Preview: SPR vs Seattle Sounders 2

Swope Park Rangers fell 3-1 this past weekend to the Oklahoma Energy. This loss made SPR 1-3-1 in their last five games., which is not exactly a winning equation for a team looking to climb the table. I wouldn't be surprised if coach Marc Dos Santos makes some changes to the line up for this game.

Rangers Possible Changes and Missing Pieces

First I think that we'll see John Kempin back in net this Sunday. We've now seen six games from each keeper and the numbers aren't doing Zac Lubin any favors. In Lubin's six games he has a goal against average of 2.33, where as Kempin is averaging only 1.5. I think Dos Santos gave Lubin his fair shot to earn the job, but it's time to get arguably the future keeper of Sporting KC some experience.

Secondly, Swope Park Rangers will likely be without Nansel Selbol. Selbol has started the last three games for the Rangers, but has joined up with the Sporting KC U18's for the academy playoffs. Hopefully Tyler Pasher will be healthy enough to go, but if not then there is Kris Tyrpak.

Seattle Sounders 2

Now let's talk about Seattle Sounders 2. Sounders seem to be struggling just as much as SPR this season. Sounders 2 have managed to only get 13 points from their 14 games this season (SPR sit on 14 points from 13 games). If the Rangers want to make the playoffs they need to start picking up points, and fast. This would be a great opportunity to get three points on the road, and get back to the winning ways of the first couple games of the season.

Sounders 2 have came become a attacking machine though as of late. Of their 13 goals from the season 7 of them have came in the last three games. This has been in large part to former third round MLS Super Draft pick, Andy Craven. Craven scored two in their game against Orange County Blues, and one in their Cascadia match against Vancouver Whitecaps 2. Craven had five goals (including the first in club history) and five assists last season, before his season was cut short from injury.

With Craven attacking down the right wing the other player that will need to be kept track of is Victor Mansaray. The lanky, sometimes speedy, but extremely physical homegrown player could cause some problems for the SPR back line. Like Craven, Mansaray has seen time with the first team for his performance with S2, and looks to be a great future winger for the Sounders.

Defensively S2 is nothing to be scared about. This back line has only kept a clean sheet twice in 14 games, and seven in seven of those games they've aloud two or more. Just being brutally honest, this is a game that SPR forwards could use to really get some confidence.

Prediction

This is a must win for Swope Park Rangers. There shouldn't be any question that they should come away with three points, and absolutely dominate this game. Like I said earlier if SPR can stay organized at the back then I think the creativity of the midfield should carry this team to a 2-0 road win.