Long layoff could help Sounders FC

TUKWILA — With nine days between playoff games, Sounders FC players are eager play again, but recognize the value of the time off.

Even rookies with boundless energy like midfielder Steve Zakuani.

"It works good in both ways, because it gives us more time to prepare, more time to do this kind of thing, training and get some fine tuning," Zakuani said after practice at Starfire Sports Complex. "But at the same time, you're ready to go because we felt we had momentum in the last game. So we've been playing well. We want to go down there and get a result."

Sounders FC tied Houston 0-0 Thursday at Qwest Field, but doesn't finish its first-round Major League Soccer playoff series with the Dynamo until Sunday in Houston.

The long wait allows Sounders FC defender Tyrone Marshall, who has a sore knee, and goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who played through some ankle pain last week, more time to heal. Keller is expected to play Sunday, but Marshall appears questionable at best and hasn't practiced since last Wednesday.

Defender Leo Gonzalez is ready and eager. He said there are playoffs in Costa Rica, where he's from, but all games are single elimination, not aggregate-score and home-and-away.

"It's fine," Gonzalez said. "Good for us to recover and work a lot on the tactical aspect, work a little on the physical aspect. I think it's good for my teammates who've had some knocks, and it's good to have time to work and then we'll be in good shape for Sunday's game."

For Seattle defender Patrick Ianni, a long time between games could help Sounders FC. He pointed out that the Dynamo had gotten used to playing twice a week toward the end of the regular season because of commitments to tournaments.

"Maybe this will kind of throw them off their rhythm," Ianni said, "and it won't be too much of a difference for us."

Humble about nominations

Players and coach Sigi Schmid were aware of the list of finalists for MLS postseason awards released Monday. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is one of three Seattle players up for Newcomer of the Year.

"It's always nice, awards and stuff, but it's nothing really I think about that much," Ljungberg said. "For me to come here, it's more about the team and I want to make the team play well. If I get some recognition for that, of course, that's great."

Schmid is a candidate for Coach of the Year. "Me being up for the award is just a reflection that the team's done well," he said. "You don't win Coach of the Year when you finish last."

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