SOUNDERS FC: Game Preview

 courtesy of Seattle Sounders FC

October 9, 2010 at 5:30p.m. PT at Community America Ballpark; Kansas City, Kansas

Visions of lifting the U.S. Open Cup before a record crowd became a reality for the Seattle Sounders FC players, coaches and supporters on Tuesday night as the Rave Green defeated Columbus in the final, 2-1, to become the first MLS team to repeat as champions.

Heading into the weekend, the focus returns to MLS action and Seattle's opportunity to clinch a postseason berth at Kansas City. A draw or victory over the Wizards at CommunityAmerica Ballpark would send Sounders FC to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row. It was a 3-2 comeback victory at K.C. which clinched a playoff berth a year ago. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PT on KONG 6/16 and can be heard on KIRO 97.3 FM.

Sounders FC (12-9-6, 42 points) has won three straight in league-including two on the road-and is the hottest team in MLS during the second half of the season with an 8-1-2 record in the last 11 games. It is 7-0-2 at home in nine MLS and Open Cup matches since June 10. Seattle is 2-0-2 against Columbus in four MLS meetings.

Last week at home, the Rave Green won its first Champions League group stage match, 2-0 over CD Marathón of Honduras, and came from behind to beat Toronto FC, 3-2. The latter result pushed Seattle into fourth in the West and sixth in the overall MLS table.

Kansas City (9-11-6, 33 points) is clinging to playoff hopes after losing two in a row. The Wizards fell to Sounders FC, 1-0, in the season's first meeting on April 17. A Seattle win or draw would clinch the season series, the first tiebreaker if the two sides finish the season level on points. Last year the regular season series was tied 1-1 with both teams winning away.

After returning home, Sounders FC plays three straight at home, beginning with an October 12 friendly against Mexico's CD Chivas de Guadalajara. First kick is 7 p.m. PT.

Tickets are still available for the Chivas de Guadalajara match at www.SoundersFC.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Qwest Field Box office.