Union-Sounders 5 Things: A Tough Test in a Harsh Environment

Union at Sounders
10 p.m. on TCN 

It's been a fantastic start for the Union (3-2-0), but the real test awaits. Jim Curtin's club travels cross country to test its hot streak against the always-formidable Seattle Sounders (1-3-1) at CenturyLink Field Saturday night (10 p.m., TCN).

Here's five things to know:

1. Seattle road test
Coming off a late win against Orlando City SC last Friday, the Union, now with three wins in their last four games, will be served a heat check Saturday against the Sounders, when they enter one of the most difficult venues to play in - 68,000 strong, CenturyLink Field.

"It's as tough a place to go in the league that there is," Curtin said, citing the crowd noise. "You can't communicate on the field. It will be a difficult task and we'll have to be on the same page."

Even though Curtin pointed at CenturyLink's crowd as the primary advantage for the home team, its field isn't far behind. The turf pitch can be an obstacle for visiting teams that aren't used to the texture.

"[The Sounders] are used to the turf but it's new for us," Curtin said. "There's many challenging things that go into it, you can't really prepare young players to do it. It'll be a tough challenge, but we'll call upon our senior players to get them through the tough moments on the field."

But it's those obstacles that make the match fun for the competitive Union players.

"I've been there before in my rookie year," Union goalkeeper Andre Blake said. "I've experienced it, I know what it's like. Those are the games you get pumped for, I'm looking forward to it."

2. Carroll's record
Re-signing with the Union this offseason, Brian Carroll was expected to be a veteran bench presence. Five impressive starts later, as a result of a long-term injury to Maurice Edu, Carroll is set to play his 350th MLS game Saturday - making him the sixth outfield player in MLS history to do so.

And the Union couldn't be happier.

"It's incredible," Curtin said. "It's amazing for me right now to see in these first five games just how good he's been. He may not run as much as he used to, but he's playing as good as he ever has because he's smarter. He's been through so many battles, he knows every team, he knows every player in the league, he's a student of the game, he's a winner, he's incredible for our young guys, he's great in our locker room - I think I just gave 62 compliments but you can't speak highly enough of Brian Carroll."

Even with Warren Creavalle back from his one-game red-card suspension, Curtin will lean on Carroll at the defensive midfield spot. As the manager noted, Carroll is a big reason the Union, who have two MLS rookies and a second-year player on their defensive line, have only allowed five goals in five games this season.

"We've talked to him about being the guy who just sits," Curtin said. "We don't want him to feel like his has to put out a hundred fires, but just protect the two center backs. He's playing at a very high level right now. For a guy who is 34 years old, he looks like he's 24."

3. Stopping Dempsey
The Sounders are trying to find themselves. Particularly, their offense. The club has only scored four goals in its first five games on the way to a Western Conference-worst 1-3-1 record.

"Seattle is towards the bottom," Curtin said. "But I've warned my guys that they have champions on that team, they have winners on their team. It makes it even more challenging to go there because they need a win. We'll have to be playing at our best to have a shot."

One of those winners is forward Clint Dempsey, who has just one goal in five games. Still, no matter how cold Dempsey has been this season, the Union are preparing for an onslaught.

"Clint is the best goal scorer in our country," Curtin said. "You have to expect the unexpected with Clint. He's going to find the ball, he's going to get on the ball. You don't want him to be the one who beats you, so it's a real focus for 90 minutes with him."

For Dempsey, the strategy is simple. Focus or not, get him the ball and build the attack. The Sounders showed some offensive life Sunday, when Chad Marshall scored a goal in the 94th minute to tie the Houston Dynamo.

"I try to play in those pockets, get behind the midfielders and in front of their back line, get on the half turn and try to put people in positions that can help build the attack," he said. "We need to do a better job at creating chances."

4. Keep an eye on
Union: Tranquillo Barnetta, recovering from knee issues, has played only 51 minutes in his last two games. And while that's not expected to change Saturday on turf against the cross-country Sounders, the veteran midfielder is still a player to watch.

In 27 minutes last Friday, Barnetta made an impact, lacing a game-winning free kick in the 90th minute for the 2-1 victory.

"He's coming along well," Curtin said. "The knee is not giving him issues, so we're happy in that regard. We are mindful of the turf and the travel, so we have to be smart. He's going to contribute in the game one way or the other."

Sounders: Jordan Morris. It may seem strange. Why would anyone pick a guy with one shot and no goals in five games to be a player to watch Saturday? Because he has the talent and is ready for a breakout game.

"Jordan Morris is a very good player with a great skill set," Curtin said. "You just don't walk into a professional league and just dominate. It doesn't happen too often. He's an exceptional player who has an incredible future, a lot of talent. The potential is all there, so he'll be fine."

5. This and that
• The Union are a competitive 3-3-2 against the Sounders all time.

• Despite the offensive firepower on the Sounders, it's the Union that holds the season shot advantage. The Union have registered 50 shots and 25 on target, while the Sounders only have 43 shots, 19 on target.

• The Union have had success this season, but it hasn't come on the road. In the club's three road games this season, they've been shut out twice - FC Dallas and Chicago Fire, but defeated the Columbus Crew, 2-1.

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