By Kelvin Loyola
The Seattle Sounders are ready to go after blowing out Cruz Azul 7-0 in their first match, while Santos Laguna need a win to stay alive in the competition.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
- 5th all-time meeting (Each team has 2 wins and 1 draw)
- Previous played twice in 2011-12 CCL Quarterfinal (Santos Advanced), twice in 2012-13 CCL Semifinal (Santos Advanced), and once more in 2021 Leagues Cup (Sounders won)
- Record at Leagues Cup: Sounders (4-4), Santos Laguna (1-5)
LAST FIVE GAMES
- Seattle Sounders:
- 3 Wins, 2 Draws, 0 Losses
- The Sounders are coming off a historic 7-0 victory over Cruz Azul (largest win ever at Leagues Cup)
- Santos Laguna:
- 1 Win, 0 Draws, 4 Losses
- Santos are on a three-game losing streak, counting both Liga MX Apertura and Leagues Cup play
MAIN STORYLINES
- Can the Sounders remain perfect? Once again at home and fresh off a major victory, pundits see this game against Santos as a must-win affair for the Rave Green to solidify their spot atop the standings.
- After six different players scored against Cruz Azul, Brian Schmetzer has his attacking options — both starters and substitutes — "in form" for a crucial match that could stamp their ticket to the next round.
- Santos will be without goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo, who was red-carded near the end of their defeat to the Colorado Rapids
- Santos will pin their hopes on Jordan Carrillo, who scored against the Rapids and is expected to lead the Santos attack
- During the loss to the Rapids, coach Francisco Rodríguez removed his entire midfield during the game. Who will step up for Santos?
KEY FACTORS
- Seattle Sounders:
- Pedro De La Vega has been a mystery for Sounders fans. The talented DP, assigned to replace club legend Nicolás Lodeiro, appears to be finding his form after early struggles. His wonder goal against Cruz Azul showed his talent — now the question is whether he can be consistent.
- Nouhou Tolo has been a strong leader at the back for the Sounders and knows how to get forward. Look for him to be key in the game.
- Osaze De Rosario, son of Canadian and MLS legend Dwayne De Rosario, is keeping the family tradition alive by scoring. The Guyana international is starting to find a home in MLS.
- Santos Laguna
- With little margin for error, the Santos attack must rely on striker Ramiro Sordo to find the back of the net. The Argentine has two goals in three Liga MX Apertura games.
- Stop getting red cards — Santos have had two in their last two games. Frustration is mounting as the team struggles for form, but discipline will be crucial against a motivated Sounders side.
- Stay tight at the back — Santos have just one clean sheet in their last 13 games, highlighting their defensive instability.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
It’s all or nothing for Santos, who need a win to stay alive. Meanwhile, the Sounders — after demolishing a top opponent in Cruz Azul — must like their chances against a struggling and often defensively fragile Santos side.
Look for the home side to try and score early, while Santos will likely stay compact and aim to catch the Sounders on the counterattack.
A win will see the Sounders through to the next round. A loss, and Santos will have nothing but pride to play for against the ailing Los Angeles Galaxy.
