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Honduran club Marathón is at Qwest Field tonight, trying to take three points from the Seattle Sounders. A win will put El Monstruo Verde in second in Group C, while a draw brings them level with Saprissa on points, but behind on goal difference--unless both Seattle and Marathón score six goals, of course.
As for the Sounders, they were mathematically eliminated last night, when Monterrey and Saprissa drew. While the team will likely be playing for pride, to at least pick up one point in their CONCACAF group, there is little that distinguishes this match from a friendly. In fact, Fox Soccer Channel has dropped the Seattle/Marathón match entirely, leaving supporters with the option of going to Qwest (please do, if you're in Seattle) or watching on the CONCACAF website.
So why watch tonight? After all, it's a school night. Supporters have lives, have dinner to cook, bars to visit, homework to complete. It seems as though there's little to no point in watching a match that has no impact on the Sounders' season.
We watch to see what, in some cases, might be the future of the Sounders. Should Seattle win the Open Cup next week, or advance to the MLS playoff finals, the team will be in the CCL again next year. What we've learned from this season is the importance of having depth in the side. Seattle has it, but they still need to develop it to the point where some of the team that we'll see tonight is able to play in matches that mean something, so that the club can handle having two matches a week next season.
Some names to watch tonight: Miguel Montaño. Mike Fucito. Mike Seamon. David Estrada. Alvaro Fernandez. Not all babies, but ones that should be battling for a first team spot--or at least, a greater role off the bench. Start forming your own ideas about who the Sounders should keep next season, and who they can allow to leave.
And if these reasons aren't good enough, you watch because you're a fan, and you support your team.