MLS Playoffs: Relaxed Sounders Prep For Crucial Houston Match

SEATTLE, Wash.—You wouldn't think a team entering its second ever playoff match would be so nonchalant.

Seattle Sounders FC ran through the paces of practice on Thursday like usual, preparing for the match on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo.

"It's just another game," captain Kasey Keller said with a shrug. "We need to show up and be better than them."

Simple enough.

Fellow veteran Freddie Ljungberg had a similarly airy analysis.

"We need to play a bit better than we did at home," Seattle's designated player said.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Seattle drew 0-0 with Houston at Qwest Field in the Western Conference semifinal first leg. Whichever team wins the return leg in Robertson Stadium Sunday advances to the conference final, one game away from the MLS Cup final. Whichever side loses heads home, its season over.

That 0-0 draw had its share of physical play, perhaps surprising the more silky Sounders. Ljungberg expects the tie to open up as both teams push all out for a win.

"It's going to be a bit more of an open game, I hope," the Swede said. "They're probably going to go for it a little bit more and hopefully open it up for us. Our passing game has to be better so we can get out of tight situations, because it's going to be on a small pitch."

It may be the club's second ever playoff match, but coach Sigi Schmid knows he can count on some veterans of the MLS playoffs as well as Keller and Ljungberg, who both boast extensive careers in the top leagues in Europe.  

"We have some experienced veterans who've done what they're supposed to do, and that's play well," Schmid acknowledged. "That's a tribute to Freddie Ljungberg and that's a tribute to Kasey Keller because sometimes older players, they could mail it in if they wanted to, but they didn't."

Nonchalant off the pitch, sure. On it, not a chance.

Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com

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