After missing out on top spot in the MLS Western Conference due to a midweek defeat, Seattle Sounders aim to bounce back on Saturday when they host Orlando City, who occupy a playoff spot in the East.
Now sitting third in the standings, Sounders return to Lumen Field, where they have conceded only five goals in their first 10 home matches.
Match preview
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While LAFC were behind Western Conference leaders St Louis City only on goal difference ahead of Wednesday's contest, Seattle sat just a point adrift of the top two before heading to California.
Brian Schmetzer's side, though, were unable to recover from suffering an early blow, as Los Angeles took the lead just 54 seconds into the game and ultimately hung on for the win.
After finishing up a disappointing 11th place last year, the Rave Green are nonetheless back in the mix for playoff qualification this time around, and they have certainly managed to remain resolute on home soil.
Just five of the 18 league goals Seattle have conceded so far came at Lumen Field, and overall, they also boast the fourth-tightest defensive record in MLS this term.
That notwithstanding, former Sounders player Schmetzer - now into his eighth year in charge of the Washington club - will be concerned about his team's recent form, as they have now won just one of their last seven matches.
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After seeing a six-game unbeaten run brought to an end by losing in New England last week, Orlando's attempt to respond with a win was ultimately thwarted on Wednesday.
In the dying minutes of Philadelphia's visit to Florida, the away side snatched a 2-2 draw from the jaws of defeat, although such a result did at least extend the Lions' undefeated streak on home turf to five.
It had all started so well for Oscar Pareja's men, as Duncan McGuire scored his sixth goal of the season - and his second in as many matches - and when Martin Ojeda netted a second after the interval, three points seemed to be in the bag. However, they let victory slip away, with Pareja angered by the VAR's decision to rule out an Ivan Angulo strike that would have extended their lead to 3-1.
Orlando have finished inside the top seven of the Eastern Conference for each of the last three years, and despite such a setback they remain on course to do the same this season as they occupy seventh spot after 18 games and a playoff spot remains in their sights.
Now, they approach of their eight fixtures against clubs from the Western Conference, with the aim of posting a third away win from four.
Team News
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As Alex Roldan is one of several Seattle players to return from international duty, his teenage deputy Cody Baker could make way on Saturday, as Brian Schmetzer potentially makes some changes to the team which started in LA.
Both Jody Morris and Cristian Roldan should be available, too, after representing the United States, though Xavier Arreaga (quad) and Ethan Dobbelaere (hamstring) are still sidelined by injury for the hosts.
Veteran midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro returned to the starting lineup in midweek, having overcome an adductor strain, and the Uruguayan could keep his place on the right flank, with Leo Chu offering more attacking thrust down the left.
Orlando, meanwhile, will turn to Martin Ojeda for inspiration in the final third, as the former Racing Club winger scored his fourth goal of the 2023 campaign on Wednesday and also provided an assist - increasing his season total to six.
Another Argentine forward, Gaston Gonzalez, recently returned after a month-long layoff and is now pushing for a start, while Oscar Pareja should have international players including Wilder Cartagena, Facundo Torres and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese back in the fold as well.
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Frei; A. Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Tolo; Atencio, Paulo; Lodeiro, Rusnak, Chu; Ruidiaz
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Smith, Carlos, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartegena; Ojeda, Pereyra, Angulo; McGuire
We say: Seattle Sounders 1-1 Orlando City
Orlando have lost only two of their eight road games so far, and there is no doubt they know how to find the net away from home - they have scored nine times in their last four trips outside Florida. As Seattle are enduring their stickiest patch of the season, a draw may be the best they can hope for from such a challenging contest.
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Top tip
Jonathan O'Shea
