-0-2 against the Sounders since entering MLS in 2015. Last season, Orlando City fell 3-1 to Seattle at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Orlando City (7-5-4, 25 pts) are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference while Seattle (5-7-4, 19 pts) sit eighth place in the West.
Pride Night in Seattle
The Sounders will recognize Pride Month during the match on Wednesday night. Both teams will walk out wearing Pride-themed scarves and the Club will hold a pregame ceremony to honor and stand united with the LGBT community.
