Thursday, October 14, 2010

SOUNDERS FC: Game Preview

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Chivas USA - October 15, 2010 at 8:00p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field; Seattle, Washington
courtesy of SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

Following a 3-1 victory at Qwest Field in a friendly over Chivas de Guadalajara, the Rave Green's next two matches are at home. Friday is Fan Appreciation night as Sounders FC hosts its final home MLS regular season contest against Chivas USA at 8 p.m. PT. It will be seen nationwide on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
The group stage of CONCACAF Champions League play concludes on October 19 when CD Saprissa of Costa Rica meets Seattle at 7 p.m. PT on Fox Soccer Channel. Both games will be broadcast on KIRO 97.3 FM. Tuesday's match is available on Homero 1210 AM.

The home stand affords an opportunity for the Sounders FC to bask briefly in the spotlight following some remarkable achievements. Last week it accomplished two major feats: Seattle became the first team in 27 years to repeat as Lamar Hunt U.S. open Cup champions and, four days later, it clinched a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row.

Of course, the supporters have set standards in their own right. They came out in droves for the Open Cup final, smashing the previous attendance record for the 97-year-old tournament. And on Friday the fans will put the finishing touches on the new MLS season attendance standard, breaking the mark they set just a year ago.

A sellout crowd is assured for Friday, making it 31 in a row, when the Rave Green goes for a record-breaking fifth straight league win.

The hottest team in America, Sounders FC (13-9-6, 45 points) has won four consecutive matches after beating Kansas City, 2-1, on the road last week, and it is undefeated (7-0-2) at home in nine MLS and Open Cup matches since June 10.

Chivas USA (8-14-5, 28 points) snapped a three-game losing string with a 3-0 home victory over Toronto FC, but fallen on hard times after qualifying for playoffs four straight years. However, the Red and White have yet to yield a goal to Seattle in four regular season meetings and lead the series 2-0-2. Sounders FC did beat Chivas USA, 3-1, the semifinal round of the Open Cup.


Broadcast Information
National TV: ESPN2/Deportes
Talent: JP Dellacamera, John Harkes
Local Radio: KIRO 97.3 FM
Talent: Arlo White