After winning Game 1 of their best-of-3 series, the Seattle Sounders have a chance to secure promotion with every win. In the first game they had to rely on penalties. This probably isn’t their preferred method of advancement, but their past performance should give them some confidence in this case.

One thing that puts a bit of a damper on plans is Saturday’s injury report, which surprisingly found that Danny Musovski and Albert Rusnák were listed as questionable. Assuming neither starts, this will almost certainly be the most rotation the Sounders have used in the lineup in months.

Here’s what you need to know:

Availability news

Sounder

OUT: Jacob Castro – adductors; Danny Musovski – Quad

QUESTIONABLE: Cody Baker – Leader; Jordan Morris – hamstrings; Albert Rusnak – Hip.

Houston

OUT: Coco Carrasquilla – Suspension; Lawrence Ennali – knee; Nelson Quinones – Knee

QUESTIONABLE: Brad Smith – Thigh (Questionable)

Statistics to look smart

• The Sounders have an all-time record of 5-5-4 in Houston, but have dominated the series in recent years. The Sounders are 5-1-1 at Shell Energy Stadium since 2017, including a tie earlier this year.
• Although all eight teams that won the first game of their best-of-three playoff series advanced last year, three of the series still went to a third game.

Tactics to impress

• Somewhat surprisingly, the Dynamo left their confrontation line very low in Game 1, seemingly content to play on penalties. It would be even more surprising if they managed to do that again in Game 2. Not only are Dynamo playing at home, they are also unlikely to leave their chances to penalties. Hopefully the Sounders will find ways to utilize some of the space even without Jordan Morris.
• Without Morris, Raúl Ruidíaz will likely play effectively as a false 9. To compensate for this, the wingers have to stay high up. If Albert Rusnák is also out, Pedro de la Vega could move inside to link up with Ruidíaz, while Paul Rothrock and Georgi Minoungou extend the field outwards.

Jersey matchup

Opposition research

Sounder Strategy: Dynamo Redemption

Seattle will seek consolation in Houston against a revitalized Dynamo team that controls the ball.

More news

Obed Vargas welcomed him with open arms

The Sounders midfielder is hoping to make up for lost time after missing the first playoff game due to a suspension.

Sounders prepares as if Raúl Ruidíaz will start Game 2

Jordan Morris officially deemed it “doubtful” to play.

Jordan Morris is questionable for Game 2 after leaving early

The Sounders forward only made it about 50 minutes before exiting with a hamstring strain.