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Sounders return home for Leg 2 of Western Conference Championship

TUKWILA, Wash — After the defending MLS Cup champs blanked the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Tuesday in Leg 1 of their Western Conference Championship, Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer knows his club showed the soccer world something very special.

"The message isn't sent yet all the way,” Schmetzer said. “Let's wait until after the second game [against Houston on Thursday] to see what happens. We certainly sent the [message of] 'OK, we're going to come out and play our style.’ We were not going to allow Houston to try and dictate to us [what kind of style we should play]. We'll attempt to do the same here at home."

One of the Sounders who was instrumental in helping the team get the job done in Leg 1 against Houston is Will Bruin. It's worth mentioning that the Western Conference Championship is extra-special for Bruin, who used to play for the Houston Dynamo.

"Yeah, it was kind of funny because I've celebrated a lot in that corner [at BBVA Compass Stadium] when I was in Houston. And I noticed that none of them ran to celebrate with me so it was kind of funny,” said Bruin about his goal.

Bruin has now scored against his former club twice in their last two matches.

"It was unbelievable,” said Henry Wingo, a Sounders FC midfielder. “You know, he [Bruin] was talking about it and how bad he wanted to get one there. Obviously, he's been loving every second of being in Seattle so far. So for him to get that goal [is huge]. We're all so happy for him."

And there's still no word on whether the Sounders goal keeper Stefan Frei will be ready to go for Leg 2 on Thursday.

"We'll get serious about discussions about lineups next week,” Schmetzer said.

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