Seattle Sounders vs. Marathon: Sounders Go With Reserve-Heavy Lineup In CCL Group Stage Finale

Marcus Hahnemann will make his first appearance for the Seattle Sounders-and his first appearance of any kind since an FA Cup start in January of 2011-as the Seattle Sounders field a decidedly reserve-flavored staring XI in the final group stage match of the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League. While the Sounders central defense is quite familiar, there's a drastically different look to the team everywhere else on the pitch. Eddie Johnson, Osvaldo Alonso, Mauro Rosales, Adam Johansson and Michael Gspurning will all be given the evening off, while it's tough to see any of Christian Tiffert, Brad Evans or Fredy Montero getting onto the pitch unless some kind of disaster strikes.

With Marathon already eliminated from knockout stage contention and their domestic season in full swing, they wouldn't appear to have much to play for. The Honduran club has only four players on the bench, three fewer than allowed by the rules. While all teams want to be competitive any time they take the pitch, the visitors will likely consider getting out of Seattle without any serious injuries to be a victory in and of itself.

Seattle Sounders Starting XI:

Hahnemann; Seamon, Parke, Hurtado, Scott; Martinez, Carrasco, Rose, Zakuani; Estrada, Ochoa

Seattle Sounders Bench:

Weber, Burch, Cato, Caskey, Tiffert, Evans, Montero

CD Marathon Starting XI:

Mendoza; Castro, Arzu, Sabillon; Meza, Acevedo, Berrios, Mayorquin, Brown, Altamirano, Vega

CD Marathon Bench:

Orio, Aguilar, Diamond, Fuentes