Sounders FC vs. Chicago Fire - August 28, 2010 at 7:30p.m. PT on Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash.
The Seattle Sounders FC aims to reestablish its midseason momentum, as it will play the second of three home matches over an eight-day span of great significance in separate competitions when it resumes MLS play against the Chicago Fire on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
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Still without points in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, the Rave Green were defeated, 2-0, by Mexico's CF Monterrey on Wednesday. Seattle is now 10-10-7 in overall competition and fifth in the Western Conference at 8-8-5 (29 points).
The home stand concludes on September 1 with a U.S. Open Cup semifinal at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., against Chivas USA. First kick is 7:30 p.m.
Undefeated in its last six league matches, Sounders FC meets a fellow postseason contender and former teammate when Chicago (6-6-6, 24 points) arrives on the weekend. It marks the first return of Freddie Ljungberg to the Emerald City since being traded to the Fire on July 30. Ljungberg was a two-time MLS All-Star and the club's assists leader in 2009.
Chicago's three-game unbeaten streak ended with a 4-3 loss at Houston last week. The first two meetings with Sounders FC ended in draws, with three ejections and just two goals. The sides meet again on September 25 at Toyota Park.
Saturday's game will be the 28th consecutive sellout for a league match. Seattle has won its last three matches played at Qwest, including a Champions League preliminary round game. Sounders FC is returning to its league schedule following a bye week and a 0-0 draw at Chivas
Seattle travels to New England to play the Revolution on September 4 at 4:30 p.m. PT. Champions League play resumes September 14 against Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Reach Jane Gershovich at janeg5@gmail.com
