Sounders FC juggles injuries, busy MLS schedule

TUKWILA — Weeks like this put a strain on Sounders FC, which must play three times in eight days. Today it plays its second game in four days.

That has happened before, with a U.S. Open match sandwiched between Major League Soccer contests. But this time all are MLS matches. That means Sounders FC can't rest starters and let a team of mostly reserves handle matters. Instead, Seattle must find a balance against D.C. United, the top team in the Eastern Conference, at Qwest Field.

Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said his team's advantage is playing at home, and that players would rather play a game than go through a long practice, which might normally be the case on a Wednesday.

"In some ways it's true. In other ways you want to have that little bit of extra time to prepare and be ready," said goalkeeper Kasey Keller, 39. "Maybe at my age, I wouldn't mind having a few extra days' training, but maybe some of the younger guys want to get back out and play. We've all been there. We've all had to have quick turnaround for games, and this is no different from those 100, 200 other times."

Sounders FC (5-3-5) has a few injuries, but also has players coming back from injury and suspension to bolster its ranks. Midfielder Osvaldo Alonso could start after getting limited minutes in Saturday's home victory over San Jose. Defender Tyrone Marshall banged a knee against a San Jose player but should be OK. Forward Nate Jaqua and defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado were suspended for disciplinary action last week but are back for the United game.

"It's good to have options to choose from and healthy bodies to play, and sometimes just a matter of getting some fresh legs out there also," Schmid said of the busy schedule, which includes a game in New York on Saturday. "And obviously with the injuries and everything else it's given an opportunity for Patrick Ianni. It's given an opportunity for Stephen King. It's given an opportunity for Sebastien [Le Toux] to play up front, Tyson Wahl to play in the back. And certainly a lot of those guys have stepped up when they've gotten their chance."

Ianni has been filling in at central defender, King for Alonso in the midfield and Le Toux at forward last week for Jaqua. Wahl might be the only one of the four Schmid mentioned to retain his spot in the lineup as left fullback this week.

D.C. United (5-2-7) just took over first place in the East last week. It will be the 12th new opponent in Sounders FC history.

"It's a short week for both of us," Schmid said. "But they're a team that plays a 3-5-2, so that's a little different formation than most of the teams play in the league. So we've just got to be prepared for that so we know how to shift and slide out of what we do and make them adjust to us a little bit also."

Qwest, Husky Stadium possible World Cup sites

Qwest Field and Husky Stadium have made the cut for the World Cup. The two facilities have been selected as possible game sites as the U.S. bids to host the event in either 2018 or 2022. The U.S. bid — and list of sites — goes to FIFA next May.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com