Seattle Sounders sealed a comfortable 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids in the previous outing.

Goals from Clint Dempsey and Will Bruin gave the Sounders a first-half lead. Dominique Badji pulled a goal for Rapids in the second period but Dempsey completed the rout with his brace completed in the 85^th minute. On the other hand, DC United succumbed to their third loss on the trot following a 4-2 defeat away at Dallas. Ian Harkes bagged the opener for United in the 30^th minute, but four goals in the space of 14 minutes on either side of half time put Dallas 4-1 ahead. Deshorn Brown added the second for United in the 57^th minute but it was no more than a consolation goal.

Seattle Sounders have had a mixed run in Major League Soccer of late, and this has pushed them outside of the playoff positions into seventh place. Their home form, however, makes for good reading with 10 points gained out of the last 15. Meanwhile, DC have had a dismal record over the course of the season, and they find themselves rockbottom of the Eastern Conference. With five defeats out of five away from home, they could expect another tough outing at CenturyLink Field.

USA international Clint Dempsey is the top-scorer for the Seattle Sounders with seven goals in 16 outings, but he could miss the upcoming fixture due to his participation at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. DC United are the lowest scorers in the Eastern Conference, but they will nevertheless rely on Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta, who has notched four goals in 16 attempts.

Seattle Sounders have dominated the fixture over the past couple of years, and their home record against DC United would provide great motivation with their last defeat against United coming way back in June 2010.