If the Sounders beat Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup match Tuesday at Starfire, they will host the semifinal round match against either the Houston Dynamo of MLS or the Charleston Battery of USL-1.

That game also would be played at Starfire.

Grandstand seating is gone for the Tuesday quarterfinal, but some $10 general admission tickets remain. Details at the Sounders site.

There won't be any radio or TV, however there will be a live audiocast on SoundersFC.com, with Thom Beuning and Peter Fewing doing the honors.

The Sounders practiced today at Starfire. After Sigi Schmid met with the media.

He didn't commit to a starting keeper in Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal game against Kansas City. However, he seemed to imply that it will be Kasey Keller. He also implied that his team's off-weekend could give him an advantage over the Wizards, who played Saturday.

In terms of health, Schmid said Osvaldo Alonso is certainly out for Tuesday, but that Steve Zakuani seems likely. Sebastien Le Toux, who was kicked in the calf last week in Portland, is ready to go.

Schmid said he "saw a little bit" of the USA-Grenada game yesterday and was happy for current Sounder Brad Evans -- who got his first national cap -- and Columbus' Robbie Rogers, who had a goal and two assists.

Schmid also said that before the start of practice, forward Nate Jaqua addressed his teammates about the civil case filed against him in Oregon. The suit alleges a sexual assault two year ago, which Jaqua denies. (See post below.) "It's obviously a difficult thing," Schmid said, concluding "We're supportive of Nate."

We got a little time with Brad Evans yesterday, proudly wearing his red-white-and-blue instead of rave green. Here's a little of what he had to say that didn't quite get into my morning story.

On when he learned he would be in uniform:
This (Saturday) afternoon we found out the starting lineup and the 18-man roster. Obviously it’s special when you put on the national team jersey. Overall it’s a great feeling for sure. Good to get on the field and connect some passes and kind of get into the rhythm of the game."

On playing defense rather than midfield:
"Everyday it gets better, for sure. You learn more and more especailly when you play different opponents. Overall it’s a good position."

On the USA's performance:
"Good. Overall good. We spoke about it before: We’re focusing on one game at a time. If we can get the first result, then hopefully the second and third will come. But the most important thing is to advance out of our group."

On if he's ever seen so many empty seats at Qwest:
"Only that one game, the preseason game that was closed. That’s it. It’s definitely the most empty I’ve ever seen it. But overall good support. The crowd was loud and when we needed them behind us they were there."

On whether this is the best year of his footballing life:
"Yeah, for sure. Coming out of the gate and starting from the beginning things kind of fell into place. Sigi trusted me in the midfield. I’ve played every minute so far for Seattle, except for the games that I’ve missed due to a little bit of injury. So from club standpoint for sure, and obviouly this is one of the biggest honors, putting on this jersey. So for sure this is a good year to remember."

The Houston Dynamo beat the Kansas City Wizards yesterday in MLS action, picking up three points on Seattle in the Western Division standings.

Here's a game report.

The game also paired the Sounders' next two opponents. The Wizards will be in town Tuesday to meet the Sounders in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal at Starfire. The Dynamo will be at Qwest Field on Saturday for what shapes up as the MLS game of the week.