{"id":23945,"date":"2019-07-26T09:55:12","date_gmt":"2019-07-26T13:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=23945"},"modified":"2019-07-26T09:55:12","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T13:55:12","slug":"preview-sounders-rebound-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2019\/07\/26\/preview-sounders-rebound-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Preview: Seattle Sounders look to rebound down in Texas from rival loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preview (July 26, 2019)<\/strong> \u2014 Coming off a loss is always hard. However, add in the fact that the loss was inflicted on by a rival team. That makes it 10 times worse. The Seattle Sounders FC are coming off a tight 2-1 loss<\/a> at the hands of the Portland Timbers.<\/p>\n

However, it’s time for Seattle to move on and pick themselves up.<\/p>\n

Houston is next up on the schedule for the Sounders. Down at BBVA Compass Stadium, the Dynamo have been strong, compiling a\u00a07-1-3 winning record. Houston has been in the news lately, with NBA star James Harden taking a small percentage of ownership<\/a> between the Dynamo and Dash.<\/p>\n

Houston might not have the flashiest players like Zlatan, Carlos Vela or even Ra\u00fal Ruid\u00edaz. However, the team does spurts of greatness. The Dynamo are coming off a win from Toronto, which they desperately needed to avoid a four-match losing streak.<\/p>\n

During his mid-week press conference, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said his side will be prepared and ready.<\/p>\n

“Watch their counterattacks and watch what they do well,” Schmetzer said. “We have to play at our strengths. We are a good possession-based team… I think the team is on an uptick. Maybe it’s one good result or one bad result, but stats are sometimes useful. We’re confident heading in there.”<\/a><\/p>\n

Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders FC
\n2019 MLS Regular Season
\n<\/b>BBVA Compass Stadium
\nJuly 27, 2019 \u2014 5 p.m. PT\/8 p.m. ET<\/b>
\n<\/b>TV:\u00a0ESPN<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

What to Watch For<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once again… The Centerback Pairing<\/h3>\n

It’s been a tale of the tape for Seattle.<\/p>\n

Something looked off last weekend with Roman Torres. He was caught ball-watching on Brian Fernandez’ first goal and couldn’t do much to stop the second one. Seattle had a rough outing with Portland, defensive wise. It’s impossible to blame the goalkeeper, Stefan Frei, on those situations.<\/p>\n

Torres is getting older and Schmetzer knows that Xavier Arreaga is the future for the Sounders. He’s said it before<\/a>, after the Columbus Crew SC match. However, Schmetzer hasn’t elected to start him much since his arrival.<\/p>\n

Instead, Schmetzer continues to start Torres over Arreaga. This isn’t a case of if the other centerback in this equation \u2014 Kim Kee-hee \u2014 should sit out. Kim has performed well since his arrival in Seattle. It’s not a secret that it’s going to be hard to get him on the same page as Arreaga. Both players don’t know the same language and both require a translator most times.<\/p>\n

However, if Seattle wants their best starting lineup against Houston, it’s time to move Torres over to the bench.<\/p>\n

\n

#OTD<\/a>, 2018: @RaulRuidiazM<\/a> opens his @MLS<\/a> account in style \ud83c\udfaf pic.twitter.com\/k8tPrx0Bjr<\/a><\/p>\n

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 25, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n