TUKWILA — Emotions from a thrilling rivalry game Saturday spilled into this week because of some pointed comments from Vancouver midfielder Davide Chiumiento directed at Seattle.

"They are a good team," Chiumiento told The Province after the 2-2 tie, "but, really, players on (the Sounders) think they are better than everybody and, personally, I think they have a couple of good guys, but nothing special."

Chiumiento added that the Sounders "play like they already won the league."

Strong words, though Seattle coach Sigi Schmid didn't necessarily disagree with the sentiment.

"Obviously that's his opinion, and that's fine," Schmid said when asked about Chiumiento's comments. "I think good teams have a little bit of a swagger and have a little bit of arrogance about them. I know we had it with the Galaxy and I know in my last year with the Crew we had it, as well.

"It can't be a false arrogance. We need to take care of the business and do the business and win the games, but that our team is confident in their abilities is not something that I'm disappointed in."

Chiumiento told The Province he looks forward to playing the Sounders again; the series continues in Seattle on Aug. 18 and in Vancouver on Sept. 29. His comments will ensure others look forward to those Cascadia Cup matchups, as well.

Open Cup details remain TBD

Details regarding Sounders FC's third-round game in the U.S. Open Cup are still being finalized.

Seattle, the reigning three-time champion of the knockout-style tournament, will play the winner of Tuesday's second-round game between the Atlanta Silverbacks of the second-tier NASL and the Georgia Revolution of the fourth-division NPSL. The Sounders would host Georgia in the third round or travel to play at Atlanta.

Schmid indicated Monday, however, that the Sounders are trying to negotiate hosting rights from the Silverbacks.

If played in Atlanta, the game will be on May 30 after the round was originally scheduled for May 29. Seattle is hopeful a potential game against Georgia could also be pushed to May 30.

A team spokesman said everything should be determined by Wednesday.

NOTES

• Midfielder Brad Evans is expected to be available Wednesday after missing two games with a calf strain. Goalkeeper Michael Gspurning (hip), defender Leo Gonzalez (quadriceps) and defender Patrick Ianni (back) are further behind in their recoveries.

• Much attention recently has fallen on Sounders FC's attacking foursome of forwards Fredy Montero and Eddie Johnson, and midfielders Alvaro Fernandez and Mauro Rosales. Schmid describes Fernandez as the best defender of that group, which might facilitate a slightly different role for the designated player. "He probably needs to take a little more defensive responsibility sometimes in terms of just his positional play and maybe join our attack a little bit later than the other three do," Schmid said.

• For the first time in about a month, Schmid gave an update on Steve Zakuani, who is recovering from last year's broken leg and related complications. The coach said Friday that the midfielder is continuing to make progress and is at a phase where he's trying to build his speed and endurance.