Cascadia Beer Summit

16 03 2013
Sounders vs Timbers - Cascadia Rivalry - Image from Cascadia Trifecta

Sounders vs Timbers – Cascadia Rivalry – Image from Cascadia Trifecta

The more I am involved in the Cascadia Rivalry, the more I find my perspective broadening and not becoming cemented to one perspective. My heart is for only one club. But the passion, humor, and history of the rivalry have engaged me to the point of enjoying other people across team borders.

This afternoon I have the opportunity as a Seattle Sounders fan to meet up with a Portland Timbers fan. Although your first instinct is to call Homeland Security. I assure you it is not needed. This meeting is the rational outgrowth of many Facebook conversations between a Teacher and a Banker. A Timber and a Sounder.

He is a Timbers fan who was once a Sounders fan. I am a Sounders fan with family and friends near Portland. We have region, beer, and soccer to bond with. Rivalry support is separate, but raising scarves, and cheering on our respective clubs each week, turns out to not be the only supporter qualities we share.

If Obama had the “Beer Summit”, I guess you could say we will have the Beer Meet-up.

We take part in a unique Facebook group known as “Cascadia Trifecta”. Involving fans of all three of Cascadia’s clubs from Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. Jabs are common place, but moments of rational intellect are not filtered out.

Last year the site gained recognition with the creation of a Cascadia kit. The design came from the creative minds and comments of those who regularly participate in the site.

Here is my recent piece in Prost Amerika where I take some of what I’ve gained in my Cascadia conversations. I still wear my Sounders badge on my sleeve, but my perspective has taken on elements of neutral respect.

 

© 2013 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales

 

 


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LA Confidential part-two, The Boogie Team; Sounders vs Galaxy

4 08 2012

“Sometimes you just have a boogie team, you know, a team that just, for some reason, it just doesn’t work for you. And right now, they’re that team for us. I think they know that in their locker room.” 

Sigi Schmid, after 2010 season opening loss, 1-nil to LA Galaxy, March 16, 2011
(The Seattle Times | Sounders FC Blog, Joshua Meyers, Sounders vs Galaxy 3/16/11)

2011 MLS Champion LA Galaxy. Sounders 4-5-2 vs Galaxy in all competitions. 2-5-2 in MLS (including playoffs)

For this LA Confidential sequel, don’t go looking up IMDB (Internet Movie Database) when you have SOS (Sales on Sounders).

Seattle Sounders finally defeated LA Galaxy May 2nd, 2-nil. Stopping a winless streak dating to the 2009 inaugural season. Including regular season and 2010 MLS Playoff matches the Sounders record over that stretch 0-wins, 5-losses, 1-draw. The win in May was worth 3-points for the season, but without LA’s complete star-driven lineup it felt anticlimactic.

Sure, Sounders managed two US Open Cup wins over the Galaxy during that period. But at best the Galaxy were only giving 80% effort in those matches. Which ordinarily would be questionable behavior. If it weren’t for the fact the Galaxy made it clear winning MLS Cups are their priority. They backed that up convincingly winning the 2011 MLS Cup.

LA, Where the Wild Things are.

The Galaxy are loaded with international talent causing nightmares for MLS clubs.

No Galaxy name registers more attention than midfielder, David Beckham. With 6 goals and 9 assists, Beckham has been bending it the way only Beckham knows how. He has been directly involved in 15 of LA’s 39 goals. He’ll be nightmarish for the Sounders on set pieces.

Robbie Keane will make his first appearance for the Galaxy at Century Link Field. Although he has struggled to find the back of net this year, he has registered 52 shots, and tied with Donovan for 9 goals, leading the Galaxy. His struggles were only due to expectation for him to have scored 15-18 goals. He’s also recorded 6 assists. The Republic of Ireland National Team captain, is indeed the kind of nightmare the Sounders defense will have to challenge themselves to survive. His threat to score is as deadly as his ability to score.

When the Galaxy drifted to the bottom of the table earlier this season, all eyes turned on captain, Landon Donovan. Coach, Bruce Arena didn’t panic. Confident he had players with talent and will to pull through a sluggish start. Recently Arena pulled Donovan aside for a brief 1-vs-1. No surprise the Galaxy started climbing the table soon after. With a win over the Sounders, LA would rise to third place in the Western Conference.

“Struggling”, is a relative term in the world of defending champion, LA Galaxy. Landon Donovan continues to lead his team in scoring with 9 goals. He’s also recorded 7 assists, only 2 behind Beckham. It is easy to see why Donovan is the most prolific goal getter the US has produced. Even when he struggles, he’s a difference maker that finds ways to remain on the pitch contributing to the Galaxy’s success.

When LA struggled early on, one key player was absent from their championship squad, Omar Gonzalez. As the Galaxy slowly work back into championship form, it is his presence on defense that haunts opposing clubs.

LA’s three Designated Players: Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, and David Beckham

Juninho is already known as a goal scoring thorn in the Sounders side. Playing at Century Link wont rattle this Brazilian’s football-brain.

Mike Magee doesn’t initially strike fear in opponents. He’s deceiving. Seems like a good guy. Defendable. Then, in the closing minutes of matches, who’s the guy on the end of so many Beckham bending blasts?  Magee, Magee, and Magee.

The Sounders have produced a unique ability to win US Open Cups. Since the Sounders 2009 inaugural season they are the only club to touch the cup. Winning three in a row. The name of the trophy is on the verge of being renamed, The Rave Green, Emerald City Cup. Next Wednesday, Sounders travel to Sporting Kansas City to play for their fourth consecutive US Open Cup.

The same can not be said for the Sounders ability to win key Major League Soccer regular season and playoff matches. They continue to be one of the most successful, attack oriented MLS clubs. But they struggle in key MLS matches. LA is one of those teams the Sounders have yet to measure up to.

Keys for the Sounders to exorcise a Boogie:

Don’t give up silly set pieces within Beckham’s bending range. Mark Robbie Keane. If you lose him, then you will find him in the back of your net. Mark up Magee. You can let Magee wander a bit, but watch out for his late runs into the box. When Beckham’s behind the ball, Magee better be covered, or you’ll soon realize he was the target all along.

With Eddie Johnson fully in form, will he be able to find that inch of space he needs to score on Omar Gonzalez? The Omar Gonzalez vs Eddie Johnson matchup may prove to be the key to the match. Another key question, will Osvaldo Alonso be able to hold up LA in the midfield, as he has against so many clubs? Tactically, he surely will. But not allowing LA to get inside his head, which I guarantee is an LA Confidential objective, will be Alonso’s challenge.

There may not be a footy-priest available tomorrow to conduct a Sounders exorcist. But, there will be 60,000 faithful, rave green, screaming fans boisterously believing they can beat a LA Boogie.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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Union Payback – Philadelphia Union at Sounders FC

5 05 2012

Sounders huddle before midweek match with LA Galaxy 5/2/12 – Photo by Paul Kahl

Welcome back from midweek success.

Today your ever-changing cast of Sounders starters host the Philadelphia Union.  The objective is clear.  This is the only meeting in the unbalanced 2012 schedule.  So, beat the Union and get payback for the flat 2-nil performance last October.

The Union will be without their prominent coach Peter Nowak.  Who is serving the second of a two game suspension.  Nowak’s suspension and fine were for his part in a scuffle with Chivas USA on April 21.

David Beckham and Robbie Keane missed a good game Wednesday.  Sounders stole the glory from the present champion LA Galaxy, winning 2-nil.  Turf excuses, travel, and a compacted schedule were the primary reasons given for the Galaxy’s absent stars.

Seattle had not defeated LA since an away match in 2009.  And had never won at home.  The midweek mash-up initially looked a high challenge with the Galaxy’s three world-class DP’s (Designated Players) Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Robbie Keane.  Only Donovan made the trip.  Effectively, Bruce Aren put out a B-Squad line-up.  The Sounders made LA pay for it.  One reason bounced around about why Beckham didn’t play was the surface.  The Field Turf Revolution Surface yesterday received a FIFA-2 certification.  So, hopefully next time LA come to town, their list of excuses will have better validation.

Galaxy travel to Seattle again August 5th.

Last October, Philadelphia took all three points from Seattle at Century Link.  A lackluster 2-nil loss.  Philadelphia’s return marks an opportunity for Sounders FC to get payback.  Adding a little extra importance is that this will be the only meeting between the two sides in 2012.

Focal points for the match.

Freddy Adu, like Eddie Johnson is working hard to prove his value as a club level MLS leader and pave his way to the US National Team.  The teen-prodigy has had many ups and down, but has never kept his eye off the bigger objective.  As much as I root for the Sounders, I have never stopped hoping for Adu’s success.

Sports are weird.  Sometimes a players success is realized by simply finding the right environment to flourish in.  The Union seem to be a place where Adu may realize that success.  Sounders know something about that.  Eddie Johnson has followed a similar up and down path to Adu.  He is also working to forge a successful return to MLS.

The match will be a good opportunity to compare their competitive development and club level contributions.  Both hope club level success in MLS will catch the attention of US National team coach Jurgen Klinsmann.  Both wish to be in the mix of players considered for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Sounders will likely be without newly acquired Keeper Michael Gspurning for 2-3 weeks.  A hip injury.  In his place steps Bryan Meredith.  Meredith played for the Kitsap Pumas last year.  Sounders fans may remember him well.  He kept Sounders at bay in a 2-1 US Open Cup loss to the Sounders.  By keeping the match close, on key saves for Kitsap, Meredith gave the Pumas what could have been a mammoth upset.

Michael Gspurning smacks goal kick in first half vs LA 5/2/12 – Photo by Paul Kahl

Winning is such a complex variable.  The Sounders are  5-W, 1-L, 1-D and building momentum.  But a sour performance would bring that to a halt.  Early season challenges like this, at first seem like a big deal.  But in the scheme of a marathon season, a single victory may mean little.  The lasting impact is how the team feels about how they handled the challenge.  Letting fans down at home would hurt.  Earning a win, or settling for a draw would give the Sounders all the validation they need for their must successful start to a season.  Momentum favors no one.  Results do.  A draw or win is the Sounders Saturday objective.


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LA Confidence – LA Galaxy at Seattle Sounders FC

2 05 2012

Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, David Beckham of LA Galaxy - 2011 MLS Cup Defending Champions

The 2011 Major League Soccer Champions, LA Galaxy are in town for a midweek mash-up with the Sounders tomorrow at Century Link Field.  Coming off an impressive 2-1 grind-it-out Chicago-style win against the Fire last weekend, the Sounders are ready to go from one melee to another.

Come game time, 7 pm Wednesday evening, Seattle’s streets should be quieted from the May Day mess.  Seattle suffered a WTO, circa 1999 relapse on Tuesday.  A May Day protest became dangerous when protestors began doing damage to downtown Seattle businesses.  While other rally’s around Seattle throughout the day were successful in being peaceful.  One disrespectful group of protestors took up news time and headlines when they caused the city and businesses thousands of dollars of damage.

As for the Windy-City scuffle that took place after last Saturday’s match with Chicago Fire, Eddie Johnson was the only Sounder to suffer any repercussions.  So far.  Johnson was issued and undisclosed fine for an inappropriate gesture.  Which he followed with an apology posted on Prost Amerika.  Chicago’s Jalil Anibaba’s two footed, studs up tackle to Leo Gonzalez at the end of the match started the pushing.  He was issued a red card along with Fire coach Frank Klopas.

The Sounders are off to their hottest start, going 4-W, 1-L, 1-D over their first 6 matches.  LA is only simmering at 3-W, 3-L, 1-D.  Some clubs might be intimidated by the Sounders resourceful start, and fever-pitched home crowds.  The star-studded Galaxy are not one of those teams.

As successful as the Sounders have been against the Fire 4-W, 0-L, 3-D.  LA Galaxy have been nearly as successful against the Sounders.  Galaxy last lost to the Sounders during an LA trip in their inaugural season.  Since then, LA has defeated the Sounders four times, drawing once.  Two of those losses were in the 2010 MLS Playoffs.  Which includes the memorable Edson Buddle 35 yard wonder-strike.  Seattle have defeated LA the last two years in US Open Cup play, but that has not been the Galaxy’s priority.  They proved that by winning the MLS Cup last November.

No red carpet treatment from Sounders supporters for the eclectic entourage of soccer stars included on the Galaxy.  David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, and Robbie Keane.  LA’s lineup looks like an all-star cast.

Seattle has found it’s Estrada and wants its Montero to.  David Estrada has scored 4 goals.  Finding net 5 times this year.  Only three can be solidly credited to him.  Who cares.  When he shoots, the ball finds net.  It may go off a few people before reaching the netting, but that is what is meant when a forward has a knack for net.  Estrada is that man.  Montero has yet to score.  It took him 7 matches last year.  So, timing is ripe for Montero to join Estrada’s knack..

LA is still the class measuring stick.  They play the closet to a top class brand of international soccer of any MLS club.  The pressure and weight from the desire of the Sounders to conquer them, and please home fans has become giant.  When pressure is off, and the Sounders are gliding, and playing in-form US Open Cup soccer, the Galaxy can’t compete.  Being knocked out by the Sounders the last two years in a row.  But when Seattle plays LA in regular season or playoff matches, the pressure seems to bite the Sounders.

Sebastian Le Toux is still the only Sounders player, past or present to score against the Galaxy at home.  That was May of 2009.  The Sounders are due for LA goals at home.  I believe the best cure for midweek blues is scoring goals that defeat the defending champion.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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Sounders Play Full 90 or Full 9 Innings In May? Sounders at Fire Saturday

27 04 2012

Coming into a rapid succession of matches, Sounders FC begin the American League West baseball portion of their 2012 Major League Soccer schedule.   On Saturday, Sounders FC travel to Bridgeview, Illinois.  South of Chi-town to face the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park at 5:30 PST.  A rematch of last October’s 2-nil US Open Cup match in Seattle.  The Sounders third consecutive US Open Cup.

Sweet Lou, can you hear me now?  I don’t imagine former Mariners manager, Lou Piniella will be available to help Sigi Schmid figure out the Sounders upcoming rotation for their spit-tight schedule in May.  But I don’t think his dry-wisdom on the matter would be overlooked either.

 Me:   (My imaginary brief interview with Sweet Lou about the Sounders):   Lou, with numerous matches coming up, and players having little recovery time, how do you decide who to bring up and use in your rotation?  Especially with some guys just coming back from injury and others still recovering?

Sweet Lou Piniella:    “Whoever the organization wants to bring up is fine with me”.

Sigi’s options show more promise than Sweet Lou’s “whoever” answer.  Mauro Rosales is likely to start Saturday.  Adding a more dangerous attacking element to the Sounders goal-slacking offense.

Since the Sounders 2009 inaugural season they have built a deep and talented bench. That depth and talent will be thoroughly tested in May’s matches.

With their first five matches completed, the Sounders have a 3-W, 1-L, 1-D record. Ten points in five games, averaging two points per match is a good start.  (3 pts per win, 1 pt per draw)

Through those first five matches the Sounders have used 19 starters.  They will certainly add to that in May.  Likely within the next five matches over a compact 14 day stretch.

You see, it’s not just me.  That really reads like a MLB Manager’s rotation issues in a compact summer baseball schedule.

Here are the fast and furious five upcoming matches from Saturday, April 28th to Saturday, May 12th.

Chicago Fire, Saturday, April 28th – Away
LA Galaxy, Wednesday, May 2nd – Home
Philadelphia Union, Saturday, May 5th – Home
FC Dallas, Wednesday, May 9th – Away
Real Salt Lake, Saturday, May 12th – Home

One week later, Sounders travel across the northern border for their first Cascadia rivalry match of 2012 with the Vancouver White Caps.

Winning expectations are high for the Sounders in 2012.  Injuries always test any teams resiliency and ability to adapt and find ways to win.  Last August the Sounders made a strong playoff push with an outstanding 7-W, 0-L, 1-D record.  So, there is a precedent for stepping up when it counts in their short MLS history.

The Fire through five matches have 8 pts, with a 2-W, 1-L, 2-D record.

While the Sounders will feature faces recovering from injuries.  Chicago will feature newly acquired Forward, Chris Rolfe.  Rolfe previously played for Chicago from 2005-2009.  He left in ’09 for Danish club, Aalborg BK.  He will strengthen their already potent attack with Marco Pappa, Patrick Nyarko, and Dominic Oduro.

Sounders defense will have their hands full.  The potent midfield pairing of Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso will again be heavily relied upon to disrupt Chicago’s attack, push the ball through the midfield to Rosales, who the Sounders will count on heavily to assist in finding the scoring touch for Eddie Johnson, Fredy Montero, or David Estrada.  Who have all been silent for the Sounders the last few matches.

Sigi should be able to find a rotation from the depth of his Sounders bench.  Their aim over the next five matches should be to put up no less than 9 pts from 15 possible.  If Sigi can’t find players in his rotation to close 9 pts from 15, then someone may need to buzz Piniella to find a closer from the bullpen.

“Our pitchers aren’t pitching very well and our hitters aren’t hitting very well.  Outside of that, we’re OK.” — Lou Piniella 

More Sweet Lou - Who isn't nostalgic for a little Lou in Summer? Those entertaining post game comments to send you to sleep.

Notes:

Saturday’s match with Chicago Fire is the Sounders 100th since the inaugural match, March 19th, 2009.  Amassing a 47-W, 25-L, 27-D record, including 3 consecutive Lamar Hunt US Open Cup titles.  The only club with a better record through its first 100 matches is none other than the Chicago Fire.  Going 52-W, 30-L, 18-D.  Including an inaugural season MLS Cup and US Open Cup title in 1998.  They have won 3 more US Open Cup since ’98.

Chris Rolfe, according to MLSsoccer.com is not expected in the lineup vs Sounders on Saturday.  Even in supporting the Sounders he’s a player that delights the soccer eye.  Just as it has been frustrating for Sounders to have Mauro Rosales out, it is unfortunate for Fire that Rolfe is out.  The will be the only Fire v Sounders match of 2012.

 © 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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Who’s Pairing With Fredy Montero – Sounders vs Santos Champions League Second Leg

14 03 2012

Seattle Sounders FC had a creative cast of players making exits and entrances the entire offseason.  There were retirements, trades, drafts, all kinds of

Club Santos Laguna - Mexican Primera División

movement that asks key questions of both veterans and newcomers.  Have these role changes improved the club?  Are the new players difference makers?

When Mike Fucito was traded to MLS club newcomer,  Montreal Impact, it felt like a blow to Sounders fans.  Fucito may not have been the most critical piece to measure success or failure, but he certainly rated high as a fan favorite.

Partnering with Montero up front, Fucito didn’t posses size, but his speed would run havoc over opposing defenses.  Gone, who will Montero’s partner be?.

Sounders brass put scouting antennas on once again.  The same radar precise accuracy they deployed previously to find Osvaldo Alonso, and Mauro Rosales.  This time there was no new player-discovery located.  Instead, they rediscovered a player well known to many familiar with US Soccer, Eddie Johnson.  In short, Johnson’s time in Europe had a falling out, which effectively played him off the US National Team.  That said, his talent and potential have never been doubted.  So, Sounders scouting has gone from radar precise discovery to now taking on its first re-discovery project.

I will soon be following this piece with one recounting the Sounders off-season transactions.  This season can’t go on long without noting it.  Dramatic changes from pitch to commentator booth.  The Sounders have been quiet but dramatic.

With Mike Fucito’s exit and Eddie Johnson’s entrance the question seems answered who the Sounders want paired with Montero up front.  But Johnson’s fitness and preparation may take a few weeks before he will be ready to go from bench to starting.

So, how does the Montero-pairing question get answered in the meantime.  David Estrada.  Sounders first round pick from the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.

Still developing, and not having seen much playing time, especially as a starter, it came as a surprise when he made a starting appearance last week for the Sounders first ever Quarterfinal Knock-Out Champions League match vs Santos Laguna.  It came as a much larger than life surprise when Estrada scored his first Sounders goal in the 12th minute.

Sounders lead the aggregate goals series 2-1.  They lead on the strength of goals from David Estrada and Brad Evans.  US National Team prospect Herculez Gomez scored the lone Santos goal.

Eddie Johnson made an appearance in the 78th minute, but I’ll step out and say that’s not enough to justify a start in the second leg.  For now, Estrada has earned and proven his opportunity to pair with Montero.  What he may lack in strength he makes up for in finesse.  Now that Estrada is a proven threat, Santos will track him more diligently.  Freeing Montero some to distribute to other players, or choose the appropriate moments to be selfish, put the ball on target and prove his DP (Designated Player) salary.

While the final decision is still in process for determining Montero’s partner, it seems Estrada has given coach, Sigi Schmid an unexpected, and pleasing option.  The Sounders radar-precise scouting worked when it found Estrada in 2010.  Maybe Estrada will lend a valuable assist to the Sounders Scouting re-discovery decision in selecting Eddie Johnson.  If the Sounders needed a little time for Johnson to get his fitness and find his way around Schmid’s formations, then Estrada may have given Johnson and coaches that time, while challenging for valuable playing time himself.

For Sounders fans, the loss of Fucito fades more easily as hopes of Johnson and Estrada shine more brightly.

Sounders face Santos Laguna in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.  Match is 5:00pm PST on FSC (Fox Soccer Channel).  It can also be found on the CONCACAF Champions League site.

Photo from Sounders FC Photo Gallery – Visit www.soundersfc.com

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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