Seattle Sounders FC Prepare for Philadelphia Union

The Seattle Sounders FC will look for their fourth consecutive win when they face the Philadelphia Union on May 5. The Sounders overcame a huge hump in their last match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, defeating their Western Conference rivals for the first time in almost three years.

Unfortunately for the Sounders, they probably won't have the services of starting goalkeeper Michael Gspurnin - who already has 3 shutouts this season - against the Union. Gspurnin suffered a hip injury during the Sounders' outing against the Galaxy, and he's current awaiting the results of an MRI taken on May 3.

"Michael's in today having an MRI, so they're still doing part of that," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said. "It was like a two-phase MRI because we want to get a really good look at what was going on there so we can make a determination."

Regardless of Gspurnin's status for Saturday's game, the Sounders should be able to able to secure a win against Philadelphia. With a record of 2-1-4, the Union are currently one of the worst teams in the MLS, and they'll have their hands full at CenturyLink Field.

Eddie Johnson seems to be adjusting well to the Sounder's lineup, finding the back of the post in their last two outings. With midfielder Mauro Rosales back in the lineup, Johnson and Fredy Montero should enjoy some success against the Union.

"He's [Rosales] very important to the team," Johnson said about the Sounders' playmaker. "He's got a lot of experience. He's played in Europe, he's played for Ajax. One of our strengths and our style is possessing the ball, and Mauro is a player that can beat you with a one-two, he can beat you on the dribble, or he can pick out that perfect cross in the box."

Even though it's still early in the 2012 MLS season, the Sounders are already starting to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the league. The Sounders are currently third in the Western Conference table, trailing the first place San Jose Earthquakes by only six points. Given how well the Sounders have been playing lately, it's only a matter of time before they secure the top spot.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Zach Scott: "Whoever is out there for us, we're going to go out…"
SeattleTimes.com, "Michael Gspurning undergoes MRI after leaving Wednesday's game…"