Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid has said since early in the week leading scorer Eddie Johnson was unlikely to play because of an injurybut Schmid also wouldn’t completely rule Johnson out. Well less than an hour before kickoff, we can now definitely say that Johnson isn’t playing. Lineups for both teams are out, and Johnson is not only starting, he also isn’t available off the bench. It is still expected, however, that Johnson will be able to play when Seattle’s playoff series against Salt Lake resumes on Thursday.
With Johnson out, Sammy Ochoa will start at forward alongside Fredy Montero. Here are both team’ lineups.
Sounders FC
GK Michael Gspurning
D Adam Johansson
D Jeff Parke
D Jhon Kennedy Hurtado
D Marc Burch
M Mauro Rosales (captain)
M Osvaldo Alonso
M Christian Tiffert
M Brad Evans
F Fredy Montero
F Sammy Ochoa
Real Salt Lake
GK Nick Rimando
D Tony Beltran
D Kwame Watson-Siriboe
D Nat Borchers
D Chris Wingert
M Ned Grabovoy
M Kyle Beckerman
M Javier Morales
M Will Johnson
F Alvaro Saborio
F Fabian Espindola
Starting tonight, then continuing in Salt Lake next week, Sounders FC is seeking its first playoff series win after three one-and-done trips to the postseason in three years.
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