One of the highlights of this first weekend of MLS action, this match pits the defending East Conference champion New England Revolution against the always-competitive Seattle Sounders. Many are pointing to this match as a potential MLS Cup Final preview, and with the stellar CenturyLink Field atmosphere as a backdrop, this has all the makings of a fantastic match.
Seattle Sounders vs. New England Revolution 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Could we already be watching a preview of the MLS Cup Final in Seattle?
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Both squads are still built relatively like they they were a year ago, with some tweaks and -- both sides are hoping -- upgrades that will leave them more likely to find more success this season. New England will hope that the return of Juan Agudelo will give them a steady quality up top that they've lacked at times over the years, while the Sounders hope that their adjustments to the squad will help them get by without the speed and quality of the departed DeAndre Yedlin. How those changes work out in this first match should be fascinating to watch unfold.
Key player - Brad Evans (Seattle)
Traditionally this spot goes for an important attacker who’s creativity or goal-scoring panache can impact the match. This time, though, it goes to one of the men hoping to stop those attackers, specifically because Evans is still learning how to play center back. Previously a midfielder -- one who effectively played box-to-box with a strong work rate, Evans has previously played some at fullback when needed -- but only has very, very limited minutes in the middle in his past. If he struggles to adapt quickly, Agudelo and the rest of New England’s attack could have a field day.
Key Matchup - Clint Dempsey (Seattle) vs. Scott Caldwell (New England)
While the onus of the Sounders' goalscoring falls on the ample shoulders of Obafemi Martins, the key to their attack is still the captain of the US men's national team. Dempsey's tendency to exploit spaces and just "try crap" creates a lot of scoring chances for the Sounders, and dealing with him will be Caldwell's job with Jermaine Jones out. Caldwell is a good midfielder, make no mistake, but he has a stiff task ahead of him if he wants to stop Dempsey from ruining New England's day.
Seattle Sounders injuries and suspensions
Out: Osvaldo Alonso (groin), Damion Lowe (international duty) In doubt: None listed
New England Revolution injuries and suspensions
Out: Jermaine Jones (hernia) In doubt: Lee Nguyen (knock)
The match will keenly feel the absence of each team’s best defensive player. Both midfield anchors will both miss out on this match, though the Sounders are probably better-suited to deal with Alonso’s absence than the Revolution are Jones’.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 9:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. local
Venue: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2 (Canada)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, MLS Live
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