Supporters' Shield-leading D.C. United travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders July 3 at CenturyLink Field. Take a look at some of the storylines surrounding this East vs West matchup before Independence Day.
West Coast Drought
Everybody has heard of thedrought in California, but there's been a shortage of different resources in recent times for United. The Black-and-Red have not scored in any of the last four regular-season matches against the Sounders. Chris Rolfe, who leads the team with six goals, will look to end the drought as soon as possible. And if United falls behind? Don't worry, Rolfe also leads MLS with four game-winning goals.
WATCH: Rolfe's game-winning volley defeats Orlando City SC
Top Defenders on Show
Friday will showcase two of the best defenders in MLS, with Chad Marshall and Bobby Boswell both commanding their respective back lines. Marshall, the reigning MLS defender of the year, will have his hands full with Rolfe and Fabián EspÃndola, who has played more of a provider this season, drifting out wide and racking up five assists to date.
Boswell, who finished runner-up for MLS Defender of the Year to Marshall in 2014 will be counting his blessings as both of Seattle's top scorers are out. U.S. internationalClint Dempsey has left for the Gold Cup, whileObafemi Martins is currently out with a groin injury. Chad Barrett and Lamar Neaglewill almost certainlybe stepping up to take their place.
Workhorses Aplenty
Both Boswell and midfielder Perry Kitchen are racking up the minutes so far this season, playing the most and third-most minutes out of everyone in the league, respectively. While partly because United has played more games than any other team at this point, they both likely benefited from not playing in the midweek U.S. Open Cup game and will be rested for the game against the Rave Green, who have lost three straight MLS games.
