Much ado about Mullan; Zach Scott Steels Spotlight

20 04 2012

Brian Mullan received Seattle’s most sporting welcome for visiting the Sounders at CenturyLink last Saturday. He was given a proper loud greeting.  The kind of traditional Seattle sports greeting reserved by fans of the Seahawks 12th Man, Mariners fans at Safeco, and Sounders Emerald City Supporters for players who’ve become villans of Supersonic City.

Who is Clay Bennett, and who are the Oklahoma City Thunder?  For the “Daily Double”, Alex?

There was a large media build up to Mullan’s visit.  Yet for all the hype, there wasn’t much to report between Seattle’s fans and Mullan.  Except noise.  It wasn’t a situation you would characterize as, “much ado about nothing”.  But the boo-jeering of Mullan remained tame.  Even expected.

From player introductions, to every touch of the ball, until exiting the pitch, Brian Mullan was greeted and jeered with boos for his slide tackle last April, that broke Steve Zakuani's right leg, nearly ending his career.

Mullan strolled into Seattle from the rocky mountains of Commerce City, Colorado. Home of the Rapids.  From the edge of town to every turn of the street he was reminded of the sad and heavy-handed incident with Zakuani a year ago.  Fans came, fans saw, and fans booed.  There were no surprises.

America’s western ethos is alive and true in Major League Soccer.  At least when it comes to the Rave Green supporters of Seattle.

How the match was won. Heroes and villans.

Seattle’s fans did what good sporting fans are supposed to do.  From lineup introductions for the purple-clad visitors from Colorado, fans picked out the one true villan.  Brian Mullan was given more than a traditional “who?”, during player introductions.  ”Who?”, is a pre-match jeer for visiting soccer players as their names are announced.  For Brian Mullan, the usual “who?” was followed by a bravado-chorus of “boo”.  That greeting echoed the entire match whenever Mullan touched the ball.

Brian Mullan had other plans.  In the 33rd minute Omar Cummings shot a solid strike at Seattle’s goal.  The ball deflected off Sounders’ Keeper, Michael Gspurning’s hands. Mullan swooped in from his right-wing post and worked his way into the center of the Sounders 6-yard box.  Seeing the deflection, he raced forward, knocking the loose ball into the net.

Alex Rodriquez was almost set free.  For an instant, Seattle’s most disliked sporting-villan appeared to be released.  This vision was quickly vanquished by the assistant referee who flagged the play offside.

In all fairness to Mullan, he was one of the more positive, forward moving playmakers on the Rapids during the match.

In the end, it was one of the more unlikely Sounders who stepped forward into the role of hero.   Zach Scott turned a 63rd minute corner from fellow newcomer, Alex Caskey into the far corner of Colorado’s net.  Scott’s snap-flick header, came from Caskey’s left-sided corner. As the ball curled in to the box, Scott escaped his defensive marker.  Creating a seam of space to run towards the near post and meet the ball before it could be whipped away by Colorado’s defensive grinders.

The game winner was Scott’s first goal in Major League Soccer.  The hard working, and longtime Sounders veteran defender had coach, Sigi Schmid contemplating after the match if any Sounder would be more unlikely to score.  ”Michael Gspurning.  (Sounders Goalkeeper)  I think he’d probably be a little more unlikely”.

Scott started playing for the Sounders in 2002 before they were promoted to MLS in 2009 from their A-League/USL-1 days.  Teammate Roger Levesque, and Assistant Coach, Brian Schmetzer are the other two standouts from the clubs older era.

Zach Scott’s “Man of the Match” reward was shared with longtime fans.  Sending 38,000 riding home into the happy sunset.

You can also find my work at SeattlePI.com in The Seattle Sounders Fan Blog section.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales

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No More Mulling over Mullan – Rapids at Sounders

13 04 2012

Friday, April 22nd, 2011 is a date forever stitched into Sounders players, owners, and fans memories.

The Sounders won that night.  Only their second win of the 2011 season vs Colorado Rapids, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO.  The 1-nil, clean-sheet road victory against the 2010 defending MLS Cup Champions was not the memory it should have been.

A third minute slide tackle from Brian Mullan broke Steve Zakuani’s leg.  It was that awful image and sound that stuck in everyone’s memory.  Win aside, every Sounders heart-felt numb, and every gut sickeningly hallowed.

Saturday, at CenturyLink Field, Brian Mullan makes his first visit to Seattle since that tackle. There is precedent for how Seattle sports fans respond to moments like Mullan’s return.  (see Alex Rodriquez)  Seattle fans are never quiet.  And we won’t be for Mullan.  To expect less, whether in agreement or not would be ignorance.  What noise doesn’t replace is that there isn’t one Sounders fan who doesn’t want meaningful closure.  A quality match about soccer is much preferred to one about jeering.

Sounders fans are smart.  There will be Mullan directed noise tantamount to brining down Jericho’s walls.  There will also be the ECS to lead an innovative way to direct the message without it being the match-day storyline.

What started as a routine defensive recovery went horribly wrong.

Possibly feeling he had been wrongfully nudged off the ball by Zakuani, Brian Mullan quickly took after Zakuani who was moving the ball forward along his usual left-wing alley to clear the Sounders defensive end.  Mullan slid to ground to clear the ball from Zakuani’s feet.

Red Card to Brian Mullan, for April 22nd, 2011 tackle and injury to Steve Zakuani

Sound familiar?  It should. Whenever he’s knocked off the ball, Osvaldo Alonso, similar to Mullan on a per match basis, quickly recovers to rush back, impedes the attacking players progress, makes firm contact, even going to turf in a slide to win the ball back.  His efforts, like Mullan’s help win games. Alonso often gets away with a few hard tackles that could be fouls, or yellow, even a few that should be red.

Osvaldo Alonso’s technique is stellar. He was listed by Major League Soccer as part of the best Starting XI performers from last week vs DC United.  But no matter your reputation or skill, when you are a tenacious player, a potential risk exists in every match to be your last.  And no matter your ball winning skills, you could end another players career.

Brian Mullan, like Alonso has a hard work attitude.  Rash, high risk tackles are not a characteristic describing him as a player.  What is said about the 12 year veteran, is how his efforts have been valuable in supporting five different MLS clubs in their runs to championships.

Mullan’s actions were deliberate, but no less a part of his approach to every match.  After last years match, he said, “It was a tackle I’ve done a hundred times, and I’d probably do it again”.  He was unaware of the full extent of Zakuani’s injury when he made that remark.

Zakuani suffered a fracture to his tibia and fibula.  He had to undergo multiple surgeries for his leg that did not initially set properly.  Additional signs of nerve damage put his career in question.

Nearly a year later, Zakuani has remarkably heeled enough to have seen playing time in recent Sounders reserve matches.  His earliest return to the first-team squad would be next month.  I’d be surprised if it’s before June.  Sigi Schmid has said he doesn’t expect a fully recovered Zakuani until 2013.

Upon further review. Mullan was given a MLS record 10 match suspension and fine.

Major League Soccer has built a reputation as a league tolerating more tough tackles than most other top international football leagues. To stop the bleeding, MLS began making post-match reviews for hard challenges.  Shalrie Joseph of New England committed a foul last weekend.  After a review of his challenge by MLS officials, he was retroactively suspended for this weekend’s match.

Overturning a referees decision is not a good business for any sport.  A far worse sports business are injuries like what Zakuani suffered.  FIFA has recently supported England’s Premier League governing body the FA, to make similar post match reviews. MLS appears to be taking a proactive lead in helping players to learn to cut down on risky challenges.

It’s always exciting to see Alonso turn around, track a player down and win the ball back. But in the future, maybe disrupting possession is safer and smarter, even more sporting than the risk in winning possession.  No fouls and no injuries for that.  Timing a successful tackle appears to be a skill that needs further review.

Zakuani and Mullan have talked.  Both seem to have taken the high road of sportsmanship.  After Mullan’s 10 game suspension, and before his first match back vs Columbus he received a text message, “There are no hard feelings. Don’t let this tackle affect the way you play the game. Good luck!” 

Yet, an unsatisfactory feeling lingers.  Mullan has not apologized publicly.  It appears he wont speak about last years incident until after this years match.  Part of me understands emotional and psychological reasons for Mullan not addressing the issue in a more public forum.  Yet, I can’t help think about the horrific sight and sound of the tackle.  It would be welcome by anyone who witnessed that incident to gain some closure by the warm address of a 12 year MLS veteran.

Here is the Sports Illustrated article by Grant Wahl.  Including interviews with Steve Zakuani and Brian Mullan:
Grant Wahl > Planet Futbol
Zakuani on the road to recovery 

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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“Pumped Up Kicks” – Colorado Rapids at Sounders FC

16 07 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

Sales on Sounders by Gabi Campanario - 8/5/09 @ Barca Friendly

Watching Steve Zakuani collapse from a reckless tackle by Colorado Rapids, Brian Mullan, was difficult to watch but galvanizing for the team. Seeing Zakuani suffer a broken leg you couldn’t help feel, as these things happen in sports, Seattle’s 2011 season was lost. On April 22nd, only seven matches into the season, that was how many Sounders fans felt.

In Seattle’s last eight matches they are undefeated. A team record. As Colorado comes to Seattle for a rematch, the Sounders have turned into a team competing for a 2011 Supporters Shield. A win today over Colorado Rapids and the Sounders will only trail LA Galaxy by one point. The Supporters Shield is awarded to the team earning the highest point total at the season conclusion.

Zakuani’s broken leg was suffered in the Sounders seventh match. Seattle held on to win that match. Only the 2nd win at that time. Seattle’s record was 2-wins, 2-losses, 3-draws. Thoughts of a failed season were creeping into people’s minds. Yet over their last fourteen matches, Seattle has only dropped two matches while winning seven.

Coming into this season, Seattle was praised for its depth. Who knew that depth would be tested so early. Along with Zakuani, O’Brian White, Brad Evans, and Mauro Rosales, all key starters soon saw injury time over playing time. Usually a recipe for frustration, losses, and even excuses.  Instead a committee of Sounders have seen playing time. Thirteen different players have contributed goals. Rather than fold the Sounders have won with a dogged approach to team chemistry and determination. Winning with a man down, multiple comebacks, and a creative mix of players have them sporting a “never given up” attitude.

Colorado Rapids - 2010 MLS Champions

Colorado has dealt with many of the same issues as Seattle. They have had less success, but like Seattle, they continue to show true grit. They are the defending Major League Soccer champions. And for the first time since the game Zakuani went down, they have a healthy lineup starting to look and play like defending champions.

For his reckless tackle on Steve Zakuani, Brian Mullan was given a ten game suspension and fine. Completed, he is available for Saturday’s match. Whether Seattle’s sellout crowd is ready for Mullan may be the question. Mullan has indicated he is ready and wants to play. Rapids Head Coach, Gary Smith decided to leave Mullan off the traveling roster. Although Mullan’s quality play and contributions are hard to overlook, it appears Smith has chosen to focus on soccer, rather than have Seattle place a focus of roaring disapproval on Mullan.

Fans will digest as many pints as making points over rounds of opinions about Mullan’s tackle, and Smith’s choice to leave him behind.  By Gary Smith leaving Mullan in Colorado, the Rapids come ready to play with less distraction. Ready to play as defending champions.  Seattle’s already tried and true winning form will receive its biggest test today. Defeating the defending champions could open even more tabs over who the new champion could be.

Thanks to Arlo White for your inspired work.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders, by Ryan Sales


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Sigi’s Sounders go to Washington

4 05 2011

April 30, 2011 #11 Tribute to Steve Zakuani

The Sounders paid an emotional and heart-felt tribute to Steve Zakuani in last Saturday’s match with Toronto FC.  The 11th minute tribute for Zakuani’s broken leg received in their previous match by Colorado Rapids, Brian Mullan, was a salute to Zakuani’s #11 kit number (jersey number).  The Sounders valuable #11 left winger was missing from the Sounders *starting XI (starting lineup).  Zakuani is beginning the long and hopeful road to recovery.  The tribute was topped off in the most perfect manner possible.  A 3-nil victory. Offensive and exciting for fans with a clean sheet (no goals allowed) for Sounders Keeper, Kasey Keller.

For the Sounders offensive and team spirit the victory meant everything.  It combined an emotional show for their fallen teammate and for 36,000 of the most exciting fans in US Soccer.  The first goal came from eventual “man of the match”, Brad Evans.  A cross that bulls-eyed ”Flaco’s” (Alvaro Fernandez) forehead and found the back of net.  Adding to his assist in the first half, Brad Evans scored a brace (two goals) in the second half.  Monro slotted a perfectly weighted ball inside and to the right of Toronto’s goal.  Evans perfectly timed his run up on the ball for a one time strike curling past keeper and into the left corner of Toronto’s goal.  His second, a penalty kick.

For most soccer clubs in the world there is nothing that needs to follow that last sentence.  Not in Seattle.  Never normal and always a story.  Penalty kicks are often considered “given” goals.  Not at Qwest field.  Until Saturday, no Sounder had ever scored a home pitch penalty kick.  In tribute to Zakuani and everything that is remotely normal in the world of soccer, Evans scored the Sounders first ever home pitch penalty kick.  It was also Evans first professional brace (two goals).

With the #11 Zakuani tribute successfully put behind them, Sounders quickly turn to a midweek match vs DC United in our Nation’s Capital.     The brief, and successful one match home stay is sandwiched between four road games.  With Philadelphia’s draw and Colorado’s victory behind them, the next two challenges come up quickly.  First is midweek opponent DC United, then another short turnaround to face Columbus on Saturday.  Little rest and a growing injury report makes both matches part of a daunting road trip.  Already including Steve Zakuani, Seattle’s injury report boasts forwards O’Brian White and Mauro Rosales.  Nothing comes easy for Sounders.

DC United - Black and Red - MLS Champions '96, '97, '99, '04

Seattle has never lost in our Nation’s Capital.  It has become the most successful road stop for Sounders FC since joining MLS in 2009.  The Sounders faced DC United at RFK Stadium in the 2009 US Open Cup final winning its first trophy 2-1.  A week later, they surprised everyone by coming back for a regular season match and winning again.  Last year, Roger Levesque scored a late match winner on a short cross from Montero.  The win was part of the Sounders late in form run which launched them into the 2010 MLS playoffs.

In preseason, bench depth was the best weapon talked about when evaluating the Sounders 2011 roster.  It will be tested in the next two matches.  If Seattle wins one of the next two without taking on more injuries, they will be in good shape for the showdown with Cascadia Rival, Portland.

Heading to Washington DC, it is hard not to think on failing budget compromise, a struggling economy, and recent counter terrorism issues in Pakistan.  To paraphrase Sounders coach, Sigi Schmid, *I subscribe to the belief you only have so much energy to give.  With so much focused attention on the death of Osama Bin Laden, I propose a midweek break.  At 7:30 on the East coast and 4:30 on the West coast the Sounders FC face DC United.  It is important to spend two-thirds more energy on your passions and what you love.  Even laughter.  Osama Bin Lden and terrorism, not to dismiss the value and weight of recent events, are neither what I would consider topics of love, passion, or even laughter.  Consider turning to soccer for one night as the beautiful alternative.

Soccer is a simple game.  *If you put a ball at the feet of a 3-year-old child, perhaps even younger, that child will instinctively kick.  It’s simple, because it is from instinct.  Hours of repetition and the ball becomes an instinctive extension of body, mind, and soul.  * “While I cannot claim to be more than a passenger”.  Soccer is the beautiful, instinctual competitive spirit of the human kind and a recipe for peace.  Let’s enjoy the best of who we are rather than focus on the evils that have been defeated.

Never stare into the eyes of Medusa.  This weeks battle-classico features a growing cross continental rivalry.  If you haven’t turned on a Major League Soccer match recently.  It is time.  An intense but respectful rivalry is growing between DC and Seattle.  Turn your attention to Washington for the beautiful game.  It’s instinct really.  Focus more on what happens in soccer and terrorism will inevitably fade to black.

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

Sales on Sounders by Gabi Campanario - 8/5/09 @ Barca Friendly

 A few notes and references

* Starting XI = Starting lineup.
* During Seattle’s inaugural season the team went through a long stretch of fouls.  Players were irritated with officials, but were also not helping themselves by adding complaints.  Sigi Schmid made the point, that he subscribes to the belief players only have so much energy to give each match.  Using it on officials is not the best use of that energy.  Since that time the Sounders have gone from the team receiving the highest number of fouls to middle of the league.
*Cliff McCrath, five time NCAA Division II Champions with Seattle Pacific University.  Also ran a summer boys and girls youth soccer camp on Whidbey Island.  I attended three years as a child.  His (almost) weekly soundersfc.com show “Nub’s Nuggets” is where he covers one relevant soccer point to think on each week.  During April, 2011 he covered the simplicity of teach kids to play.  By setting a ball in from of them they will instinctively kick.  Make fun games out of repetitive passing and ball control.  Then, sit back, and answer questions when they ask.  This is a grain of wisdom in why the game is so beautiful.
* “ While I cannot claim to be more than a passenger”.  The Shins, Girl Sailor – Wincing the Night Away

* * * * *

© 2011 by Ryan J Sales


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You Never Watch Alone, Part II: Why Zakuani Fell

30 04 2011
Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Sounders FC - 2009 & 2010 US Open Cup Champions

In match #6, 2010 at BMO Field, Sounders FC went on the road to face-off with Toronto FC, I made a horrible, inexcusable supporter mistake.  Seemingly safe from such mistakes, I was at home in Highland Park, a quiet West Seattle neighborhood, in the comfort of my own home.  When I broke one of the basic laws of soccer viewership while supporting your clubs away matches.  I watched alone.  No excuses, I messed up. Sounders lost 2-nil.  Not even, “we had more of the game” from Sigi Schmid, helped the sour result.  Some people still say that loss was my fault.  Freddie Ljungberg left Seattle without saying “good-bye, Ryan”. In soccer, you never watch alone.

Since that match I have reached out to acquire many quality skills in properly watching soccer alone.  Required viewing;  “The Social Network“.  Check. Acquire an IT specialist. Check.  He is someone who knows the statistical vocabulary, and freakonomic calculations behind web design.  My IT Specialist is, Thomas Breuler, whose growing certifications through, Western Governors University cause me only one minor problem.  He owns a restaurant with his wife, Avalon, so I’ll be washing dishes for a long time.  Add Twitter account.  Check. Add Sales on Sounders Facebook page.  Check.  Read and heed valuable Sounders supporter words of wisdom and advice for soccer-viewing while alone.  Check.  My good friend and Sounders Supporter, Todd Hodges said, “the communal exhale in victory, defeat, or draw is a vital part of the release”, when viewing and supporting your club.  Not to wax too spiritual, but if you’re connected with everything “out there” then, Todd’s right, you will truly never watch alone.

This time I’m ready.  Only a 25-minute bus ride away from joining 36,000.  A quick auto-swipe of an Orca Bus Pass, and it’s a Metro dash to Qwest Field.  I’ll be in the hive of the Capitol of Soccer in America.  Seattle hosts Toronto FC this Saturday, May 3oth at 7:00, from its home pitch, Qwest Field.

“It’s not just the story that’s being told. It’s how it’s being told”.  Daniel Mendelsohn, The New York Review of Books, “Why She Fell”.

Julie Taymor, Spider Man, Turn off the Dark director

Mendelsohn, composed a wonderful essay chronicling, Julie Taymor‘s reasons for launching herself into the massive undertaking that is, Spider Man:  Turn Off the Dark, the struggling, in process, Broadway musical.  Her successful development as a director and creative mind behind other acclaimed productions, like Lion King, opened doors for her to take this type of “leap of faith” risk.  In taking risk with such abandon, she literally takes artistic leaps without knowing if a net is below.  She creates successful communal release and lands on her feet more than meeting the thud of failure.  Unfortunately, the production rehearsals of Spider Man had too many thuds from falling actors without nets.  Which caused her recent ousting from Spider Man.  The musical has failed to the tune of $65 million.  The Sounders would do well in the transfer window with that Broadway Bound Budget.  Is Julie Broken?  Maybe.  Repairable?  Proven.  Julie puts no less than the entirety of her soul into her work.  She will land on her feet again.

Steve Zakuani‘s leg was broken last Friday night in the third minute of the match with Colorado Rapids.  Brian Mullan slid with a reckless tackle causing the horrible break to Zakuani.  Mullan received a total 10 game suspension and $5,000 fine.  It is steep. One of the steepest in MLS history.  But Brian has accepted the penalty without challenge. Demonstrating both his wish for Zakuani’s recovery and acceptance for his brief lapse of judgement when launching into his slide tackle.

Julie’s failure and Brian’s recklessness whether artistic or sporting, challenges us to realize a necessary way to play in life is to leap with abandon.  Net or no net, leap into risk.  The difficult and critical challenge is separating abandon from reckless abandon. Julie Taymor is one of the best at doing so much with so little.  The uncloaked actors holding puppets in, Lion King is her genius-mind realized.  Brian Mullan has won five MLS Championships with all 5 MLS clubs he has played for.  So, even the best can fail. $65 million is not needed to realize an artistic vision.  Hard tackles in the 3rd minute of matches while in your opponent’s end of the field are also not needed.  The failure in both situations is steep and weighted with heavy retributions.  It is necessary to measure who these people are when looking beyond their errors and oversight in recent challenges.

Not to make excuses for their actions.

Julie Taymor and Brian Mullan both failed.  This should not be their legacy.  These two are among the best of their skilled trades.  Their successes outweigh their failures.  I’m not making excuses for them, but rather trying to see that how they play the game is with head strong visions.  Failure is a hard mask to see through.  It’s blinding.  How they have played recently is in question.  But the final chapters in their stories are long from being published.  They play without abandon and without net.  They dance the fine line between acceptable and unexplainable.  My guess, they are learning even more than most of us how to play alone in such challenging and necessary circumstances that they will once again grace the stage and pitch as champions.

No, these thoughts do not credit Broadway with $65 million.  Nor do they unwind the cast on Zakuani’s leg so he can step on the pitch this weekend.  For that, I’m angry.  I was hundreds of miles from Commerce City, CO and Dicks Sporting Goods Park where Mullan brought Zakuani down.  As Twitter lit up with the awful news I wanted to retaliate.  I couldn’t watch the replays.  I felt a broken supporter in a broken season.  I wanted to know why Zakuani fell.  Even with improved communication skills, new technology, and communal social mechanisms i felt alone in a lost season. Fortunately, Sreve Zakuani’s words spoken from the heart, kept me from feeling I was watching alone. He spoke to everyone who has ever had to overcome adversity, failure, and feeling alone.

Steve Zakuani #11 - Seattle Sounders #1 draft pick inaugural season 2009

In Steve Zakuani’s own words:

“The long road to recovery has already started and I am fully aware of the mountains ahead of me but I also know that I will go through all of the challenges ahead with a positive attitude using my faith in Jesus Christ as a solid foundation on which to overcome this setback.”

In Liverpool, every match begins by singing “You Never Walk Along”, from the musical, Carousel, by Rodgers and Hammerstein.  Who says Broadway and Beckham aren’t as connected as Taymor and Mullan.

Steve Zakuani on Twitter:

24/April:  Surgery went well and I am on the road to recovery. “A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.” Speak to you all soon!

24/April:  Overwhelmed by msgs of support/encouragement. Can’t change the past, but I’m gonna control my future by remaining positive! One love!

Sounders FC spirit is low.  A five match undefeated streak feels forgotten.  Our #11 is not in the starting XI for Saturday.  36,000 fans holding #11 signs up for Zakuani to know beyond any possible cognitive doubt he is not alone in Seattle is our selfless hope to lift his spirits.  And hopefully our own.

A win Saturday changes everything.  Zakuani’s spirit.  Club spirit.  Supporter spirit. Everything!  That dark feeling of failure, even when comically watching your team alone, could fade into the abstract.  Leaving Zakuani and every Sounders FC fan a real feeling of communal pride.  It will be a tough match.  If there is any MLS team capable of the mental metamorphosis needed to leap boldly into uncharted challenges, it is Sounders FC who will accept the challenge to “turn off the dark”, on Saturday night.

* * * * *

Dedication and acknowledgments

Not a normal feature on, Sales on Sounders, but match #8 seems like a good time for a dedication and “thanks” to a few important people in the growth and support of this page.

Dedicated to the speedy recovery of our speedy Sounder, #11 Steve Zakuani.

Sales on Sounders first promotion:  IT Specialist and Man of Infinite Football Wisdom, (a true Red) Thomas Breuler.

Thanks to the first Seattle Restaurant, Avalon, dedicated to viewing and support of Liverpool FC and Sounders FC.
Thanks also to Todd Hodges, a dedicated Sounders Supporter and loyal Sales on Sounders follower.
Additionally, I wish to thank my brother, Aaron Sales for his knowledge, belief, and direct free kick in the butt to push on.
It takes a critically intelligent eye to shed light on a dark moment.  Thank you Dan Gardner.  Please read the full NY Review of Books essay, “Why She Fell”, by Daniel Mendelsohn.

© 2011 by Ryan J Sales


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Stop The Revolution

5 06 2010

Before launching into round 12 vs New England Revolution, I would like to recognize and promote North Star Fine Coffee.   Who sponsor the Sounders. I was fortunate to meet their owner Bryan-David Scott after the San Jose Earthquakes match.  It was a wonderful experience as a passionate Sounders FC fan to meet and talk with another passionate fan who happens to own a company that creates a coffee specifically with the Sounders in mind.   The blend North Star Fine Coffee has created is, Kick Coffee and features the Sounders badge on the front.   They are looking to bring this coffee to the March to the Match and eventually out to many local youth leagues.  I’m taking time to support them because as fans themselves, they are the best example I’ve found of what the Sounders FC has been about since their start.  From ownership to fans, we stand for a unique partnership with sport, community and business.  The bond promotes Seattle, the Sounders, and all our supporters as the Soccer Capitol of America.  The more businesses that follow North Star’s lead, the more well established soccer will become here and all over the US.   This advertisement is posted because Sales on Sounders believes in the people and the company who make Kick Coffee.   The only currency exchanged in posting this ad is shared passion and an appreciation that comes from good conversation with good people.  I’ve had a tremendously enjoyable time talking with Bryan and hope every Sounders fan has the same opportunity.

Curtains up.  Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen for joining me for Round 12 vs the New England Revolution.  There are two mighty games until Major League Soccer takes a respectful bow to this Summers center stage at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

New England Revolution

Similar to the Earthquakes and Rapids, the Revolution are another of the original 10 clubs formed for the inaugural Major League Soccer season in 1996.  Their trophy case is a bit bare compared to other inaugural teams.  They hoisted the US Open Cup in 2007.  Their logo and branding are not responsible for their mostly empty shelves, but the team logo and badge need a make-over and face-lift.  Image is a small, if not insignificant aspect of the game, but it should say something about a team and its sport. Their badge looks more like a crayon drawn political poster than anything representing a soccer club.

Fortunately, whatever they lack in look and feel with their badge they make up for in their coach.   What endears me to this team is coach, Steve Nicol.  Nicol played for one of my beloved teams, Liverpool FC from 1981 – 1995.  He also played for the Scottish National team from 1984 – 1992 earning 27 caps.  He played for some fantastic Liverpool squads, winning the English League 5 times, FA Cup (like US Open Cup) 3 times, and 1 European title.  Additionally to coaching he has been an ESPN Analyst.  He was featured on ESPN during halftime analysis of English Premier League matches during the 2009-2010 season.  Listen to him once and you likely find yourself converted like me. It’s partly due to my attraction to his accent.  More than a good voice his clarity in how to simply but effectively execute the game makes it easy to see why anyone would be a soccer fan.  It is a testimonial to Nicol, that players stay loyal to him.  Their star and captain, Shalrie Joseph would have surely left for a more successful club by now if not for Steve Nicol.

Shalrie Joseph is a stud.  He plays with enormous intensity and strength.  Not matched in MLS in my opinion.  He is 6′ 3″ with footwork like he’s 5′ 8″.  His arching passes look more like Frank Lampard of Chelsea, than anyone in MLS.  Watch Lampard face USA in the June 12, World Cup match.  The ball sweetly arcs over defenders and lands at the receiving players feet.  He plays ridiculous numbers of roles per match.  With his height and strength he plays a central striker up front, rolls out to left-wing, tracks back for central and wide defensive coverage, helps organize the midfield to push forward, and sets the table for other players to score.  Yah, I could write that in a less run-on manner but that is not how Shalrie plays.  He doesn’t stop his run-on role until the ref raises his hand and blows his whistle.  I don’t want him to win, but I don’t mind watching him as closely as any of the Sounders.

Sounder 'til I die

Like Sounders FC, New England Revolution has been affected by injuries.  Shalrie is coming back from one  He’s only beginning to regain full match form.

How do you stop a player like Sharie?  Not easily.  He will require the full attention of Seattle’s defense.  Here is my blog-chair coaches take.  Shalrie will get winded.  Likely requiring a 70-75th minute sub.  If the Sounders run him down that will Solidify Coach Nicol’s decision to give Shalrie a late game rest.  At full strength if you give him 5 yards of space he’s like any top NFL receiver with enough room to catch, juke, and break for the end zone.  Put your body right up into his.  Ask him to dance.  Man-up to him.  He may run over you, but it will remind him you are here to dance with him all night.  Get on him right when he receives a pass.  It will get you into his head.  Give him one moment in a game, and that moment likely turns into a series of passes that lead to one game losing goal.

Post Match

One of the Sounders more unexpected players scored a goal last night.  Leo Gonzalez, worked his way up field, inside the top-left of the Revoltion penalty area.  He drilling a glorious, curling, left footed shot that veered around the Revolutions back-up Keeper Steve Shuttleworth, for a 5th minute goal.  Leo Gonzalez, (Gonzo) is the Sounders regular starting Left-back, from Costa Rica.  He came to the Sounders last year and has played on the Costa Rica National Team.  The spectacular early goal set the attacking tone of the match earning him, Man of the Match honor.  Holding up other teams forwards and midfielders from attacking their right flank is his usual job.  He’s one of the best in the MLS at doing it.  For him to have a goal and assist in the same game is all sweet cream.  He added an assist on Montero’s third goal.

Coming into last night’s match Sounders were 1W-4L-1D in their last 6 games.  Goals felt like nostalgic memories in a season of forgotten dreams.  Leo woke things up early, electrifying 36,000, and maybe, just maybe reminded the team a potential champion lives and breathes within this squad.

Sounders FC have been difficult to write about the last few weeks.  I’ll start with a reasonably sensible pre-match overview.  For the majority of each match they play the way you think they will.  Then comes the furiously frustrating and only momentary nap-time.  In a seemingly insignificant instant, one goal is in, and the complexion of the game turns against them.  Teams end up out shot, out played, and victorious.  The stats have not added up.  Last night, Leo may have turned it all around on one wonder strike.

Leo Gonzalez – 5th minute strike v NE Revs 6-5-10

Tale of the Mohawk

The greatest soccer players, like Zinedine Zidane, are all a little, you know, crazy in the head.  They have to be.  In terms of bodily-kinestetic intelligence they work the soccer pitch at an unmeasurable IQ.  What seems crazy to us, is part of their secret language of sanity on the pitch.  The best way to see it is to smile in wonderment as a spectator, and enjoy.  Freddie Ljungberg, is one of those players.  He helped Arsenal win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups (similar to US Open Cup), and was the English Premiere League MVP in 2002. During one of his hot goal scoring streaks for Arsenal he sported a red mohawk.  Not his sexiest look but added drama to his on-pitch attitude and flare.  The last few games many critics and fans alike have complained about his complaining too much.  He throws his hands in the air at Refs when he doesn’t get calls his way.  So, at age 33, on a beautiful June evening in Seattle, Ljungberg sported a mohawk.  He came out wound up, flying all over the field, making everything go Seattle’s way.  In the second half, ahead 3-nil, he started throwing a tizzie.  He even threw his water bottle at his own bench, cutting Sigi Schmid’s arm.  He kept up appearances with the Ref and let the world know he wasn’t happy.  He also set the table for no fewer than two more goals that did not get finished.  As I saw it, he was the player of the match.  He was the best player in MLS last night.  He was the sexy stud in a mohawk.  The problem, the real serious problem here, is whether he should be allowed to cut his hair, or be required to sport it as long as Sounders win.  The complaining, arm waiving, and mohawk created a Sounder perfect 3-nil storm.  CAW, or complaining arm waiving, and mohawk are simply 3 means to identifying Ljungberg’s on-pitch intelligence.  He is footballer, I am spectator.  In him is champion.  I hope it’s Sounders before I die.

Freddie (Mohawk) Ljungberg v NE Revs - 6-5-10

Game Summary:

Goal – 5th minute – Leo Gonzalez, assisted by Steve Zakuani
Goal – 24th minute – Steve Zakuani, assisted by Brad Evans & Freddie Montero
Goal – 42nd minute – Fredy Montero, assisted by Pat Noonan & Leo Gonzalez


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Categories : 2010

Disruptors & Distractors

30 05 2010

Round 11 vs Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids

Like San Jose, Colorado is another of the original MLS teams.  Twice appearing in the MLS Cup final but coming up short both times.  They also sport a US Open Cup in their trophy case, but it’s a bit dustier than the Sounders, as it came in 1999.  Two interesting historical points link the Sounders and Rapids.  The first is a personal side note, and US Mens National Team back up Goaltender, Marcus Hahnemann.  Hahnemann helped the A-League Sounders to back-to-back titles in ’95 and ’96.  Directly after their second championship in ’96 against the Rochester Rhinos, I met Hahnemann.  Actually it was more like the Mean Joe Greene, Coca-Cola add from the ’80′s.  He threw me his sweaty water bottle.  Yes, I did take a swig, and kept it as a proud souvenir.  The second connection is Sounders current Technical Director, Chris Henderson who is still the Rapids all time assists leader with 53.

Seattle Sounders – circa 1996

The Rapids are a team of two faces.  Always as good as any team in the league, but not always in form.  Sounds a little familiar.  The bad face, is their two main goal producers, Conor Casey, and Omar Cummings, who can light up the score board with the best, but have not been in top production form.  Meaning they could be due for a break-out game.  The good face, is a brilliant face.  Conor Casey was left off the US Mens National Team World Cup squad, barely.  Some say he should be there.  He was the 2nd leading scorer in MLS last year and has struggled this year.  Showing how quickly a player goes from being in form to out of form.  Edson Buddle, for LA Galaxy is amazingly in form this year, so he’s on the plane to South Africa while Casey stays home.  Is that fair?  To be continued . . .   My World Cup posts are coming soon.
Now back to the main event.  Those two, Casey and Cummings have not been in form but both are strong, quick and able to score in multiple ways all around the attacking end.  They are backed up in midfield by US World Cup 2006 standout Pablo Mastreoni.  Their defense is also strengthened by another US standout, Marvel Wynne, who played well for the US in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  The Rapids have the skill and intensity to be a MLS Cup contender, but they have not yet found that playoff bound groove.

Sounder 'til I die

Seattle comes to the Rapids home pitch in Commerce City, Colorado at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.  They bring baggage of similar sounding issues to Colorado.  Difficult time finishing up front, great potential, but struggling to find their form.  So the game presents a perfect test for one team to rise above the other and attempt to gain mid-season momentum.  Seattle’s electric defeat of the Boca Juniors 3-0 in their mid-week friendly, hopefully sparked the team into preparation for Colorado’s physical toughness.

What the Sounders need to do is play with intensity from the start.  Rather than sit back as they did against San Jose.  Push the ball wide, create passing lanes in the Rapids defense, and get their chances on net.  Make the Rapids Keeper have to work.  If we keep him busy, good things will happen.  If we let the Rapids dictate the pace and possess the ball, it could be another frustrating night for Sounders FC.  This is not a “must win” game, but it is a “should not lose” game.  A draw tonight would be well received.

One player on the Sounders who could step up tonight to help the Sounders cause is Fredy Montero.  He may not be a pure goal “finisher” as some have stated about him.  His new role could be possibly more beneficial.  During the Boca Juniors match, he did not score, but he was a disruptor.  Tonight in the game against the Rapids his disruptor role could change the game.  It would force defenders to play him more tightly, but leave more Sounders unmarked.  It would also leave the Rapids defense unsure where Seattle’s attack will come from.  That could also help give the little extra moment for Zakuani, or Ljungberg to come in on goal or set up an assist.  Montero’s disruptor role could become defined for him tonight.  No pressure for him to finish, just put pressure on the other team all night long.

Post Match

“I don’t think we’ve walked off the field being an outplayed team.  We’ve got to keep working and keep our belief in ourselves, and the team spirit has to remain there”.
Sigi Schmid, after round 11”s 1-nil loss to the Colorado Rapids.

LA Galaxy being the exception.  The Sounders have played on the pitch as eloquently as Sigi speaks after a tough loss.  Falling to 3-5-3 is not how anyone saw this team.  It is a deep hole.  The Sounders are responsible for digging that hole.  Goals are all that could fill the empty void players, coaches and fans are feeling.  Because the on-field play is good enough to deserve a better record.  Sigi is right.  If the players keep their belief up, the way they are playing will earn better results.

Two players on their way to Sounders FC may help gain those results.  One is coming back from injury.  The other is new to join Sounders FC.  Nate Jaqua will rejoin Sounders FC in a week or two after recovering from a pre-season injury.  He provides a tall target up front.  A focus up top that will free Montero from his current do everything role.

FC Twente - The Tukkers

After the World Cup, Blaise Nkufo, the Swiss National Team striker joins Sounders FC from his former club FC Twente.   Blaise Nkufo, /Blaze Koo-foe/ has banked 114 goals for FC Twente, which brings a lot of hope to Sounders FC’s late season form.  No one man on his own can win a title.  But he can provide a spark of hope and distraction from frustration.  Nkufo brings experience, and an excited spirit to the team.  He will be fresh from South Africa.  Every player asking him the same questions as press, “what was it like?”  To the delight of all involved he will offer a distraction to all the usual questions about a disappointing season.  He will be covered in microphones, while the rest of the team prepares.  That is just what this team needs.  Distraction from disappointment and consistent work on game preparation.  That will keep the team spirit up and allow for good results to come.  Blaise will likely give the same on field distraction as he does off field.  Defenders will swarm Nkufo, like press junkies, leaving Montero marked by one defender instead of 2 or 3.  Ljungberg will have a tall target to provide him more ground and air options.

There are no guarantees in sports.  There is hard work, which allows the selfish belief in hope for great results.  In that type of sweat and hungry spirit there often lives a spark that makes those great results come true.  Sports is about watching the impossible become real.  Soccer is the essence of that truth.  This young team knows how to win.  They play like a winner.  Following the advice of their coach and incorporating two difference makers gives credibility to Sigi’s post-match comments.  All the elements exist for this team to find itself on a championship course.  If the players continue to work hard and believe the results will come.


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Categories : 2010

The Pacific Clash

20 05 2010

Who are the San Jose Earthquakes?  With the Sounders, currently San Jose is the only other former North American Soccer League (NASL) team.  The NASL folded in 1984.  After the US World Cup in 1994, soccer momentum cooked up enough steam to launch Major League Soccer in 1996 with 10 teams.  Nike swooshed everything in the fledgling league.  They pushed the name “Clash” onto San Jose.  Here is the result of that early MLS effort.  I think it’s fair to say this is one of Nike’s few failed efforts.

Clash - RIP 1995-1999

I have no idea what team or what sport would benefit from this logo.  I mean the claws are upside down.  The luck of the team slipped out of its grasp before San Jose ever took the pitch.  An artistic, fun example of a successful coastal soccer logo is FC Lorient.  FC Lorient plays in

 

FC Lorient - old badge

Classic, simple, soccer specific badge. Unusual, but easily recognizable to team and region.

Ligue 1.  The top-flight football league in France.  This sly but slick fish hugs the ball tight, like a right footed striker curling a shot into the waiting yawn of an onion bag (goal).  This plate of delicious goal, for a team badge, goes back to 1926.  It’s weird but works.  Nike doesn’t make everything better.  What San Jose has going for them, like Sounders FC is heritage.  Last year was the inaugural Heritage Cup between Seattle and San Jose.  As original NASL teams they square off for this regular season bragging right each year.  It is decided by aggregate goals of the teams regular season matches.  Portland and Vancouver will join the Heritage Cup next season.  Seattle held the edge over San Jose, until getting clawed 4-nil on the road.

San Jose, is a little slice of the best and worst you find in sports.  A flunked team name and badge from 1995-1999.  In October 1999 they reclaimed their NASL heritage, and were renamed Earthquakes.  The fortune in name change coincided with the arrival of coach Frank Yallop (current).  Along with Yallop, along came a young American, Landon Donovan.  They won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003.  In 2005 they won the Supporters Shield for best overall league record.  The reward, they were dumped from San Jose and moved to Houston.  Like the Cleveland Browns, Houston could not keep any of the teams San Jose history.  This allowed for the re-expansion of the San Jose Earthquakes in 2008.  Unfortunately, all their talent stayed in Houston and went on to win back-to-back MLS cups in ’06-’07.  Now with all name changes, badge failures and moving vans parked, San Jose are determined to rise once again from their strange history of success and misfortune.


With “The Boys in Blue” a reassembled sum of their odd and traveled past, San Jose is ready to rise up again.

Current San Jose badge

Los Terremotos de San José

Round 10 vs San Jose EarthQuakes, keeps the Sounders hands full.  San Jose is currently sitting 4th place in the West at 13 points, 1 more than Seattle.  They are boasting an improved 4W-2L-1T record after 7 games.  San Jose has 2 games in hand on the Sounders, a possible 6 season points.  So Seattle can ill afford to lose.  A draw could be survivable, but a win is needed to keep playoff pace.

Bobby Convey had been knocking on the door of the US National team.  Many felt after the US failure to get out of the ’06 World Cup Group Stages in 2006 that Convey would be a starter for the 2010 US World Cup Team.  However he fell out of form after 5 years with Reading in the English Premier League.  Reading were relegated for the 2008 season to the lower English Championship League.  At 26 the Quakes became a good home for his revival.  I still say, he is a player to watch for the 2014 World Cup.

The Sounders should have speed and possession going for them, but San Jose is tough and will hit.  So, the boys in rave green will have to keep their heads on.  San Jose would love to make the Sounders see red and play a man down.  On offense, San Jose are something the Sounders want to be, a good finishing team.  Chris Wondolowski, as you would expect with a name like that, is well known for his eye pleasing wonder strikes.

Sounder ’til I die

If the Sounders grab some Red Bull inspiration and keep last weeks momentum going, an early goal looks likely.  San Jose lost both games here last year and were ill prepared for the Rave Green storm.  I am expecting an inspired 2-1, 3-1 victory.  San Jose is showing improved results in every category and playing inspired football.  They want back in the playoffs.  The Sounders can win this match, but they will have to prove it.  They will have to play more inspired, smarter football, finishing a first half chance on goal.  The defense will need to play another New York style lock down game.  One goal for San Jose is all they feel they need to do no worse than draw on the road at Quest.

It is time for the Sounders to shine at home!

Post Match

The sun shined, but the Sounders did not.  Seattle had more of the game but San Jose’s Wondolowski had the lone goal.  His 11th minute strike amazingly stood up for more than a draw, and became the game winner.  Wondolowski placed a quick hit one-timer past Keller.  The play came from a throw-in just above Seattle’s penalty area.  The ball was headed across the face of goal and Wondolowski smashed in from the far post.  Offside?  Put it this way, when you consider the offside calls Sounders FC have received this year, it would have been justly called and more than due in fairness to the Sounders.  That said, sports are not about fairness, and credit is due to San Jose for creating and capitalizing on a heads-up play.

The large picture reason this “offside” complaint must be left at the door is that if you want to be a playoff team, then an 11th minute goal against you can not be a game winner.  Right now, Seattle has no offensive threat.  Until that changes, the San Jose like results have become all too familiar this season.  With Colorado up next, this type of frustrating result may occur again.  Defeating Colorado on their home pitch at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park seems a daunting task.  One Sigi has addressed.  Unfortunately, words don’t speak louder than actions in sports.  At the end of the San Jose match, John Kennedy Hurtado was taken off the field for a torn ACL.  Likely the end of his season.  The Sounders are deep at Central Defense, but Hurtado is an All-Star.  Injuries sometimes seem the outward manifestation of a teams struggles.  Added to Nate Jaqua’s absence due to injury, so far this season team struggle over team successes has become the message.

There is time for this team to get turned around.  Overcoming difficult obstacles is what draws us to sports.  Year two is turning into test number one for Sounders FC who are fast becoming the underdog.  An underdog praying for a draw in Colorado.  Maybe taking on this new, more deceptive role will allow for the element of surprise.  Helping to turn regular frustration into unexpected intensity, and sneaky speed on the wings.  Maybe this will catch Colorado off guard.  Or maybe the injection of Jeff Parke, an experienced Central Defender, will give Seattle a much-needed energy boost.  Then again, maybe the Sounders will listen to Sigi, and put more than 3 of 18 shots on frame.  Creating chances is critical, but making a keeper work for saves is necessary to make those created chances become finished strikes.  Soccer is frustration, simplicity, sloppiness, heavenly beauty, complete chaos, and perfected skill all bundled together.  What the Sounders need is to put all their frustration and intensity into using any and all of those elements to force the ball into Colorado’s net.  That one goal could become the symbol of the effort needed to climb up to the distant height of the 2010 playoffs.


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Categories : 2010

A little CBA before the season.

23 03 2010

My Granddad, Len D Hill was a World War II Veteran.  He was honorably recognized for his service during the Berlin Airlift.  He was also a baseball fan, most of his life.  After the ’94 strike he never really revisited the game he loved.  Born in Texas he had football, and that meant Cowboys.  But baseball just sort of fell off his radar.  Leukemia took his life in 2002.  Because the Mariners were so darn fun during their magical 1995  “pull another rabbit out of the hat” and “Refuse to Lose” playoff push, he paid attention to that run.  Especially, when they did justice for all baseball by knocking out the Yanks.  I think we only talked baseball two times after that.  Both times he showed clear disappointment in the way the game was played, and the kind of money it took to play the game.  I am proud and honored to have my grandfathers genes.  His first four grandsons all played the beautiful game.  His oldest son coached.  His oldest blog writing grandson also went on to coach.  I feel confident in saying he would be proud Major League Soccer resolved its labor dispute between owners and players before lockouts or strikes took place.

Many sports in the US have overcome strikes and lockouts.  Other sports besides MLS are dealing with labor issues.  Some are positioned better than others to take on and deal with various player and owner disputes.  In 2004 the NHL took a hard hit in fan support due to its lockout.  The NFL has long since healed over its use of SCAB players.  Even still, union issues are creeping into the NFL and NBA.  However both leagues have strong backing from advertisers, TV networks, cable companies and other various financial sources to survive league stoppage.  Major League Soccer does not have this same kind of broad footprint of financial support.  So, even if MLS had continued for a while its financial resources are not enough to avoid a collapse.

For a financially resourceful professional soccer league, look no further than across the Atlantic pond.  The International Football Hotbed Isle of Britain, is the most successful international football league in the world is realizing club and league level financial concern.  Was the MLS aware?  Yes, had to.  The English Premiere League appears cash strapped.  Some reports claim the EPL may even be worse off than that.  So, MLS surely realized a strike would flush the league down the NASL drain pipe.  Two of the English Premier Leagues and the worlds biggest teams, Liverpool and Manchester United have debt issues.  Another EPL team, Portsmouth has recently been placed into “Administration”.  Still another team, Fullham, with American star, Clint Dempsey, has an owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed asking fans to spend more money on team merchandise, to avoid growing debt.

Now for an administrative “administration” review.  In all honesty, Portsmouth’s “administration” status issue is a bit more Monty Python than Liverpool’s or Manchester United’s debt issues.  What I take “administration” to mean is that instead of a team going directly into bankruptcy court, filing for chapter 11 and liquidating, the club accepts a 9 point season penalty, and gets a short-term loan.  The loan buys Portsmouth owners and supporters time to raise capital.  There is more to it than that, but I am not British, and I do not have a degree qualifying me for a position in the Ministry of Football and Financial Sciences.  I am merely a simple quiet American banker by day, and loud Rave Green Sounders supporter the rest of the time.  I know debit cards, working 9-5, paying bills, and “bluest skies”.   What I can say in Sales on Sounders blog-speak about the EPL’s Pompey (Portsmouth) issue is, really?  Slap a basement team with a 9 point penalty, really?  A team already slated for relegation to a lower league needs to be knocked down further, really?  I mean really, that is like the NBA telling Oklahoma City Thunder fans, every time you lose a home game you have to do the Trailor-n-Twister dance.  Really?

With Liverpool fans wanting the exit of American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillette, and Manchester United fans wanting the same for Joel and Avram Glazer.  It simply means the MLS has to be a unified league.  Players need to see the owners issues.  The LA Galaxy’s and AEG’s Tim Leiweke has done for Major League Soccer similar to what Lamar Hunt did, but more behind the scene.  Players need to honor that.  Similarly, owners need to honor players right to develop and find the team they best fit.  Even with a 5 year agreement in hand, if the players v owners lack of unity does not get resolved, we could see the slow decline of the league.  Whereas the EPL has resources to fiscally straighten itself out after labor or league issues, similar to how the NFL would.  The MLS is well advised to stay tuned to the current EPL debt issues because there are not the same resources afforded to the MLS.

United States professional soccer players need a more competitive wage for US soccer to improve.   If MLS wants the best American soccer players to play here, this must happen soon.   The base increase to $40k, with 5% annual increase is a good start.  As much as I believe this increase is necessary and support the players in their well put together agenda of issues, I think the “strike” option should not have ever been forged.  This being a World Cup year combined with last years improved attendance means advertisers and networks are ready to put more money into the US game.  That should be incentive enough for players and owners to put differences aside and support the growth of the American game.  The other option is to stay in separate corners and commit MLS hari kari starting with watching Colorado become our Portsmouth.

Averting the strike was a big step for the league and heads it in the right direction.  It is the kind of galvanizing moment the league needs.  One that had baseball realized in ’94 would have made my Granddad a happy baseball fan the rest of his life.


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Categories : 2010


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