The Basics
Seattle Sounders FC (5-8-4, 19 points, 6th place in Western Conference) vs. Celtic (0-2 preseason; 25-6-7, 81 points, 2nd place in Scottish Premier League, 2009-10), at Qwest Field in Seattle.
TV info
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, 3 p.m. ET
What's at stake?
Celtic continue their whirlwind North American tour with their third game in five days when they take on Seattle Sounders FC in a nationally televised meeting. With one more match in the US – against Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday in Boston's Fenway Park – the Bhoys will look to nab a win before returning home to finish their preseason.
Seattle, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last three. They beat Los Angeles in US Open Cup play before drawing against Dallas and beating D.C. United in league action. They'll be looking for a win to build some momentum for their domestic and tournament campaigns.
Last Meeting
Celtic have never played the Sounders, but the Scottish club have visited Seattle four times previously. The Glasgow-based side will also be making their third appearance at Qwest Field, having played there against Manchester United in 2003 and Chelsea in 2004.
Remember when…
...Mike Seamon provided the surprise performance in Seattle’s last friendly against Boca Juniors? Now he’s in the starting lineup. Perhaps one of Seattle’s other reserve players can make a similar impression with his play against Celtic.
Heroes & Villains
Terry Boss vs. Celtic’s offense: With Kasey Keller picking up an injury, it will likely be the backup in goal for Seattle. Boss’ athleticism is without question – his brother Kevin is a tight end in the National Football League.
Celtic vs. fatigue: Playing three times in five days across the United States and Canada should be taxing for the visitors. Look for them to use the bulk of their 27-man travel lineup to get through this match.
Stat that makes you goes “Hmm...”
In 1967, Celtic became the first British club to win a European Championship, defeating Inter Milan 2-1. However, the Scottish giants have yet to lift the trophy since then.
He said it:
“We had Nkufo here today, but he needs to get used to it. I want him to see the game up close and so forth." – Seattle coach Sigi Schmid, after he held Blaise Nkufo out of Thursday’s match against D.C. United. The Swiss star may play Sunday against Celtic.
