By CALEB SONNELAND

SEATTLE – After a week filled by the war of words between Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid and Portland Timbers coach John Spencer, both managers were finally able to step out of the spotlight and focus on the MLS preparations for the weekend against Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew, respectively.  

After a 1-1 draw last week at Qwest Field against Portland, Seattle is looking to bounce back against a Kansas City team that is winless since its opening weekend victory over Chivas USA.  

Still, that didn't stop Schmid from preparing his squad for the "dangerous" team that will take the field against the Sounders tonight in Seattle (10 p.m., MLS Direct Kick/MatchDay Live).

"They're a very dangerous team," Schmid said. "You don't want to make it sound like they're undefeated, but they're also a team that has nothing to lose coming into the game.

"They've got offensive options like Kei Kamara, Omar Bravo should be available for this game, and obviously Bunbury, as well. They've got weapons."

Kamara does have a connection with the Seattle head coach, as it was Schmid who drafted him at No. 9 overall at the 2006 MLS SuperDraft when he was coaching the Columbus Crew. Considering his familiarity with the striker, Schmid still regards Kamara as a potent threat to his team.

"He's a big guy and an athlete. Since I drafted him, I think he's grown one or two inches. He's good in the air and unpredictable, so that makes it tough to defend. Kei has a good shot as well, and all those things make him a guy who can score goals, sometimes out of nothing."

The Sounders have been dealing with several injuries to key players recently; however, Seattle could be boosted by the returns of Mauro Rosales and Erik Friberg, both of whom were active in practice Friday. Brad Evans participated as well but not fully, and his inclusion in the squad for Kansas City is doubtful.

With Kansas City DP Omar Bravo looking probable to play some part in the Saturday's match, Sporting KC will be looking to utilize the Mexican striker to bounce back from what has been a disappointing run of results lately.