The Black-and-Red have one final meeting at the team hotel before departing for Qwest Field in a couple of hours. Spirits are high and the players are ready and poised to face Seattle for the first time in 2010. For those of you not making the six-hour flight across the country, tonight's contest will air on ESPN2 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

For one United player, this match is an opportunity to showcase a skill set that was perhaps undervalued in Seattle. Stephen King came to United from the Sounders on April 30, and since that time the former University of Maryland player has truly bolstered United's midfield. Regarded for his vision, passing ability, and constant work ethic, King has started the last four matches for the Black-and-Red in all competitions, beginning with the AC Milan friendly on May 26. 

We caught up with King hours before kickoff in Seattle, and here is what he had to say about tonight's League encounter.

BTB: How does it feel being back in Seattle only a few weeks removed from your departure?

King: It does feel a bit strange. It hit me this morning walking around the city a little bit, but I'm just excited to be going into Qwest with this club [United]. We know it will be a great atmosphere, and it will be great to play against guys that I am friends with and that know me well. I went up against their [Seattle's] players every day for the past 15 months, so it will be cool. I am so happy to be a part of United, and I am excited to help this team win.

BTB: Despite the long trip, the guys appear very energized for the match. Is this the case?

King: Definitely, I think even though we aren't happy with where we are in the League right now, we have a lot of belief in ourselves. We have been in every game, it's not like we were getting blown out when I first got here. But over the past two weeks we have really matured as a team. Things have gotten better and we have gotten some good results, and using that momentum going into tonight's match is certainly going to help us.

BTB: What are the things that stand out to you about the Sounders? Are there any tendencies that you can exploit?

King: I think if we just stay with our game plan - if we stay compact defensively - we can look forward when we win the ball and have some success. They are a team that thrives on the transition game on counterattacks, and as long as we are aware of that we will put ourselves in a good spot to win the game.

BTB: If you grab three points, or even a share of the points in tonight's game, it will mark a great turnaround for United heading into the World Cup break. What are your thoughts on this?

King: Yeah, ever since I have been here we have talked about putting ourselves in a good position come the World Cup break, and I think we are starting to do just that. Obviously, we are not quite where we want to be, but I think going into tonight if we can grab some points it will put us right back in the mix for the second half of the season.