This is a monster matchup early in the 2019 MLS season. Seattle is in third place in the Western Conference but only because LAFC is rolling everyone and the Galaxy have one of the best players on planet Earth on their team.

Heavyweights throwing punches

The Sounders have one loss and don’t have any real weaknesses in their squad. Raul Ruidiaz is constantly hovering on the back shoulder of center backs while Jordan Morris exploits the spaces provided by his active front man.

Meanwhile, the Union get scoring from all over the field and can counterattack with ruthless pace against a Seattle team that lacks speed in the center.

Rematch and revenge

Clint Dempsey and the Sounders barely eeked by the Union in a US Open Cup final and Seattle was the first team ever to beat the Union back in the club’s first match in 2010. Since then these teams always seem to produce fireworks, including last year’s epic finish led by Fafa Picault’s Steaz stoppage time winner.

With both clubs off to a hot start, expect them to come out looking to prove their bona fides to the rest of the league.

Terrify ‘em at Talen

The Union have been blowing away opponents at home since dropping their opener, but this will be one of the toughest tests of the season (circle LAFC later in the year too…). Talen Energy Stadium needs to be rocking from the outset and the visitors from the west coast should feel extremely unwelcome as they walk onto the pitch Saturday.

Philly plays with as much energy as anybody in the league and they will need an extra boost from the crowd this weekend. So get out there early and make sure the visitors feel the Philly from minute one.

Seattle comes to town on Saturday May 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET.