Clint Dempsey we knew was not traveling to Philadelphia for Wednesday's game against the Union due to his suspension but unknown was Osvaldo Alonso and Chad Barrett, who have been recovering from injuries. Today Alonso and Barrett were spotted at S2 training getting reps in. Dempsey stayed fresh as well working with the USL side. This means we can confirm that the Sounders will be without Honey Badger running the midfield against Philly and that Lamar Neagle or one of the wonderkids Darwin Jones or Victor Mansaray will be playing up top in the City of Brotherly Love.

Jordan Morris, who's back from US U-23 and Senior National Team, trained with S2 as well. This is a great sign for the future of Morris playing with the Sounders. In order to be a Homegrown Player you have to log training hours with the club and/or affiliates every year until they sign as a HGP. Any training time Morris gets with the Sounders is important not just for "MLS Rules" but any and all exposure with the team and coaching staff brings us closer to the situation resolving itself. Think of it this way, the more he trains with the Sounders, the sooner he'll fit in with the team once/if he signs. The more he trains with the team, the more bonds he makes, and the more likely he signs with the Sounders.