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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Into Rave Green Air – Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders

2 11 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

Sales on Sounders, by Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

No one ever said climbing Everest was easy.  Good news for Sounders fans, it has been summited before.

After the bitter shellacking in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, the Sounders have slipped into a rarely summited soccer deficit, after slithering behind Real Salt Lake 3-nil.

“I was dreaming when i wrote this, so excuse if it goes astray”, but tomorrow the Sounders have to reach deep into their soul to rise to unlikely heights if they hope to ever party like it’s 1999. Even Prince is unlikely to re-brand and re-release his classic 80′s pop-album as Rave-Green Reign.  But Sounders faithful will no doubt set a record for loudest crowd cheering for the impossible.

Round-Two of this epic two leg quarterfinal is in Seattle. Both teams will be missing usual starters, but none more prominent than Sounders MVP candidate, Mauro Rosales. His absence changes the very balance of the Sounders attack and possession. That was clear without him in Sandy last Saturday. But hope was that he would be ready for Wednesday’s decisive second leg.

How will the Sounders compose a more possessive, attacking offense without him is the biggest question of the match. Who will they turn to for all the things Rosales did? Hold the ball to allow players to join the attack. Dissect defenses with passing that helped create a constant offensive threat. A final pass to an open player to find net, or take the final touch himself and sweetly place it into the open yawn of the opposing teams goal. Who will bring those traits to the pitch for the Sounders on Wednesday?

If any sliver of hope and miracle exists for the Sounders, it won’t come from one player. It will come from a complete team. A team that has fought bravely through injury deficits all season long. So much so, the team became known as a favorite to win their first MLS Cup. Not as the outcast “old grey mare” they initially appeared to be. Everyone forgot how the crushing blow to Steve Zakuani initially seemed to earn the Sounders a free excuse for complete collapse. Montero scored in that match where Zakuani went down, and the Sounders went on to win. And literally, the Sounders have never looked back.

Climbing up the ladder of the league to finish second was no fluke. But the beautiful effort may quickly be forgotten by one poor performance. Showing their will to fight, a will they have worn on their sleeve all year needs to be exposed once again. There is only one team in Major League Soccer capable of overcoming an Everest sized deficit. The Emerald City is home to the supporters of that very team. Thirty-six thousand supporters at Seattle’s Century Link Field base-camp hope to lift their brave men in Rave Green through the fog and into the icy-heights of sports rare air. A comeback for the ages.

I wish to thank in no small way, my brother Aaron Sales, Editor of Kiteboarding Magazine and his wonderful publishing group in Hood River, OR, for your support. Your creative and enthusiastic endeavors in capturing the world of sports and adventure in beautiful pictures and eloquent prose, makes everyone feel a little closer to realizing their wildest dreams. 

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales

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Salt Lake & Seattle make Soccer Prime Time – Seattle Sounders vs Real Salt Lake

2 11 2011

Every major sport in America showcases its prime time matchups in early playoff rounds as well as championship finals. Sporting America has wondered, albeit not too intently, could Major League Soccer showcase a prime time quarterfinal matchup as exciting as a championship?

Major League Soccer has its answer. The Seattle Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake series showcases the most prime time quarterfinal matchup the league has featured to date.  A two-leg, quarterfinal series between the MLS regular season #2 and #3 clubs.

The home and home, aggregate goals series has all the necessary elements needed for prime time billing. Recognizable and outspoken coaches, top rated players, physical defenses, and prolific goal scoring. Sigi Shmid and Jason Kreis are two of the sports more recognizable and accomplished coaches. Each having championship experience. Both clubs feature league leading talent with top-billing going to Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman and Sounder’s Kasey Keller. Each club has physical and stingy defenses. Most importantly both clubs have prolific goal scoring. Sounders FC led the league with 56 goals, and 76 in all competitions.

The Prime Time Quarterfinal is a two-leg series. Each team hosts one 90-minute leg. With the better regular record, Seattle hosts the decisive second leg. If they have drawn even after both legs, Seattle has the home crowd advantage for overtime and penalty kicks, if needed. The club with the most aggregate goals after the combined 180 minutes from both legs advances to the semifinals.

What is “Attractive attacking soccer”, other than an overworked phrase used by sportswriters, coaches, clubs and the league to promote the sport? Sports fans aren’t fooled. Most MLS matches are tough, grind-it-out affairs featuring more attempted fouls than attempted shots. Most offensive build-ups end without a shot. More MLS clubs have defensive players with international experience than strikers.

With Real Salt Lake and Sounders FC “attractive attacking soccer” is an accurate description. These are two of the best, most fluid, creative, and attacking clubs in US Soccer. The series may come down to a defensive stop or incredible save, but not for a lack of attempts on goal from exciting offensive build-up by both clubs.

Osvaldo Alonso's 2 goals vs Comunicaciones secures 2011 CCL Quarterfinals

Key for both clubs success is a pair of the leagues toughest midfielders. Kyle Beckerman for Real Salt Lake, and Osvaldo Alonso for Seattle. You could think of them as quarterbacks initiating attacks, but both also possess defensive skills that kill other teams attacks. You will see the two of them running end to end for both 90 minute legs of this series. Which club handles their opponents versatile midfielder the best will have a tactical advantage.

Who has more regular season momentum? Some sports rely on regular season momentum. With other sports you throw out the regular season record and start over. Both thoughts apply here. Real Salt Lake was winless in their last six matches. Leaving questions about their midfielders and forwards readiness. At least that is what most people say. I would look more closely at Real Salt Lake’s veteran squad. Having won the 2009 MLS Cup and making the 2010 CONCACAF Champions Final gives them the ability to look past their weak finish to the season, and face Seattle with a new focus.

Seattle finished strong and most importantly boasts the best road record in Major League Soccer. Their season started on two losses and a rash of critical injuries. None more devastating than the broken leg to Steve Zakuani. Yet they continued to find numerous variations of players that scored in bunches and won in bunches. They led the league with 56 goals. Had a franchise best 18 wins, and a league best 9 wins on the road. Seattle’s 2011 success can be attributed as much to overcoming tough injuries as enjoying season long momentum. Not to be overlooked is their deep and talented bench.

* * * * * * * * * *

I graduated from Woodinville High School in 1988 and headed for the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City on a scholarship to study Theatre. When I wasn’t in class or rehearsing, a favorite pastime was following the Seattle Supersonics and Utah Jazz. A classic primetime NBA rivalry. Any time Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and John Stockton went head to head, you knew tempers and talent would flare. Stockton dishing no-look passes to the Mailman (Karl Malone). Payton robbing the usually untouchable Stockton and perfectly dangling the ball mid-air for Kemp to smash down.

I was a lonely Sonic in a Jazz hungry town. Salt Lake loves it sports. Sound familiar. Seattle fans are known for the same reason. The Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders FC rivalry is new, but the Seattle vs Salt Lake rivalry has established sports tradition sure to come out in this prime time series.

* * * * * * * * * *

Seattle’s growing list of accomplishments after three seasons:

Three consecutive US Open Cup Championships. Two consecutive appearances in Champions League. Currently in the quarterfinal knock-out stages. Three consecutive playoff appearances. Three regular season winning records. Zero losing records on the road.  Three season combined road record is 20-W, 14-L, 13-D. Second only to the LA Galaxy during the last three season.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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Wet Hot Refs in Seattle – Champions League Second Leg – San Francisco FC at Sounders FC

3 08 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

. . . and at halftime, San Francisco Fútbol Club de La Chorrera, leads “our brave men in Rave Green” by one goal to nil.

OK, not a true halftime.  This second leg of the two leg Champions League qualification round has become a must-win match for Seattle.  The seven time Liga Panameña de Fútbol champions have a precious one goal lead.  Seattle had lapses of concentration mixed with moments of sluggishness on a muggy wet turf.  Still, they owned enough possession and created enough chances to deserve a draw.  A goal to the good lead would not have been out of the question. The must-win second leg, tomorrow at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, feels like the second half of a highly anticipated playoff match.  That said, it’s good Seattle doesn’t have to play another half after eighteen hours of air travel on soft, wet turf in hot heat.

Seattle’s faithful traveling supporters, the ECS (Emerald City Supporters) were audible in Panama.  An additional 18,000 fans, and a mild Cascadia summer heat should play to the Sounders advantage.

San Francisco FC’s, Roberto Brown converted a 28th minute penalty kick.  The call was questionable, but enough precedent exists to support the decision.  The call was given for a Jeff Parke handball.  A simple means for assessing a handball is to ask, “did the ball play the hand, or did the hand play the ball”?  Parke’s touch was clearly unintentional.  He lost balance, and while falling backwards the ball plays his hand. Enough hand to ball action occurs in the penalty box a call surely had to be made. That sounds rated “R”, but the Refs call can not be faulted.  Parke took ownership of the issue after the match.  You always have to trust that the Gods of the Beautiful Game balance theses things out.  Roles reversed, Sounders supporters would feel justified in the call being given against San Francisco.  All is almost fair in soccer and Champions League.

The run of play favored Seattle.  But as you’ve seen me say in other instances over the last 18 months, the issue for Sounders FC is converting chances.  That brings us to Wednesday’s match.  Converting chances sets the stage for the second leg.  That is what this leg will be about. Create and score.  Sounders need two goals to win.  They showed they were the better side in Panama.  Now they need to put the result in the books.

Motivation should be high.  Champions League play is time to build pedigree and put it on display.  Advancing to the Group Stages is the stuff of great soccer tradition, and builds a global reputation.  It is also playoff preparation. And this team needs it, like tough needs love.

Two consecutive years making the MLS playoffs shows potential.  Two consecutive years exiting the playoffs in the first round shows unrealized potential.  The first round of the MLS playoffs are a two leg series, like Champions League play.  Tough, physical, grind it out, one goal games are what Sounders FC need work on most.  Champions League is home to that type of play.  The best opportunity they will get to develop that part of their game.  Defeating San Francisco tomorrow is not only about high motivation, it is imperative for the Sounders to advance beyond the first round of the MLS playoffs.

Credits:  Arlo White, Seattle Sounders FC official broadcaster.  ”Men in Rave Green” and “Our brave men in Rave Green”.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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Thierry Henry & the Designated Players – Sounders vs New York Red Bulls

23 06 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Dramatic matches.  Dramatic endings.  Sounders FC are born from the dramatic cloth of Rave-Green inception.  The short turnaround to Thursday’s home match at Qwest Field, means the next chance for Sounders faithful to support their club to the next level of dramatic inception is only a work-night away.

Intriguing home stadium changes will take place Thursday.  Same place, different name.  Qwest Field will officially be announced as CenturyLink Field.  How this name change will be written is up for debate.  I see C-Link.  Which gives upset traveling fans or disappointed home fans an easy ”clink” opportunity.  A non issue really, unless Timbers fans are ever handed three points from some sort of Buddle-Juninho-Hassli-esque miracle shot.  Sideline whisper:  How many more “wonder-strikes” do we give up before these magic goals are renamed Sounder-normal?  Back to the blog:  Using “clink” against the Sounders will make for an easy cheese-wiz first layer dis, but nothing that sticks too long.

Thursday marks the Sounders Front Office first attempt at opening up the entire stadium.  All upper-level seats will be uncovered for an enticing $15.00.  It should prove a good first test to see how fans long-awaited “more seats” request works with short notice.

Speaking of wonder strikes.  Ranking high among the Sounders growing list of dramatic finishes, is last Saturday’s 90th minute stoppage-time thriller against Toronto FC, by Fredy Montero.  Mauro Rosales, fouled at the top right side of Toronto’s penalty box gave way to the free kick.  Freddy Montero stepped up with strong intent and purpose.  His strike curled over Toronto’s wall and into the left corner of Stefan Frei‘s goal.  Barely out of reach of Frei’s diving fingers.  It was another winner for what is becoming standard Sounders fare.  Late match heroes making late match drama.

Reds

Toronto FC, "Reds"

One expected fan-thrill, and another Sounders first for Thursday’s match is already certain not to happen.  Thierry Henry, the former French National Team, and Arsenal superstar, playing for the Red Bulls of New York, was issued a red card in the 90th minute of his match against the Portland Timbers last Sunday.  Any attending fans disappointed by his absence, will likely be thrilled by the Sounders desire to play for no fewer than all three points for the win.  New York will be ready to irritate and frustrate Seattle’s attempt to score early and often.  Star power aside, the importance of the match wont be lost on the Sounders players.

Eric Hassli, proved Seattle is a good place for aging French strikers to score dramatic goals.  With Henry out, a pair of french-kissed strikes are completely out of the question.  That is unless Sebastian LeToux is holding an ace in his pocket for when Philadelphia comes to clink one in on Sounders at C-Link later on in colder October.

The Sounders victorious match last week with Toronto FC completed the first half of this 34 match season with a decent 6-win, 4-loss, 7-draw record.  The 25 points have the Sounders sitting third in the Western Conference.  With most teams close behind and holding games in hand, a string of wins could launch Sounders FC into a successful second half season playoff push.  This Sunday is another short home match turn around to face visiting New England Revolution.

The Sounders continue to make lineup adjustments searching for a better winning touch.  Fredy Montero, was given an active “Free-Roam” role last week.  Which could prove valuable against New York.  Michael Fucito, hitting post last week, and being close to striking net so often all season, means he is due to taste joy. Montero, regaining confidence with his dramatic free kick also means he will be a marked man.  That is a good thing for Sounders FC.  With Fredy heavily marked again, Fucito’s speed combined with Mauro Rosales’s crosses and technical ability to get into dangerous positions, as well as create space for other players to get into dangerous positions, means opportunities for either Fucito speed, or Montero poise are likely elements to ignite 40,000 plus into celebration.

New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry can come to Seattle riding the Red Bull bench, but he can’t come to Seattle without at least a little DP (Designated Player) conversation.  Should your Major League Soccer team have one?  If so, how much should your club spend?  (See Derek Ciapala’s piece on AS Roma’s Francesco Totti possibly coming to the LA Galaxy this season).  The NASL filled itself with aging, and overpaid stars and eventually folded.  Major League Soccer’s slow expansion of Designated Players has proven safer and smarter.  Some teams do not yet have a Designated Player.

Would Seattle have sold out their first season without Freddie Ljungberg?  Possibly not.  On the other hand, interest has seen a ground swell beyond famous players.  Passion and participation in soccer is common and longstanding throughout the Northwest.  Seattle was Broadway for US Soccer before US Soccer had found Broadway.  This Thursday’s stadium-wide opening would have happened on its own.

As fun as Ljungberg was at the start, his easy irritability was not easily adaptable for fans.  Halfway into his second season was a good time for team and player to part ways.  Management brought in Blaise Nkufo, fresh from his Swiss National team appearance in the 2010 World Cup.  It was a good half season and he delivered a solid playoff boost for the club.  But being a punchbag to absorb Montero’s physical punishment was not a role he desired.  So one hour before this 2011 season started he and the club also parted ways.

During the off-season, Montero was promoted to DP status.  Like any athlete or team making the cover of Sports Illustrated, it has not helped Montero’s productivity.  Before his free-kick game-winner last weekend, Montero had scored only two goals.  Some might call that unproductive, and question the Front Office spending.  Yet any team with a DP has a list of curiosities with its stars no different from the Sounders.  In LA’s case, Beckham has arguably a longer list.

Scoring goals is an expensive habit.  Sporting diamonds.  24 carat strikes, like Eric Hassli’s are worth a lifetime to some player reputations.  That goal will be a goal of the year candidate.  (See it here on my recent post)  Spending spectacular Designated Player money is sometimes necessary to acquire a player like Hassli.

Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Sounders FC - 2009 & 2010 US Open Cup Champions

Is it more important for teams to find players to entertain, put butts-in-seats, and make us deliriously but joyfully buy their kit?  No single right answer exists.  In a perfect world, Roger Levesque would posses Ruud Van Nistelrooy goal poaching skill, and a one club career as long as Paul Scholes, of Manchester United.  Reality is, we have to learn to cheer on Nate Jaqua.  Starter or sub, lifting his spirit to put the ball into the net this Thursday is our job as fans.

Money can’t buy everything, but it does get good entertainment.  Entertainment doesn’t last a lifetime.  Building fan reputation and players that believe in that reputation, costs nothing and lasts forever.  At the end of the day, Sounders General Manager, Adrian Hanaueer is looking for the next soccer guy to sing “Spectacular, Spectacular”.  He is also looking for Ruud Van Levesque.  He has an unenviable task, but also has a knack for finding players, like Osvaldo Alonso, John Kennedy Hurtado, Leo Gonzalez, Alvaro Fernandez, and Mauro Rosales.

I believe as fans we set the precedent. We build the reputations and passionate spirit. The Front Office finds the role pieces to fulfill the object of our passion.  Occasionally a star will fit.  But if the money to bring talent is too high or the talent is too high above the club, then there are always ways of developing success outside of Designated Players.

© 2011 by Ryan Sales – Sales on Sounders

Contributions:  Fans Look:  Could AS Roma striker sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy?  By, Derek Ciapala, June 17, 2011


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Whitecaps and Sounders – Cascadia Rivalry – North American Soccer History

11 06 2011
The Cascadia Rivalry

Cascadia Rivalry - Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps

Out of the Fire and into Cascadia.  Last week, Kasey Keller, Seattle’s Goal Keeper extraordinaire pulled out another brilliant performance from his satchel of well aged magic.  His effort was key in bringing Sounders FC a well-earned point for their nil-nil draw in Chicago. This week Seattle hosts its Canadian Cascadia rival, Vancouver Whitecaps.

Saturday at Qwest Field is another historic milestone for the Sounders and US Soccer. A rivalry since 1974, the Cascadia Clash with Vancouver and Seattle has been promoted to its most prominent level yet.  With Vancouver Whitecaps FC joining Major League Soccer this year, along with Portland, the complete Cascadia Rivalry is now more than ever an international experience.  If you’re hooked on tweets, this week is #Vancouverweek on Twitter.  And with the rapture behind us, one would think little could capture our social network attention more than babies and cats on You Tube. The complete release of Cascadia unleashed on North America is officially a strong competitor.

If Portland is our backyard, mudslinging half-brother, Vancouver is our gentlemanly, and worldly cousin.  At first glance, Sounders and Whitecaps cause a gentler Cascadia rumble than the more eruptive Sounders and Timbers edition.  With Vancouver’s sporting brethren, the National Hockey League, Vancouver Canucks vying for the Stanley Cup.  Vancouver fans are well versed in bone crushingly intense team sport.  Seeing usually gentlemanly and courteous athletes be complete sportsmen one minute, then drop gloves, fight, and bite fingers the next, is more common in Vancouver than Seattle.  In Vancouver, they know their sport.

Alan Hinton

Alan Hinton - From Derby County to Cascadia

If you ever want an amazing athlete, coach, and entertaining sports personality to emulate, or influence future youth athletes, then Alan Hinton is my personal recommendation.  His Cascadia legacy in the Vancouver-Seattle rivalry extends both sides of the border.  He is one man standing above all others in making the Whitecaps and Sounders rivalry what it is today.  He knows the rivalry inside out, having been on both sides.  A natural-born storyteller, he retells many of the rivalries great stories and has played many of its most significant roles.  Including playing for Vancouver, coaching for both, and now as a TV and Radio Analyst with Sounders FC.

NASL

North American Soccer League - 1968-1985

Both teams formed in 1974, joining the NASL (North American Soccer League).  Alan Hinton joined Vancouver in 1978.  Originally from England, he played for arguably one of the greatest English Premier League coaches, Brian Clough at Derby County.  His 30 assists for the Whitecaps in 1978 are still a high level achievement even by current soccer standards.  In 1980 he joined the Seattle Sounders earning 25-wins 7-losses.  If you want insight, intellect, and great humor, then you want to know Alan Hinton.  ”When the season schedule is released the first thing you do is look for when you  play the Whitecaps”.  ”When I was at the Whitecaps we almost always beat the Sounders.  When I was at the Sounders we always beat the Whitecaps”.  

Sports are events bringing large numbers of diverse groups of people together.  People hungry to find some tiny bit of soulful commonality.  Something that truly binds us all together.  Soccer is our worlds best team sport example.  Alan Hinton is the wise and colorful voice who has made this regions best sports rivalry one of its best long-standing sporting events.  He has helped transform this rivalry into a can’t miss event.

On Saturday night, the rivalry turns 37.  So, on Twitter I gave this rivalry week another hash-tag name.  Instead of #VancouverWeek, I prefer #AlanHintonWeek.

In the three team Cascadia rivalry, Vancouver has the only league title.  In 1979 they won Soccer Bowl ’79 and were NASL Champions.  The Timbers and Sounders both reached NASL finals but neither won.

Vancouver Whitecaps - NASL logo - Soccer Bowl '79 NASL Champions

Finding success in Major League Soccer will be a bigger challenge for Vancouver than in the NASL.  Parity in the league makes matches tightly contested, so no one team has dominated the sport since Houston winning repeat MLS Championships in ’06 & ’07. Sounders FC set a high bar winning back-to-back US Open Cup titles in its first two seasons.  Vancouver would like to feed off that energy.  Some first season issues have posed challenges in their transition to MLS.  Coaching changes and ticketing issues with supporters have been two obstacles.

Stadium seating location and pricing for their Southsiders Supporters group caused an initial stir.  Much of which Vancouver’s front office has resolved.  But it has left lingering communication concerns between the teams Front Office and its Supporters. More recently their coaching change has been the bigger issue.

As bright and entertaining as the Whitecaps have been on the pitch, they have struggled in getting results that satisfy their ownership.  Teitur Thordarson was the coach that helped build the Whitecaps into a successful USL team on its way to Major League Soccer.  Tom Soehn, former DC United coach was brought in as their Director of Soccer Operations.  In Vancouver’s first three MLS months, Thordarson delivered a 1-win, 5-loss, 6-draw record.  A thrilling 4-2 inaugural victory over Toronto FC didn’t yield more wins.  Continual close matches were ultimately not the result their Front Office wanted.  Tom Soehn is now the interim coach.

1974 - 1983

With high expectations to turn things around, and little room to fall further, the Whitecaps come to Qwest Field hungry to prove they are the talented high-flying team everyone witnessed in its inaugural match.  The first edition of the MLS Cascadia Rivalry between the two historic clubs in front of a sold out stadium, and national audience is the best chance they will have.  The Sounders are in equal need of joy for recent efforts and fan support.  So the match is sure to be the most hotly contested weekend match.

Off the pitch, Vancouver Week has been more nostalgic than the backyard mudslinging building up to the Portland match.  Come game time, that politeness will disintegrate. Vancouver’s Designated Player, Eric Hassli has accumulated 3 red cards.  The Sounders wont try to antagonize him into a 4th, but they wont stop him from losing his cool either.  That threat of his boiling intensity will keep fans on their seats wondering if Vancouver shows its dangerous potential.  An upset in front of 36,000 at Qwest field would put their season right in one match.  Sounders FC is fully aware, but can not afford to sit back and defend from that happening.  Sounders FC needs all 3 points for a win.  A single point for a draw is no help.  They will play for the win, which will defensively give the Whitecaps opportunities to counter attack.  Tonight could be a tightly contested 1-0 victory for one lucky team or it could turn into an eruption of Cascadia goals.

I’ll spill my bias:  3-2 Sounders FC.

Contributions:  Jacob Cristobal,  http://www.critiqulous.com/   For a little added excitement, here is the new “All In” Adidas commercial featuring the Portland-Seattle edition of the Cascadia Rivalry.

Sounders FC, weekly feature, “Round Table”, hosted by Tony Ventrella, with guests Matt Gasch, Alan Hinton, and Emerald City Supporters President, Greg Mockos.

© 2011 by Ryan Sales – http://www.salesonsounders.com


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Cascadia Clash – When Rose City Meets Rave Green

13 05 2011

The Portland Timbers come to Seattle.  The Cascadia Rivalry comes to America.  The rumble you feel is not Mt Hood, or Mt Rainier ready to blow, like St Helens.  That is the sound of Timbers coming to Qwest Field, for a nationally televised match with Sounders FC.  When Rose City meets Rave Green this Saturday, it’s no ordinary Spring Garden Show.

Calling out for national attention, this clash between Portland and Seattle is hosted by Major League Soccer.  For a show stopping spectacle, look past the match on the pitch to the supporters in the stands.  Both clubs colorfully fervent supporters promise displays not common to any usual American sport.  If you own an H-D with 3-D, ultra intense vibration, surround sound-mega-TV, then this match is custom made for your home viewing pleasure.  Either that, or be there.

The Cascadia Rivalry

Cascadia Rivalry: Timbers Army, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps

Commercial

Hey, you like our coffee.  You use our technology at work and home, even on the go. You order our wine.  You enjoy our diverse taste in food.  You download our music. And now you love our TV show, Portlandia.  A second season is on its way.  Now come try our soccer.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blogging.

The History

NASL

North American Soccer League - 1968-1985

Saturday night’s match introduces the three-way Pacific Northwest rivalry to America’s growing Major League Soccer television audience.  Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Seattle Sounders form a rivalry brewing since Seattle and Vancouver formed in 1974, with Portland a year later.  Neighborly soccer ended in only the fourth match between Portland and Seattle on August 12, 1975.  In a playoff match in Portland, with 31,523 soccer passionate fans a taste of everything to come spilled onto the pitch.  Tied 1-1, the teams went to overtime.  Portland earned a corner that Seattle defended but couldn’t clear.  Portland worked the ball out to the left flank, where it was crossed into the top of the penalty box meeting a leaping Timber, who arched it in for a game winning header.  Announcers barely had time to call the winning goal when fans began spilling onto the field in celebration.  Thirty-six years later the passion is not only still brewing, it’s about to start a new chapter in US Soccer History.  Anticipation for this weekends match has become national attention more for the passion spilled into the stands as the play on the pitch.

The Pacific Northwest regional rivalry was named, Cascadia Cup in 2004.  The history of the rivalry itself dates to the clubs first meeting, May 2nd, 1975.  What makes the rivalry unique?  Large, consistent numbers of passionate supporters.  Seattle’s attendance averaged 16,830 in 1975 while the entire 2010 MLS average was 16,675.

All three teams originally formed in the NASL (North American Soccer League).  It was not structured and ran as well as Major League Soccer, but it had many big-time names.  The most notable player in NASL history was one of the most notable in soccer history.  Pele.

Less Pele and more Levesque.

The NASL folded in 1984, but Pacific Northwest soccer continued.  Sometimes from comedic creativity.  Club names like Stars and Seadogs played in various types of leagues from indoor to speed soccer.  Yet Timbers and Sounders never faded away.

In 1994 the Sounders were on the doorstep of joining the inaugural Major League Soccer season.  One issue preventing that was the perceived conflict of having two teams named “Sounders” playing in both an A-League and MLS status.  Many people talked about the relationship like a “farm club”.  The idea was rejected.  Interesting note:  MLS added a Reserve League for 2011.  From 1994 to 2008, Seattle played in A-League/USL-1 soccer leagues winning 4 championships.  Brian Ching and Marcus Hahnemann are two notable players during that era.  Yet one name stands above all for assisting in the growing intensity of Saturday’s match.  Levesque.

Roger Levesque.

Roger Levesque

At the end of the 2007 season with Seattle in process to move to Major League Soccer, Roger took a short exhibition stint with Vancouver and Portland.  His one game with Portland brimmed with animosity.  Fans “booed” him every time he touched the ball.  Sending the message to Timbers owner, Merritt Paulson that he was not a real Timber. “True Fans Hate Levesque” read the banner hanging over the rail of the Timbers Army.

Strong words for a player known as one of the hardest working players in MLS today. Did he intentionally kick a fallen Timbers keeper in the face in 2003?  Did he kick warm-up shots into the stands where Timbers Army supporters stood?  I asked Timber fans.  I have yet to have two similar answers.  What I know for certain, Levesque scores goals against Timbers.  Most notable is his 2009 US Open Cup goal scored in the first minute.  After scoring on Portland, Levesque ran to Sounders teammate Nate Jaqua, who proceeded to chop him down and fall to ground.  A third Sounder joined the choreographed celebration and along with Jaqua carried Roger away like cut lumber.  Timbers supporters haven’t forgotten the celebration on their home pitch. How does that one song go?  ”R-E-S-P-E-C-T”?  Or, is it R-E-V-E-N-G-E?

The Fans

There were no Timbers Army or ECS (Emerald City Supporters) in 1975.  But there were large volumes of fans.  Fans, like yours truly, ready to promote this unique American rivalry into a third generation.

There may be no recipe for making soccer fans out of sports fans, but there is a recipe for being a soccer fan.  Start with a pint of any preference.  A simple recipe includes drums, rhythmic clapping, a hint of sulfur infused smoke, sparkling flares layered with a guttural wash of continuous chanting.  Add *tifo and the scene is complete.

1974 - 1983

The Rivalry

The first Super Bowl I paid attention to was Super Bow XIII, in 1979 between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.  I watched sitting next to my Granddad in his TV room.  He was a huge Cowboys fan.  He had to be.  He was a rancher boy from Texas.

Growing up, when the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks played everything stopped.  All you could do was make plans with friends and family to see the game. Climbing Mt Hood or Mt Rainier were the only alternative activities.   Every game was close.  Never a clear favorite.  Season records never mattered when the Seahawks faced the Raiders.  Intensity and national ratings were always high.  It’s how a rivalry should be.  It’s only about one game.  It’s “all in”.  Chips only come in two values.  Complete exhilaration or pure disappointment.

Rivalry passion is at the core of every sports fan.  You can love whatever game it is, with whomever is playing all you want, and feel neutral for your passion towards every great player and every exciting team.  That is, until your Granddad, spouse, friend. local grocery clerk, bar tender, boss, or guy on the bus asks you the one hardest question.  ”Who’s your team?”  There is no New York Red Sox, or Boston Yankees.  You ultimately pick one.  And your answer defines you.  Pick the right team and the grocery clerk says, “the ice-cream is on me”.  You receive hugs and high-fives.  Pick the other team, and find the nearest exit.

This is jargon you’ve read a thousand times before with teams from New York, LA, Dallas, Boston/New England and many more.  So, isn’t it time to try something new.  Add a new rivalry to the collection of great American sports rivalries.

Classic Greek Theatre

Are you Rave Green, or are you Rose City?  Whose chorus do you belong?

Portland Timbers old logo

Portland Timbers old logo

Yes, this answer defines you forever.  Like a marriage proposal to the gods, it doesn’t force your hand to become a sports fan, if that’s not your thing, but it evokes a curious nuance of life that lifts the soul, and lets you experience an event with the greatest commitment of spirit.  For 90 minutes there is no recession, no Afghanistan, no hedge fund scammers, and no terrorist insurgents.  The decision will lift your soul to something bigger than sport.  Your living and dying on every shot transcends normal behavior.  Your vaulted, vocal prayers and spirited hand waving burns calories and energizes your hopeful team to defeat the evil others.  Then, when the match is over, depending on the result, you boast your mighty brilliance or muse the conspiracies of ridiculous and underserved defeat.  Then you go home.  A few Sunday chores and your mind turns to the workweek ahead.

The beautiful thing about a rivalry, you don’t have to wait too long until it comes back again.

* * * * *

Terms & Notes

*Tifo - Tifo is a simple Italian term for banners or flags hung or waved by supporters at designated stadium sections, specific to sporting events.
*ECS – Emerald City Supporters.  Largest Sounders FC official Supporters Group.  Additional Note:  I joined in 2010.  For the 2009 inaugural season I was independent of any supporters group choosing an individual team identity and relationship before joining.
*Timbers Army – aka TA, is official Supporters Group of the Portland Timbers.

© 2011 by Ryan J Sales


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Psychology for a Lack of Sounders FC Goals: Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire

8 04 2011

 

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Last time Chicago’s Fire visited the Emerald City, it marked the return of Freddie Ljungberg. The passion for vengeance burned high. Fredy Montero‘s late winning goal was among the Sounders 2010 season highlights.  The Sounders won both games against the Fire in 2010. Their match with the Chicago Fire this Saturday becomes critical after yielding two season points from four matches, while only producing three goals.  Their record is 0-wins, 2-losses, and 2-draws.  All four matches were entertaining, but entertainment alone does not define a winning season.  One draw came at home against the Houston Dynamo.  The other last weekend in the thrilling 2-2 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes.  Losing this Saturday would not be fatal, but it would leave a heavy emotional burden for fans and team both.  A draw would be manageable, but a bitter and underlying level of frustration would creep into the club.  A win would not put the season right, but it would ignite momentum and confidence.

Last year Seattle traded Ljungberg to Chicago for six points in return.  The two wins helped propel the Sounders to a 10-win, 2-loss, 3-draw record in the second half of 2010.  That was the best record in MLS during that period leading up to the playoffs. That is the significant momentum possible from a Saturday win against the Fire. The Sounders have shown no lack of confidence only a lack of goals.  Thrilling as they are with improved play on the pitch, it is when they discover their need for victory, and not just an accumulation of shots that will earn them goals and wins.

With goals hard to come by in soccer, the Sounders FC have managed some interesting goal stats, or lack of goal stats, in their first four matches of 2011. Sounders FC have scored three goals in four matches, while allowing five.  At first glance those numbers seem soccer normal, right?  Under the microscope, those figures show Sounders FC amassing 64 shots, with 36 on frame.  Which works out to 9 shots-on-goal for every 16 shots taken per game.  What can be made from that?  It is generally considered normal for a club to score one goal per every ten shots.  Barcelona hits net at an astonishing pace of 1 goal per 7 shots.  At times even less.  The Sounders are scoring 1 goal for every 21 shots taken.  Troubling numbers considering the improved quality in their play.  (see last post, Rave Green Blues)

I don’t like statistics because they raise more questions than answers.  I live for the story.  Recent events have tickled the whiskers of my curiosity.  Now I have questions about these curious stats.
“Mr President, I know you are busy with Libya and Budgets, but regarding the Sounders, . . .  uh, no sir, they are a soccer club, like Landon Donovan, not a basketball team.   . . .  Oh, no, no, no we do not play in Oklahoma”.  Well, that didn’t go well.
Lionel Messi, is not answering my calls.  Pele, wont respond to my e-mails.  I can’t find Zidane on Twitter, and Zeus is “apparently” on vacation.  So, I have hired a private detective to explain the probabilities involved in tallying only 3 goals in 64 shots.
Breaking News:  My soccer private detective just quit.  Apparently, he was called away for a more pressing assignment to uncover missing Portland Timber’s midfielders.

 

Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Sounders FC - 2009 & 2010 US Open Cup Champions

Statistics and kidding aside, if the Sounders, albeit miraculously, were to amass another 64 shots in the next 4 matches, they will score no fewer than 6 goals.  Even if half are own-goals scored by the other team.  I’ll put a pint on that!

What does it take to score in soccer?  Skill, patience, poise, precision?  All are good terms.  Do the Sounders lack these qualities in their strikers and forwards?  You could conjure up an argument for that.  Eventually, I believe you would come around to realizing the qualities in these Sounders players are more like league goal scoring leaders, than explaining their slump.  Any argument against them, would be hard pressed to get past the argument for them.  I wont defend their numerous missed opportunities, but there must be some strange manner to explain how so much creativity and opportunity has missed its home target.  Maybe the explanation comes from a willing need, or a little Luck.  if the Sounders shoot 64 shots in the next 4 matches, luck alone will muster no fewer than 6 goals.

“Put the ball in the net”.  Screams a Sounders fan standing in front of my brother-in-law, Thomas Breuler, and myself.  No ringing endorsements for this to become a regular chant.  It does sum up everything fans and team alike want to see change soon.  What is keeping the ball out of the back of the net?  Need?  Some all-encompassing need?  When the Sounders finally need to, they will find a way to score goals.  Some teams play with momentum, energy, passion, or various skills, and so-on.  Some clubs are just lucky.  Other times in sports, the gods of games burden you with the challenge to become something more than what you are. Saturday, Sounders FC face their own fire.  They are on the cusp of a self sacrificial barbecue, or a heroic surge.  If the 2011 Sounders FC are to become a team seeking a deep need to win, then Saturday is when that desire needs to show on their home pitch.

Sounders FC players and staff appear encouraged and upbeat.  Fans are still singing, “The Rave Green Blues”. Yes, I’m being over dramatic here as Saturday is only game five.  Yet four of the next five matches are on the road.  So, I don’t feel it’s too early to quote my good Sounders friend, Todd Hodges, who commented that “April is becoming a do-or-die month”.

It is time for the boys in Rave Green to need victory.

 

Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire - Founded 1997, MLS 1998, 4 US Open Cup Titles

For, Luis Sanchez, a faithful Chicago Fire supporter.  Our passions support opposing teams.  Our respect is mutual.  Together from separate cities we support MLS and the growth of soccer in the US.  One day we’ll meet at Al’s Italian Beef.

 

 


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Season of the Rivalry

7 02 2011

January 25th, 2011, One month after Christmas.

Most people think one month after Christmas is too late to open Christmas presents, and far too early for next Christmas.  This Sounders FC fan celebrated Rave Green Christmas 2011 on January 25th.  Obama’s State of the Union speech, given the same evening, was a warm and jolly occasion, but nowhere near the kind of historical, all American present that soccer in the Pacific Northwest gave the same evening.  January 25th twas Christmas in the Pacific Northwest.  All three Pacific Northwest Major Soccer League clubs practiced.  Unwrapping the long-awaited Cascadia Rivalry to the sporting nation of the United States and greater footballing world.  A rivalry between Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Seattle Sounders FC.  A rivalry over 35 years old, but dormant from top flight major league status for over two decades.  Not since Michael Jackson moonwalked us into a Billie Jean dance fever have these three clubs been together in a top-flight level professional league.  That was the NASL, which folded in 1984.  This is the much improved and growing Major League Soccer.  Santa has made his world tour delivering Christmas in January.  The big present under the tree?  Training camp has broken for all three clubs.  There is easily more love for the beautiful game in the Pacific Northwest, than in any other US region.  So delivery of the Cascadia Cup to Major League Soccer and a national spotlight is everything this sporting region has wanted and been waiting for.  There is no denying, this is the year of the rivalry.

Not to overshadow Obama’s State of the Union speech, I thought I’d incorporate some of his key points and put them in a more easily understandable soccer supporter chant translation.  If Obama had consulted the Timbers Army, or Emerald City Supporters, the State of the Union speech would have had a much different tone.  Leaning over the podium, Obama’s “smoked salmon” one-liner would have generated a cooler chill of fear than laughter.  The 2011 Cascadia version of his speech may have gone something like this:

“Who are ya?  Who are ya?  Who are ya?
I scorn, at a congress of no finance reform.
I take no pity for fear of tackling social security.
I burn a flare for every vote against healthcare.
I accept no excuses for indignation, when all I want to hear are solutions for education.”

Then tifo would be raised.  Flags waiving all around.  Colorful smoke engulfing the air with sparkling flares shining through haze.  Ah yes, Christmas in January.  Fortunately, Obama’s State of the Union speech focused on our core values of Healthcare, Education, and mining all our nations cumulative efforts and resources to fuel our country’s greatest potential for returning to diversified prosperity.  Nonetheless, my native grunge for first blood of Cascadia Rivalry is so excited, I happily drifted during his speech to the one I imagined above.  My fellow Americans, passionate Cascadians, and all Major League Soccer supporters, this finest day in the year of our beautiful game, 2011 is the beginning of the Season of the Rivalry.  So, bare your colours, waive your tifo, ignite the flares, light the smoke, drink a pint, and for the love of sport, cry out from your gut . . .

“Take ‘em all, watch ‘em fall,
Put ‘em up against a wall
and shoot ‘em.
Short-n-tall, watch ‘em fall,
Come on Boys take ‘em all.”

Major League Soccer has come to a crossroads never imagined by its 1996 founders.  The previous attempt at professional soccer in the US was the NASL (North American Soccer League), which lasted from 1968-1985.  Like Major League Soccer today, most of the NASL teams never passed 15,000 in average season attendance.  Not a problem for our Cascadia fellows.  The NASL Sounders often topped 20,000.  My

NASL

North American Soccer League - 1968-1985

first professional soccer match was in the Kingdome in 1983.  The Sounders hosted rival Vancouver with an attendance over 21,000.  Not much influence from the NASL remains with our regions teams or soccer in America today.  Only a few team names and use of a penalty shootout to decide certain matches has survived.  Decline from over expansion, 24 teams at its height, was a major contributing problem.  Worse was the complete under valued use of domestic college draftees and overpaid international veterans nearing retirement.  Whereas Major League Soccer after starting in 1996 remained cautious and protective in expanding.  The double expansion of Portland and Vancouver in 2011 is a big step for the league which has pushed expansion annually since 2006.  What is different this time?  Major League Soccer has taken a big step in requiring domestic or “homegrown” players.  International or high-priced “Designated Players” are limited to 3.  The league owns all player contracts and uses a salary cap.  What separates the league more now is an increased effort to develop relationships with advertisers and sport broadcasting networks.  Especially local/Regional TV/Radio stations.  Major League Soccer has also become one of the more popular sport attractions on all social networks.  All that said, with 18 clubs, the league still has many teams consistently below an average attendance of 15,000.  Solution?  The league needs an intense colorful rivalry with all matches sold-out.   How about a threesome?  This seasons Cascadia couldn’t come at a better time for Major League Soccer.  Portland and Seattle began their derbys in 1975, so the matches wont feel like they are new or made for TV.  They will be the authentic real deal.  An example for all existing and future MLS franchises to see what American Soccer Derbys look like.  The success of the Cascadia Cup could be the open door to the leagues bright future.

 

The Cascadia Rivalry

Preseason Cascadia Summit, March 4-6 2011.

In case anyone needed proof of the intensity of this 3-way rivalry, the offseason has supplied plenty.  Kasey Keller joined the Sounders in 2009, signing a 2 year contract.  Before playing a single match for Sounders FC he said he wanted to add a third season before retiring to take part in the Cascadia Rivalry.  Sounders FC ownership made that priority one this off season.  At the end of last season Portland Timbers supporters purchased ad space on a Seattle billboard advertising their teams expansion.  The most significant evidence of multi-team rivalry intensity and influence on Major League Soccer was from supporter negotiations for away match ticket allotment to traveling supporter groups.  Initially the allotment was set at 150.  Supporter groups for all 3 clubs joined forces and pushed up the allotment to 500.  Even with that increase, most supporters wont be satisfied until that number is likely increased to 1,000 next year.  All the blogs, forums, tweets and social network posts must have caught the attention of the league.  This preseason, from March 4-6, the three Cascadia Rivals face off in a weekend Cascadia Summit.  Tickets went on sale 2/1/2011 and sold-out the same day.  Preseason!  In addition to each team facing the other, there is a Coaches and Supporters meeting on the last day of the summit.  I believe this is one of the more intriguing preseason sport spectacles I’ve heard of.  It is also an opportunity for the league to figure out how to feature fully sold-out matches with 90 minute pint drinking, and loud chanting supporters.  Welcome to soccer in America.  Welcome to Cascadia, the season of the rivalry.

Tifo

2010 prematch tifo vs LA Galaxy with Emerald City Supporters.

Something Old, Something New:  A few NASL notes:

When Sounders FC joined Major League Soccer in 2009 a new competition started.  The Heritage Cup.  No new matches were added.  Regular season results are used.  The Heritage Cup is played by former NASL teams.  For 2009 and 2010 the two competing teams were the San Jose Earthquakes and Sounders FC.  San Jose won in 2009, and Seattle in 2010.  Starting this year the Heritage Cup will be between all four former NASL teams, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Sounders FC.  The Heritage Cup will gain a little more attention this year, but nowhere near the media spotlight of the Cascadia Cup.  San Jose already participates in the California Classico with LA Galaxy.  As I write this, rumor has it the most famous NASL team, which featured Pele, the New York Cosmos are making a bid to become the 20th MLS team.


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Portland Calling

30 06 2010

The thump of drums, shower of chants, sling of chainsaw, wash of smoke-bombs, flares, and crazy flag waving fans are not English soccer fans.  It’s Timbers supporters from Portland.  All American baby.  No English derby, this is Emerald City Supporters of Seattle against Timbers Army of Portland.  Vuvuzela will be burned.  This rivalry may look like an English Football Derby, but it’s American as apple pie.  It’s the defending 2009 US Open Cup Champion, Seattle Sounders FC vs Portland Timbers.  A rematch of Seattle’s 2-1 US Open Cup victory over Portland in 2009, played at the same site as this years rematch at PGE Park in downtown Portland.

The US run in the World Cup was pretty fun.  On a scale of 1-10 the Algeria game was an emotional 11.  The game play itself was only an 8.  Then what is a 10, Mr. Sales on Sounders, you ask?  Well, thanks for asking.  My friends, the answer is simple.  It is one of the oldest professional club rivalries in American soccer.  In classic English football terms it is a “derby”.  Tomorrow, Sounders FC travel to PGE Park, squaring off with Portland Timbers and their outrageous supporters, the Timbers Army.  A much-anticipated rematch of Seattle’s 2-1 US Open Cup victory over Portland last year on their way to winning the 2009 US Open Cup.  A great achievement in the Sounders inaugural season.

2009 US Open Cup - As special recognition to Sounders supporters owners had fans take cup in March to the Match

Sounders FC celebrated many historic firsts in their 2009 inaugural season.  Top among these achievements was their 2-1 victory at RFK Stadium, against DC United in the US Open Cup Final.  Taking home their first title and hardware helped establish the Sounders as the winning club they are building to become.  More importantly it opened a door for them in season two to make their first attempt at ascending the highest obtainable height for any club worldwide.  This soccer Everest, is the FIFA Club World Cup.  Clubs qualify by winning their regions Champions League.  The Sounders region is CONCACAF.  The same region the US Mens and Womens National Teams qualify through to reach the World Cup.  The FIFA Club World Cup is annual, while the World Cup is every 4 years.

Portland Timbers old logo

Portland Timbers old logo

In last years US Open Cup against Portland, Roger Levesque scored a stunning, and for Timvers fans, heart breaking first minute goal.  Levesque was already one of the most hated players in Portland for having scored the most goals against them from 2005-2008.  The final 3 years Sounders were in the USL-1 division with Portland.  In his first minute goal, Levesque added kindling to the Timbers fire by adding a celebration mocking one of Portland’s famed rituals.  The Timbers have a Lumberjack for a mascot.  He takes his chainsaw, revs it up and cuts wood, spraying sawdust and smoke into the beer bellowed air of the Timbers Army.  Levesque, being savoy and spiteful, had a teammate act like he had a chainsaw, and proceeded to cut Levesque down.  Levesque fell and was dragged away by other teammates.  It was a well choreographed goal celebration.  One that stirred conversation going into the rematch.  With Portland joining MLS next year, Timbers fans already believe they are as good as the Sounders, and don’t need much motivation to try and prove it.

The Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders rivalry started in 1974.  Last year, even with the teams in different leagues, the US Open Cup match, and Levesque’s goal only had added intensity over past rivalry meetings.  The game earned a featured two page picture in Sports Illustrated a week later.  The game will draw even more attention this year, including TV coverage.  US Open Cup matches are rarely televised as the competition has little advertising.  The intensity of this rivalry and the rematch are some of the best inexpensive advertising the US Open Cup has had.

“Why so serious”? Said the Joker to Batman, in, The Dark Knight.  Well, the US Open Cup will never be bigger than the MLS Cup.  But as people begin to understand soccer more they will see the value in this competition.  It allows potential young stars to gain recognition and compete with older former players, top amateurs, as well as MLS regulars.  Even though a small rural county team may never win the cup.  It is every few years that just such a team will knock out an MLS team, and forever place that team and its community in a spotlight.  I invite everyone to support this type of true community sport.  I hope 10 years from now towns all over the US will compete to host a US Open Cup match.  It is “so serious”, because winning it is one means for a US club to potentially reach the status of best club in the world.  The winner gains an opportunity to play in the CONCACAF Champions League.  The winner of the CONCACAF Champions League earns a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup.  By the Sounders winning the 2009 US Open Cup, they make their first attempt at ascending this great soccer Everest this year.

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

This is one of our country’s oldest competed for trophy’s dating to 1914.  In 1999 one of the outstanding patrons of the modern competition, Lamar Hunt, was recognized by adding his name to the competition.   The competition is open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams from amateur to professional.  Prior to joining Major League Soccer, the Sounders had not won a US Open Cup, but had a winning record against MLS clubs.  They knocked Chivas USA out of the 2008 US Open Cup 5-1.  Upsets for some reason, well beyond my comprehension of soccer, exist in this sport more than any other I know.  Earlier this year in Spain’s Copa del Rey, (Spain’s version of the US Open Cup), Real Madrid lost 4-0 to Alcorcon.  A team well below Real Madrid’s

Alcorcon

Agrupación Deportiva Alcorcón - Founded 1971

world status.  Could you imagine Boise State beating the Dallas Cowboys in a pre-season game?  Never, ever, ever.  Well, it happens every year in soccer in almost every country.  This last winter I watched Manchester United get knocked out of the FA Cup, on their home pitch, by a second level team.


For Club and For Country

FIFA = Federation Internationale de Football Association

The 6 regions of FIFA
AFC – Asian Football Confederation
CAF – Confederation Africaine de Football
CONCACAF – Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football
CONMEBOL – Confederation Sudamericana de Futbol
OFC – Oceania Football Confederation
UEFA - Union of European Football Associations

National Teams and Clubs play in the same region.  For example, the US Mens and Womens National Teams play in CONCACAF, the same FIFA region as MLS clubs Seattle Sounders FC and LA Galaxy.

And we wonder why World Cup refs can’t get calls right.  Who the heck even knows all the regions?  No wonder US sports stick to conferences like “North”, “South” “East” and “West”  The toughest one we deal with is BCS.  Nice and short, unfortunately no one knows how it actually works.  Well, that is other than how it works annually to deny the University of Utah and Boise State their due National Championships.  Oh, but that’s for a muse of another day.  FIFA is an association established under Swiss law, located in Zurich.  The President is Sepp Blatter.  As far as I can tell, your chances are better to meet the Pope than Sepp.  Unless of course, you are Bill Clinton or Mick Jagger.  Until that happens, the closest your thoughts and comments will get to anyone in FIFA, including Mr. Sepp Blatter, is with my Sales on Sounders comment link below.  Have at it.

Post Match

When a soccer match comes to Penalty Kicks a few things are certain.  Any player still standing after playing a nearly full 130 minutes is physically and mentally running on empty.  The full 90 played out with a few minutes tacked on for stoppages completing the first half, and again at the end of regulation time.  No winner decided.  Two extra time periods of 15 minutes each elapsed, again without a winner emerging.  So, all that is left is guessing right, or guessing wrong.  Simple really.

In 1994 an Italian guessed wrong in the World Cup.  Chances are you don’t know his name.  Baggio stepped up for his PK, (common name for Penalty Kicks) one of the brightest, high-profile Italian stars in European soccer, and his brightest moment was upon him.  Italy and Brazil squared off in the Rose Bowl, in Passedena, for the 1994 World Cup Final.  If Baggio hits his PK, Italy knocks out Brazil.  Confidence is what Baggio is known for as much as any player on the pitch that day.  His shot is confident and strong.  A little too strong.  His shot sails over the crossbar.  Brazil win another World Cup.  I was in Nak-Nek, Alaska working at a fish processing plant.  I saw this Italian go down to the ground.  I thought briefly, “ah too bad for him”, then I jumped up and down with everyone else enjoying the Samba Kings celebration.  His star status shot from the sky.  In the harsh world of soccer, he’s no big deal anymore.  The less likely Brazilian hero, who made his shot, is Dunga, who is coaching the 2010 Brazilian team to another likely appearance in the South Africa final.  When such an intense and grueling sport comes to guessing right, or guessing wrong, it’s fair to say, the outcome will always be unreasonably unfair to someone.

Portland matched the Sounders ability for 130 minutes.  The Sounders took a 1-nil lead in the 13th minute, but Portland fought hard for the equalizer in the 38th minute.  That was the end of the scoring summary.  Penalty Kicks would decide the fate of both teams.  The winner advancing in the US Open Cup, and the loser out.  The coin toss chooses advantage.  The first team to shoot has that advantage.  Portland won the coin toss.  Each team gets five penalty kicks.  Team with the most made, wins.  If still tied after five, then it keeps going until one makes it and the other misses.  Keller took the advantage away from Portland making the first save.  Seattle hit the next three shots.  In the fourth round of PK’s Keller again guessed correctly, making the save.  Patrick Ianni only has to make his shot and Sounders win.  Like Baggio, his shot goes high and off the crossbar.  Portland makes their last shot.  Zach Scott for Seattle is last to go.  He guesses correctly, missing the Portland keeper and Sounders advance.  It’s glory for Sounders.  How unfair for Portland at home.  I’d almost feel bad for Portland, except not much has gone well for Seattle in 2010.  So a little fortune in guessing right feels like just rewards.

Scoring Summary

13th min, Seattle -  N. Jaqua, (goal), Montaño, (assist)
38th min, Portland – B. Dike (goal), Pore (assist)

Final – Seattle 1 – 1 Portland

Penalty Shoot Out
Seattle
1. N. Sturgis (Goal)     4. P. Ianni (Crossbar)
2. F. Montero (Goal)    5. Z. Scott (Goal) – Winning PK
3. S. Zakuani (Goal)
Portland
1. R. Pore (Save) 4. R. Smith (Save)
2. D. DeMartin (Goal)   5. R. Lopez (Goal)
3. M. Danso (Goal)

Penalty Kick Final – Seattle (4) – (3) Portland


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Categories : 2010

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