The Seattle Sounders are taking on Columbus Crew SC on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, in MLS Cup 2020 (5:30 p.m. PT; FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). Here are several major storylines and matchups to watch.
MISSING PIECES
The big news out of Columbus ahead of Saturday’s clash is that Crew SC midfielder Darlington Nagbe and winger Pedro Santos are not medically cleared to play. Nagbe has been an integral part of Columbus’ success in his first season with the club. Reunited with former Portland Timbers and Akron Head Coach Caleb Porter, Nagbe reestablished himself as one of the league’s best tempo-setting central midfielders and quarterbacks in Porter’s possession-based attack. Santos, meanwhile, started 22 matches for Crew SC this season, recording six goals and eight assists, as well as scoring the game-winner in extra time against Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.