The top team in the West in the standings will be known tomorrow as kick off is at 10:30 local time. Both teams are at 31 points, a tie today would leave them just that yet again, tied. Yes, we recall the Schmetzer Brothers from their time in indoor soccer, but we have to back the former NY Cosmos on the coaching staff and El Ruso of the Timbers. If familiarity builds contempt, this would prove to be quite the contemptuous affair this evening as it will be their 4th head to head competition since the MIB games concluded. Though there are big positioning considerations on this game, as the Sounders HC, Brian Schmetzer indicated the rivalry and bragging rights may just have made this the top rivalry in the league, a much deeper than quarter century of history may do that as well.
We agree with Schmetzer when he stated "Gio is a nice guy, I keep telling you guys, he's a really nice guy. great coach. He is. Don't think him having to come across to me after we beat them 3-0 down there-- don't think that was easy for him, because it's not. All of the great players that the Seattle Sounders franchise has had on their roster over the years, I'd be willing to bet if you asked them, they'd say the rivalry is a big deal."
Saverese had this to say "Yes, it is a rivalry match and the mentality and the feeling is always the same. As soon as we step on the field we know we're playing Seattle and we want to beat them. These matches are always difficult. They have been playing well. We're going to go against our rivals to make sure we try to get three points. I think inside the field nothing changes. The willingness to beat your rival is always going to be there. We're battling for the top of the table. So this is going to be an even bigger match and we're preparing accordingly."
10:30 p.m.ET on FS1, take your nap NOW!