The last time Troy Perkins played for D.C. United in Seattle — vs. Real Madrid in 2006 — the Sounders weren’t yet part of Major League Soccer.
Still, the goalkeeper didn’t have much difficulty breaking down the rivalry the teams created in the Sounders’ inaugural season last year.
“The stadium, the fans, the club you’re going to play against and a little revenge for the U.S. Open Cup last year,” Perkins said. “That’s a bitter taste in our mouth. For us, going forward, we really have our mind set on this.”
United (2-8-1) didn’t prevail in any of last season’s trio of dramatic encounters, losing twice in a row by a 2-1 margin at home, first in the U.S. Open Cup final and then two weeks later in league play after coming from behind to salvage a 3-3 draw in Seattle last June.
Midfielder Stephen King was a Sounders substitute in that game at Qwest Field, which expanded its soccer capacity to more than 36,000 this season.
“Having played there for a year, I know that the environment,” King said. “It’s incredible.”
Both United and Seattle remain mired in seventh place in their respective conferences ahead of the final match before MLS breaks for the World Cup. Like United, the Sounders (4-5-3) gave themselves a boost with an exhibition victory over an international opponent, Boca Juniors.
Including that win, Seattle has put up six goals in its last two home games. Speedy offensive threats Steve Zakauni and Fredy Montero both scored last weekend and will test United’s makeshift back line, which will see Julius James and Devon McTavish replace injured Rodney Wallace and Juan Manuel Pena.
“There’s been a lot of changes,” United defender Dejan Jakovic said ahead of just his second match since a return from a broken collarbone. He’s considering wearing lacrosse upper body padding under his jersey. “As long as we’re talking and keeping the midfield in front of us and directing them where to go, we should be fine.”
