Take Nothing for Granted, Part 2

When I last wrote about the Sounders, I encouraged them to take nothing for granted and to get a win in Costa Rica. Sure they were leading the group and in good position to move on to the knockout stage, but with schedule congestion and injuries to key players, it could get dicey later on in the season. They needed to get it done against a team that had yet to score a goal in 2 CCL games. They could not expect a gingerly stroll in the park.

Well, it turned out that they took my advice (ok, probably they took Sigi's advice) and not only won 2-1 at Herediano but then steamrolled over DC United 3-0 over the weekend. Since I last wrote, they picked up where they left off and seem ready to continue the success.

That brings us to tonight's game at home at Herediano. Convention says they only need a tie to advance. Convention also says that their opponent will have nothing to play for, as they sit 0-3 in the group with 1 goal scored. Here's the rub: anytime you play for a tie at home you're going to lose. And just because you think your opponent has nothing to play for, they can easily find some motivation. How about that the Sounders came into their stadium and beat them? How about that they have a new coach who will need to make personnel decisions? How about that they are paid to play. Bottom line is that it will not be an easy night tonight.

Oh, and did I mention that Mauro is out with an injury, El Flaco is out with yellow cards and both Alonso and Evans went 80+ on Saturday? I believe in Friberg, Carrasco and Neagle, but we obviously won't be starting our A-Team tonight. We need to be careful. Get the job done against the worst team in the group and experiment in the next two games. That is why I think Keller gets the start tonight. Some are suggesting we might see Josh Ford based on Sigi's comments about certain players getting opportunities, but I see that more as Sanyang, Ochoa and maybe even Estrada getting opps at this point. I want to see Ford, but not tonight. Let's get the win and then start him in the final two games.

So boys, let's not take this for granted. Get the job done.