Dynamo 1 - 1 Sounders
Final
  for this game

Seattle, Houston both aim to bounce back in Friday fixture

Mar 24, 2011 - 7:38 PM Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The Major League Soccer schedule maker didn't do Seattle Sounders FC any favors to start the 2011 season.

Seattle opened the season at home vs. David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the Los Angeles Galaxy before traveling across the country to take on Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Red Bull New York just four days later, losing both games 0-1.

"We have to move on," Seattle coach Sigi Schmid told his club's website. "When we play two of the better teams in the league and show that we can play them pretty even ... now we just have to make sure that we come out with the results."

On Friday, Seattle (0-2-0) has a chance to get its first positive result of the season when it hosts the Houston Dynamo at Qwest Field.

The Dynamo opened the season with a 1-0 home loss to the Philadelphia Union, and will be gunning to rebound on the road on Friday.

"Bouncing back from the loss to Philadelphia is big for us, and it's important for us to get a good result," Houston midfielder Mike Chabala told mlssoccer.com. "At the end of the season, every point counts, and it's important for us to get going in the right direction."

Seattle could get a big boost, with a number of players close to returning from injury.

"For me, my season starts now," Seattle winger Steve Zakuani said. "I had an injury building up to the L.A. game and so rather than preparing for the game, I was always conscious of missing the game. Now I'm healthy, I feel good and I'm ready to get some games under my belt."

The return to health of winger Zakuani should pay immediate dividends, with the third-year pro being a huge part of the team's offense, as evidenced by his 10 goals a year ago.

Houston (0-1-0) could also get a boost if forward Brian Ching is able to play. The veteran forward missed the opener with a hamstring injury suffered in preseason, and resumed full training this week. He is officially listed as questionable for the game while midfielder Colin Clark is doubtful and midfielder Francisco Navas Cobo is out.

Seattle will be without forward Mike Fucito, while forward Nate Jaqua and Brad Evans are doubtful, midfielder Michael Seamon is questionable, and Zakuani and midfielder Pat Noonan are probable.






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