Official: [2012 Matchday 8] Union @ Seattle Sounders - May 5, 2012 p/d/p [R]

First Union game of the season for me finally, after having season tickets the past two years. Although it is out West, I hope we don't completely screw up this week. With that said, at least I get to visit some family.

I'm going full on optimistic on this one. Union nil Sounders 3

Yeah...this isn't going to be a pretty game.

I haven't watched Seattle too much this year. What are their weak points? (This is a rhetorical question because our coaching staff does not seem to plan strategy around the opponent's weak points anyway).

Their defending is sometimes suspect.

So a case of the moveable object meets the stoppable force?

I feel like this is a "Make It or Break It" match for the Union. If we win, it will boost the confidence of the team and the fans. It would make us look like a playoff bound team. If we lose, I would expect us to be near the bottom of the table for the rest of the season (5th-9th place). And if we tie, then I don't know what it means.

Eh, they're better than us. They play good attacking ball and make up for questionable defensive work by keeping possession and scoring lots of goals. They scored the most in the league last year. Without injuries, and with a fully rested squad at home, they would walk all over us.

Fortunately, they will have neither when we play them this week, similar to the away game last year. It was something of a trap game for them. We played them right after they lost the race for the SS and after a USOC match. I think it was the USOC final. We might find points in this game by avoiding conceding early on and tiring them out with possession. Given our own suspensions however, it seems unlikely.

So I slot this one in the L column. 2-0, or perhaps 2-1 for the Flounders.

On the bright side the Sounders play LA on Wednesday night...........so maybe we catch them at the back end of a 3 games in 7 day stretch? This could work to our advantage.

A draw would be a great result Saturday...a win would be a very welcome bonus.

On the road, anemic offense. I will be happy with a draw.

Ah memories. Seattle provided my favorite Union on-field moment in our fair club's brief history: when Carroll scored, putting us up 2-0 and solidifying the win on the road. I believe that was the playoff clincher but could be wrong. This looked like a team that could challenge in 2012 for the whole enchalada, with a sprinkling here or there of creativity, Adu finally showing up in at least every other game, a year of careful seasoning for Marfan, Mwanga and Jack Mac growing into their offensive roles, and a rock-solid defense to build upon for the next few years. What promise we held!

How time makes fools of us all. When Nowak started young Pfeffernoose in North Jersey just the next week, effectively giving our best buddies up there a playoff lifeline, you had to know something was up. Thanks for pulling the rug out from under us, All-Star Coach. I guess we'll always have that one magical night in Seattle.

I expect at least one red card, probably to our friend from Panama. Anywhere between zero to one shot on goal for Pajoy and zero to one goal for the U. Montero matches his flashy 'do with a brace. Wash, rinse, repeat.

4.30 EDT kickoff for a game on the west coast? At least we won't have to fight to stay awake... heck what am I saying, this is the Union, it's always hard to stay awake.

I just noticed the "early" kickoff as well. I'm ok with that. The ladyfriend might not be.

fyp

Dare I say this is a must win

wouldnt expect anything other than a 9-0-1 formation

We're playing in Big, Bad Seattle. We should be playing at least three CDM's. An empty toilet formation.

Seattle going to have alot more confidence for this game. Beckham & Keane didn't travel with the Galaxy, so they should EASILY beat the them. But they'll of course still be tired.

It shall be interesting to see how Mwanga fits into the manager's plans. I really liked his hold-up play on the goal last week.

Agreed, hope he gets the start over Pajoy.

I know it won't happen, but I'd really like to see Mwanga and Jack Mac start up top. And by up top, I mean an actual 2 striker formation, not a 4-5-1 where a striker takes up that fifth spot.

Wow... this forum is certainly going to take some getting used to. Gotta play Danny this week. Time to get the young guys some playing time! I'm thinking the Galaxy wears down Seattle. Hopefully, the Sounders can invent losing 3-1 to the Union after playing the Galaxy.