Seattle vs. LA Galaxy: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape MLS Game
For the fourth time since October 19, the Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy will take to the pitch in a crucial Western Conference clash. This time around, a berth in the MLS Cup Final on December 7 is on the line.
After the first leg of the Western Conference Final, the Galaxy hold a slim 1-0 lead over the Sounders, who bested them at the end of the regular season to win the Supporters' Shield.
Although they were kept out of the away-goals column in the first leg, the Sounders carry a distinct home-field advantage into Sunday's second leg.
Here's a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape the second leg at CenturyLink Field.
The Physical Play of Zach Scott
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The most controversial talking point to come out of the first leg was the play of Seattle center-back Zach Scott.
Scott committed three fouls in the final 10 minutes against LA substitute Alan Gordon while he was already on a yellow card. Referee Kevin Stott did not hand out the deserved second yellow for persistent infringement, which seemed like a baffling decision.
With the formidable center-back pairing of Scott and Chad Marshall still intact for the second leg, it will be interesting to see if they alter their playing styles to avoid an early conversation with referee Jair Marrufo.
If the physical play continues from Scott, he could be handed another first-half booking. If that is the case, we should expect to see the Galaxy go after him just like they did in the first leg.
If the series is still on the line late in the match, expect the Galaxy to enter Gordon once again to be a nuisance in front of Scott in an attempt to alter the result.
The Health of Marcelo Sarvas and AJ DeLaGarza
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The Galaxy were handed two injury scares in the second half of Sunday's match, when Marcelo Sarvas and AJ DeLaGarza left the match unexpectedly.
Both players are crucial to the success of the Galaxy, and manager Bruce Arena is confident both players will be fit for the second leg, per Adam Serrano on the club's website.
The injury that could hurt the Galaxy more is the one suffered by Sarvas, who has formed one of the best midfield partnerships in league history with Juninho over the past few years.
If Sarvas can't go in the second leg, Arena will have to work on a tactical shift that may involve Baggio Husidic or Stefan Ishizaki moving inside next to Juninho.
DeLaGarza is a valuable player for the Galaxy, but they have a trusty replacement in Dan Gargan ready to step in if need be. Gargan was the starting right-back for most of the regular season, but he has been moved to the bench during the playoffs.
Osvaldo Alonso's Presence on the Pitch
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Seattle also has a major fitness concern of its own in the form of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, who missed the first leg due to a hamstring injury.
Although Michael Azira did a decent job filling in for Alonso in the middle of the park, the 29-year-old brings a different dynamic to the field.
Alonso is the best midfield enforcer in the league, and he is able to control the pace of the match better than any holding midfielder in MLS.
Seattle manager Sigi Schmid told reporters this week that Alonso was at 80 percent heading into the first leg, but he opted to take a cautious approach to the situation.
If Alonso is ready to go Sunday, his presence could change the entire match. Not only is he a skilled player on the ball, but he also brings a massive amount of experience to the Sounders lineup.
Seattle's Containment of LA's Left-Sided Players
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In the first leg, the Galaxy made it a priority to attack the duo of Brad Evans and DeAndre Yedlin with their left-sided players.
The game plan worked to an extent, as Robbie Rogers and Landon Donovan were two of the most effective players on the pitch. However, neither the left-back nor star midfielder were able to directly contribute to a goal.
The reason the Galaxy duo were so successful at the StubHub Center was Yedlin's insistence on surging forward. On a few occasions, Rogers and Donovan were able to catch Yedlin out on the counter, which left Evans with the task of containing the oncoming attack.
In the first meeting between the two sides this season back in July, Donovan ran rampant on the left wing against Yedlin at CenturyLink Field. For the Galaxy to leave the Pacific Northwest with a berth in the MLS Cup Final, he must do the same.
If Yedlin and Evans are able to keep Donovan's threat to a minimum, they could be able to spring a few counters of their own to open up play for Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.
Roles of the Key Substitutes for Each Side
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With the match at CenturyLink Field expected to be tight, a quick adjustment by either manager in the second half could change the match.
Look no further than the final two regular-season games between the two teams as to how a substitute can affect a match greatly. On both occasions, Marco Pappa turned the match on its head and Seattle benefited by scoring four goals.
With Lamar Neagle back in the fold, expect Seattle boss Sigi Schmid to place Pappa back on the bench with the creative Neagle starting on the left wing.
If the match calls for an uptick in pace, Schmid could easily bring on Pappa to provide an extra boost in the attacking half.
The Galaxy also contain their own impact sub in Alan Gordon. During his time in San Jose, Gordon had a knack for scoring late in the match. If the game remains close throughout the first 70 minutes, expect Gordon to receive a call.
With late drama expected Sunday night, Pappa and Gordon should play major roles in deciding who advances to the December 7 championship match.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
