SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

Sounders forwards Clint Dempsey, Nelson Valdez to return against Columbus

Apr 29, 2016, 2:51 PM

Clint Dempsey is set to return Saturday against Columbus after sitting out last weekend. (AP)...

Clint Dempsey is set to return Saturday against Columbus after sitting out last weekend. (AP)

(AP)

Last Friday, Seattle Sounders forwards Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez were both surprisingly beset with mild injuries that made them late scratches for the trip to Colorado. The Sounders lost 3-1 in that match, but fans will be glad to know that both players trained fully on Friday and should be ready to go on Saturday.

Three things to look for in Sounders vs. Columbus Crew

On the unfortunate side, midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz, who was substituted in the second half against Colorado for what was later revealed to be a thigh strain, is unavailable against Columbus on Saturday. Curiously enough, Ivanschitz wasn’t even present at Starfire on Friday due to an unknown sickness. But other than Ivanschitz and Brad Evans’ suspension (and longer term injuries to Michael Farfan and Roman Torres), the Sounders will have a nearly full squad available when they host Columbus.

Notes

• Seattle Sounders FC 2 drew 0-0 with Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, their first away match since the start of the season. S2 continued their struggle to score, but their steadily improving defense is a boost both to the team itself and to the future of the Sounders’ senior squad. S2’s next match is on Sunday, a home match at Starfire Sports in Tukwila against Oklahoma City Energy FC.

• Fans are encouraged to arrive early to CenturyLink for Saturday’s 1 p.m. match, not least because the Alaskan Way Viaduct is completely closed and the other routes into downtown will likely see lots of traffic.

• Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, an avid baseball fan, is set to throw out the first pitch on Sunday at the Mariners’ 1:10 p.m. game at Safeco Field against the Kansas City Royals. Osvaldo joins a long list of current and former Sounders to throw out a first pitch at Safeco, including Sigi Schmid, Fredy Montero, DeAndre Yedlin and Clint Dempsey.

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