Which Sounders player will have the biggest impact vs Houston Dynamo? | OneFootball

The match can be viewed on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass or listened to on KJR 93.3 FM this Saturday, May 11th at 5:30 pm in Houston against the Dynamo.

The Sounders have been rounding into form. They have 3 wins and a tie in the last 4 games and find themselves 3 points away from second place and racing up the standings. This is a critical time for the Sounders since they are about to embark on a three game road trip against the Dynamo, LAFC, then their rival Timbers.

According to Brian Schmetzer, Ryan Kent may not be fit enough to play 90 minutes, but his performances have all but forced his way into the starting line-up. Since Kent has started to accumulate minutes, he has raised the level of play for the Rave Green in a number of ways.

His efficiency with the ball has been impressive. Each of his touches, or step-overs, have been productive, and he has looked to take players on and distributed to teammates. Even though they have not been on the pitch at the same time, Paul Rothrock has stepped up his form to challenge Kent for minutes. It is also possible according to Schmetzer that Rothrock may be moved to another position.

Nouhou and Albert Rusnak's form has also improved. With Kent making runs closer to the middle of the pitch, it allows Nouhou, who scored his second career MLS goal on an assist from Kent, as well as picking up an assist of his own, a chance to make longer runs up the left side. Kent's quick and imaginative touches have increased the pace of the Sounders' attack, providing Rusnak with more space to operate.

Danny Musovski: Moose has scored a goal in each of the last 4 games. This is a feat that matches previous Sounders' greats, Obafemi Martins, Fredy Montero and Jordan Morris, for the club record.

Nouhou: Brian Schmetzer called him "the guy who broke the internet" after his second career goal. The fan favorite, Nouhou has been called out by Schmetzer to continue to perform at that high a level more consistently.

Stefan Frei: Frei is coming off of his 400th appearance for the Sounders and continues to shine as the MLS gold standard for minding the nets. He gave credit for the team's recent success to their ability to harness their emotions and using that energy to be productive.

Osaze De Rosario: He made his debut with the Sounders last week, and although he missed putting away an opportunity, he did score for the Defiance in their last game against the Timbers making it his 10th goal of the season and just signed a contract with the Sounders for a year, with options for extensions. When Stefan Frei broke into the MLS, he played with Rosario's father, and also played in the game when Osaze made his debut.

Obed Vargas: Vargas, Nouhou, and Ryan Kent were all named to last week's MLS Team of the Matchday. Vargas, like Nouhou, scored his second career goal (in far less time). His improved play and coordination with Christian Roldan has shown signs of life after struggling through the first part of the season.

In Houston's last four games, they have 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 ties. Houston is 6 points behind the Sounders, but it will be Pat Onstad bobblehead night, so there may be an above-average crowd at the game.