Despite high hopes that the Seattle Sounders would at least be close to full strength for Friday's match against the Houston Dynamo, it looks like they'll be short-handed after all. James Riley apparently suffered a mild concussion during training on Thursday and is not in 18, while Alvaro Fernandez and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado are in the 18, but not starting. The reason for Fernandez's and Hurtado's absences are, presumably, coach's decisions.
In their places are Zach Scott, Brad Evans, and Patrick Ianni, all of whom are making their season debuts. Steve Zakuani will also make his return to the lineup after missing last Saturday's match against the New York Red Bulls. Nate Jaqua is in the 18 for the first time this year.
On the Dynamo's side, rookie Kofi Sarkodie will receive his first start of the season at right back. Otherwise, the Dynamo lineup is pretty much the same as it was against the Philadephia Union during their first match.
Dynamo starters: Tally Hall, Sarkodie, Bobby Boswell, Andre Hainault, Hunter Freeman, Corey Ashe, Lovel Palmer, Geoff Cameron, Brad Davis, Will Bruin, Jason Garey. Bench: Tyler Deric, Eddie Robinson, Mike Chabala, Brian Ching, Danny Cruz, Alex Dixon, Cam Weaver.
Sounders starters: Kasey Keller, Scott, Ianni, Jeff Parke, Leo Gonzalez, Erik Friberg, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Steve Zakuani, O'Brian White, Fredy Montero. Bench: Terry Boss, Servando Carrasco, Fernandez, Hurtado, Nate Jaqua, Mauro Rosales, Tyson Wahl.