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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Winter of Intent – Toronto FC at Sounders FC

17 03 2012

Initially, the Sounders warmed one step closer to playing for a first ever Champions League title.  Then the Sounders were hit with a cold blast of reality in Torreón, Mexico on Wednesday.

After winning their first leg in CONCACAF Champions League on March 7th, 2-1 over Santos Laguna of Mexico, the Sounders looked to be in good shape for advancing from the two leg series.  A win in Mexico and it was on to the Semifinals vs the winner of LA Galaxy vs Toronto FC.

At half time of the second leg, 135 of the 180 minutes completed in the 2 leg series, Sounders and Santos were level 3-3 on aggregate.  But a cold blast of Mexican soccer superiority chilled the Sounders into letting 4 goals slide through in the final 45 minutes, putting their current Champions League run into icy extinction

Up North a bizarre soccer climate-change took place for Toronto.  After their first leg with the LA Galaxy, the 2011 MLS Cup Champions, the score was level 2-2.  But LA had scored two away goals.  So, playing at home in their California warmth, a 0-0 second leg would advance the Galaxy.  With all the big $ money signings by LA, Juninho, Beckham, Donovan, Edson Buddle, and Irish international striker Robbie Keane, Toronto was sure to be schooled.  Galaxy ownership even went so far as to make it clear that now is the time for their “international branding”.

Aron Winter, the Toronto FC manager didn’t get the LA superiority memo.  He employed a 3-6-1 (three fullbacks, stacked six in midfield, and 1 up top) formation vs Bruce Arena’s Galaxy.  That further made people certain, that with only three questionable quality backs, Toronto was doomed. LA offensive power was penciled in for a certain 3 goals netted on the night.

Toronto frustrated LA.  The Galaxy never found their decisive and dominant scoring touch.  Even when Irish sensation, Keane got in on goal one v one with Toronto keeper, Milos Kocic, Keane’s touch was turned away cold.

The Dutch are known for their famous “total football” history.  They are the best soccer country in the world to never win a world cup.  Their football is Barcelona football.  No country has shaped the tactics of international football more than the Dutch.  Short on international glory, they are high on understanding, creativity, and confidence.  They are “Total Football”.

Aron Winter used his tactical Dutch background, and what appeared to be a misty, potent-less 3-6-1 formation into LA and walked out 2-1 victors (4-3 aggregate).  They move on to face Santos Laguna in the semifinals.

Has Toronto suddenly risen as a power?.  Are they the hidden Yetti from the North?  A warm and cuddly exterior, but monstrous ability to rip apart the best of MLS?

Crushed, the Sounders have to recover quickly. They host their MLS season opener tonight at CenturyLink against that same ecstatic Toronto FC.

The 7pm match will be weather effected from showers, to near freezing, to wind, to snow, or some mix of all.  Usually a sure Sounders advantage.  But Aron Winter has his squad warmed to the intent of quietly knocking any opponent aside.  His overachieving Toronto squad is already adjusted to the Pacific timezone and their heart-of-champions mentality is unshaken and warmed to anything the Sounders throw at them.

They knocked off the MLS Cup Champions, LA Galaxy.  They smashed the Galaxy brass international branding attempts.  They turned Canada on top of US in boasting MLS Champions League success for now.  So, knocking out Seattle on opening day in front of 40,000, probably sounds like a fun Disney theme ride to Aron’s Dutch thinking Canadian Club.

The pressure will be on heavily favored, and heavily tasked Sounders Manager, Sigi Schmid to once again find an answer.  He has precedence here. He’s found those answers before.  An impossibly packed August, 2011 schedule was turned into the Sounders most successful month with 7-wins, 0-losses, 1-draw.  But Sigi has also been at the helm of the Sounders three disappointing MLS Playoff runs, and an opening day loss to LA Galaxy 1-nil last year.

Can the Sounders warm to Toronto’s winter blast?  Or is Toronto the surprise of MLS 2012?

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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Union and Sounders Shed Expansion Franchise Tag – Seattle Sounders FC vs Philadelphia Union

7 10 2011

Flashback to March 25th, 2010. First Kick, the inaugural match for expansion Philadelphia Union, and start of the 2010 season. The stadium formerly known as Qwest roared with thirty-six thousand Sounders fans and a national TV audience that descended on the young Philadelphia Union. Twelve minutes in, Steve Zakuani carved out a pass to Brad Evans who neatly finished for an early 1-nil lead. A goal the young traveling Union never recovered. Possibly in awe of Sounders home fans, but more likely phased by the pace of play. Seattle played fast, so Philly had to counter with physical play to stay alive. Their central, back-line tough-man put his stamp on his clubs début. Danny Califf put a rough knee-check into the back of Freddie Ljungberg, resulting in a straight red-card ejection. Sounders went on to win 2-nil. It’s the type of play expected from most expansion clubs.

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

Sketch by Gabi Campanario - 8/5/09 at Barcelona Friendly

The 2009 expansion Sounders FC raised the bar for future franchise expansion. Not only by Major League standards, but by expansion standards of clubs in any sport. The Sounders were an exception that left Philadelphia a tough act to follow.

One year later both clubs are in second place in their respective conferences. Both clubs even hold mathematical possibilities of winning their conferences. Nothing remains of either clubs frenzied expansion pace. Both clubs now have settled into confident almost champion like skin.

The Union took beloved Le Toux from the Sounders but missed the playoffs. Former Sounders fan favorite, Sebastian Le Toux has rediscovered his scoring touch in recent matches. All too familiar to Sounders fans who adopted him as a favorite in helping the Sounders win the 2007 USL-1 title. Le Toux was acquired by Philadelphia from Sounders FC in the 2010 Expansion Draft. Sounders FC left him unprotected and the Union seized the opportunity. Teams can only protect eleven players from being drafted by expansion teams.

The 2009 expansion Sounders FC set high marks even veteran clubs would love to hit. Securing a winning record with 13 wins, win their first US Open Cup, make their first playoff appearance, and celebrate in front of record crowds. Philadelphia’s fans supported their team and opened a beautiful new soccer only stadium, but were unable to win any hardware or make the playoffs.

During their first offseason, Philadelphia took stock of their priorities. Rather than be influenced by the directions of other clubs, they began to forge their own direction. The result has been a team playing with acres more confidence. They are in second place in the East and with a win against the Sounders on Saturday, clinch their first playoff spot.

For much of the season the Union led the Eastern Conference. A conference exchanging leaders throughout the season. Top seed will likely change hands a time or two again before the final playoff positions are determined in the last three matches.

Philadelphia Union - 2009 Expansion

Their top-seeded form has waned since they rose to the top of the East early on. Their matches have been close and physical. Their defense ranks among the best in MLS allowing only 34 goals in 31 matches. Goals haven’t come easy.

Philadelphia only trails Eastern leaders Sporting Kansas City by one point. Retaking the lead and finishing at the top of the East would be a way to mark their confident rise as one of the best clubs in Major League Soccer in only their second year.

“Mathematically”, the Sounders could still pass the LA Galaxy to win the Supporters Shield for best overall record. LA would have to help by doing no better than losing and drawing their final two matches. The kind of results they have avoided all season. Through 32 matches they have lost only 4.

Sigi Schmid continually amazes with his ability to rest players and still put out a competitive line-up. For the Sounders, health seems to be a greater concern. As much as they would love to win in front of their home crowd, and make a push for the Supporters Shield, they have injuries to heel and injuries to prevent. Sounders have been without Mauro Rosales since his injury to DC United. Working him back into the lineup, resting some players, and giving minutes to others will be of more playoff value to Sigi and his Sounders.

A preview of a possible MLS Cup Final?  Unlikely with LA and New York at the center of the playoff scene. Yet, with both clubs quickly shedding their expansion skin, revealing confidence usually only seen with veteran franchises, a championship preview on Saturday is not unthinkable.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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Baseball Payback – DC United at Sounders FC

17 09 2011

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

Payback!

This is a payback match for Sounders FC.

Important playoff positioning is at stake, but players don’t always have that on their minds against teams they owe some payback to.

On May 4th, Sounders sojourned to the nation’s capitol and came away rejected as a proposal for finance reform.  Losing 2-1 to DC United.  A disappointing effort.  A match where no less than a draw seemed certain.  With playoff fever circling their heads, this becomes Sounders FC payback day.

Think baseball.

A playoff contender approaches their schedule broken up into “season series”, rather than each game.  The more series you win, the more likely your chances of playing playoff ball in October.  At worst, teams hope to split season series and stay at or above .500.  At .500 in baseball you always feel like a season has been a successful effort, and your prospects for playoff contention next season seem only a trade or two away.

Same for Major League Soccer.  We just don’t say it enough.

One man does.  Sigi Shmid.

There are 6 points for a season series.  Three for a win at home, and three for a win on the road.  Come away with two points, and it means you drew both matches.  In soccer with 1-point for a draw and 3-points for a win, drawing both matches is actually below .500.  You are better to win one and lose one than draw both.  (3-points for splitting a season series.  2-points for drawing both matches)

DC United took the first match picking up three points at home.  Win or draw, they win the season series.  Sounders win, and they go .500 for the season series.  More importantly, it tightens their grip on a playoff spot.

The Sounders have fared well in most of their season series during their 2011 Major League Soccer schedule.  They have only lost two season series, while splitting three others.  LA Galaxy and Houston are the only two clubs to take season series from Seattle.  Red Bulls, FC Dallas, and Real Salt Lake all won once, but Seattle took one back from each, splitting those series.

A glance at teams the Sounders have lost to once in 2011.
To date no team has taken both matches from Sounders FC.

LA Galaxy:  Lose, Draw
Houston Dynamo:  Lose, Draw
New York Red Bulls:  Split
FC Dallas:  Split
Real Salt Lake:  Split
DC United:  Lost in DC, ? (To Be Determined)

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

Sales on Sounders by Gabi Campanario - 8/5/09 at Barcelona Friendly

The Sounders played to an exhilarating mid-week CONCACAF Champions League win over Herediano.  Exhaustion could play against them.  On DC’s side they lost star Chris Pontius to an unfortunate season ending injury. Suffering a broken leg in their match last weekend.  Something Sounders FC are all too familiar and empathetic for. His injury will challenge DC United. Nonetheless, they arrive to Seattle with confidence and momentum.  Dwayne De Rosario, since being traded from New York has been a great spark and their playoff chances have increased with him.

Chris Pontius scored the first Major League Soccer hat-trick in Seattle during their 3-2 win last year.  Since Seattle’s 2009 inaugural season, DC United have been one of Seattle’s toughest home opponents.  They drew Seattle 3-3 in 2009, and on the strength of Pontius’s hat-trick last year, won 3-2.  Chris Pontius has scored 4 goals in Seattle.

Payback and playoffs.

Sounders FC will put exhaustion aside for a chance at payback.  DC United will put a tough injury behind then, knowing this is a match to keep them in the playoffs.  Whose mustard is hotter?

Today’s match in Seattle is what every sports fan wants. Both teams have purpose.  Both teams have likable character.  Both teams have their eyes on post season play.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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Brek, Mexico and Sitting Solo in Second Position – FC Dallas vs Sounders FC

23 08 2011

This post is more than 48 hours late. No doubt about that. Considering the tardy arrival, you may feel inclined to slip down to the Post Match portion. Your inclination would be very wrong.  Very, very wrong.  You would miss the beautiful simplicity from my, albeit completely late, Prematch comments.  You would feel like you had cheated.  Like you were suddenly a teenager again, caught shoplifting, completely missing all my post match thoughts, and your cheating ways, although innocent enough in intent, would slowly build a lonely unfulfilled emotion inside you.  ”What if I had only read Sales on Sounders prematch comments first”.  The voice inside your head would say over and over and over.  The choice is yours.  Free will is a wonderful thing.  But starting at the beginning may bring you a more sweetened peace of mind than you could ever imagine.

Prematch vs FC Dallas

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Saturday is the Texas Two Step, from Frisco.  Sounders FC have never won in Texas.  Nothing from Houston Dynamo and nothing from FC Dallas. Sounders travel to FC Dallas’s home pitch at Pizza Hut Park. The winner takes sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, and the overall MLS standings. LA Galaxy leads the way. Playoff positioning is at stake.

Sounders also want a little pay-back for losing 1-nil to FC Dallas in their first meeting at home on May 25th

On Wednesday, August 17th, FC Dallas made history. They became the first MLS squad to celebrate a win in Mexico. Defeating Pumas UNAM, Mexican Primera División Champions 1-nil. A great win to start their 2011 CONCACAF Group Stage. The mid-week match may have left them tired, but the glorious victory will surely open their confidence up to full sail ahead.

On Tuesday, August 16th, Sounders FC had its most successful CONCACAF win to date. A 4-1 win over Comunicaciones of Guatemala.

Both sides meet Saturday with hopes of securing second place in the Western Conference, and overall playoff standings in MLS.  With LA signing Robbie Keane, last week, an irish international striker. It seems unlikely any team will stop LA from reaching their goal of ending the season atop the MLS table and earning the Supporters Shield.  Any remote chance of catching LA, will likely come from the team that wins Saturday in Frisco, Texas.

One player stands above all as the most likely difference maker in Saturday’s showdown.

Soccer often takes itself too seriously. Media, like Twitter, has become a good source for finding the lighter side of soccer. MLS.com features a podcast airing twice a week that balances soccer’s intensity with joyful humor. Extra Time Radio airs Monday to review the weekends results and events. It airs again on Thursday to review any mid-week matches, while looking to the weekends match-ups ahead. Greg Lalas, one member of ETR”s quartet of MLS.com’s writers and media personalities, recently made the point that Brek Shea is not a good name for soccer stardom. It may be a little early to place the full weight of that stigma on Brek Shea, but his development suggests there is good reason for us to be excited about what he could become for the US Men’s National Team.

Messi, Rooney, and Xavi derive unfair comparison when thinking of single name soccer stars. Dempsey is the closest we have in US Soccer. Even Landon Donovan who is the most successful US soccer star has not caught on as a single name. Lalas proposed, “Brek”. Time will tell.  For now, Brek is the primary challenge Seattle will have to mitigate if they want to win. Heat is the other serious obstacle the Sounders will face in order to come out of Texas victorious, and sitting solo in second position.

With LA Galaxy signing Robby Keane this week, it seems unlikely any team will stop them from reaching their MLS championship goal. Two teams from the West that would like to at least have that chance are FC Dallas and Sounders FC.

Post Match

Hoops

Nicknames; Hoops, Red Stripes, Toros, Burn, The Branders, Dallas 96

Sitting in second after winning in Texas, the Sounders are only two-steps from LA. ”if we want to make a run in the playoffs, you know we’re going to have to win games like this”. Keller, after the Sounders first win in Texas.

It all came down to the fifteenth minute.  Lamar Neagle received the ball near midfield, along the left sideline.  He rolls the ball forward on a slow dribble, while Montero makes a run up the middle.  Lamar’s pass avoids an FC Dallas interception finding Fredy Montero, who slides the ball past the last FC Dallas defender. Mauro Rosales runs into the penalty box, timing a one touch strike inside the near post.  Sounders lead 1-nil and all looks good.

Finally, Texas is defeated. The Sounders went on to win by the same 1-nil score. Not a pretty win. It was survival and sweat. Dallas threw everything. They even went down a man and still managed to outplay the Sounders with 10 men.

With the early goal, Seattle gave a little pay-back to FC Dallas for what Dallas did in Seattle on May 25th.  A 1-nil win in Seattle. Brek scored in the 18th minute.  FC Dallas bunkered in behind the ball.  Rarely venturing forward the rest of the match.  Seattle attacked again and again, but FC Dallas held the Alamo and stole a defensive victory. Seattle were the better squad but were not rewarded for their efforts. Carbon copy in Frisco.  Seattle took an early lead, then held on by the skin of their teeth until the final whistle.

Daniel Cruz was shown a third-minute yellow card for a reckless tackle.  Then in the 56th minute the referee thought he was simulating a fall to earn a free kick. The referee made a surprising call against Cruz, showing him a second yellow card.  Dallas played a man down the rest of the match.  You would not have known.  106 degrees hot and a sweltering attack, Dallas never gave up, and were it not for a heroic save by Keller at the death, Dallas looked poised to come back and earn a draw.

For Keller, this was his eighth shutout of the season.

The referee helped Seattle.  Twenty-two fouls against Seattle and nineteen against Dallas.  Forty-one fouls, each giving Sounders players a chance to catch their breath and drink water.  Those little pauses helped Seattle survive 106 degrees of Texas heat and equal amount of sweltering pressure from their attack.

Keller always manages to have the right words to put the perfect perspective on a match. “Maybe they should’ve won here and we definitely should’ve beat them there”.

Happily, Sounders take advantage of the win and climb into sole possession of second place.  Six points behind LA Galaxy seems a bit lofty to think the Sounders could catch them for first place in the remaining eight matches. But pulling out playoff like survival wins are what champions are made of. This is the first time I’ve felt Sounders showed that type of playoff like poise. Even more impressive it was on the road.

 

Credits:  Kasey Keller comments from post match interviews on Sounders FC.com

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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US Open Cup Quarterfinal – LA Galaxy at Sounders FC – Bruce Arena, no excuses for Revenge

13 07 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Sometimes when your team is in form, like the Sounders current eight game undefeated streak, it seems like everything in the world of soccer is about your team.  As the Women’s World Cup heats up, so does the US Open Cup.  As the Women pursue a third World Cup title.  The Sounders pursue a third consecutive US Open Cup.  Can both succeed?  If everything in the world of soccer is Sounders, then the answer is absolutely!

First, there was Sunday, July 10th when the US Women’s National Team came back to defeat Brazil in penalty kicks.  Immediately after, Sounders FC came back to defeat the Timbers.  Coincidentally, on a penalty kick.

Then today, Wednesday, July 13th the US Women’s National Team defeat France 3-1 in the World Cup Semifinals and move one step away from hoisting their third Women’s World Cup trophy.

Tonight, across the Atlantic, on s small field in Tukwilla, Washington, Sounders FC play their Quarter-Final US Open Cup match against the LA Galaxy.  A rematch of last years 2-nil Sounders win.  A win earns a trip to the Semifinal vs FC Dallas for a chance to hoist a third consecutive US Open Cup.

Maybe the great play of the US Women in Germany will send soccer waves all the way to the Sounders in Seattle?  Maybe it’s coincidence?  You decide.

US Open Cup - Sounders FC Defending '09 & '10 Champions

Some Major League Soccer teams question the value of the US Open Cup.  Seattle Sounders FC make it a priority. The Cup winner gains the opportunity to play in the CONCACAF Champions League.  A tournament gaining international recognition.  LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls are two teams that have questioned the value of US Open Cup.  Chicago, Columbus, and FC Dallas join Seattle in taking the US Open Cup seriously.  Scheduling and lineup choices are challenges, but what league around the world doesn’t face those same challenges in important tournaments other than their league?  The weak effort and hasty excuses from some MLS squads are showing leaks.

Tonight pits Major League Soccer’s league leading, and star-powered LA Galaxy against two-time defending US Open Cup Champion, Seattle Sounders FC.  Both clubs have high stake reasons to win.  No excuses.

No excuses for watered down lineups.  LA Galaxy play a Saturday friendly against Real Madrid.  While Sounders FC play an intense weekend regular season match against Major League Soccer defending Champion, Colorado Rapids at home.  Sounders coach, Sigi Schnid has the tougher schedule, but will play to pursue a third consecutive US Open Cup title.

Bruce Arena and LA have dominated Seattle with 5-wins and 1-draw in MLS regular season and playoff competition the last two years.  His only loss to rival coach, Sigi Schmid and the Sounders came last July in the US Open Cup.  Bruce Arena will be seeking revenge for the 2-nil loss.  He has no excuses for doing anything other than fielding a high-powered revenge seeking lineup.  Sigi Schmid has the tougher job of navigating lineup decisions to have players healthy and ready for both matches.

“. . . to me these games don’t make sense”.
“Essentially, it was a reserve game tonight.  I think the timing of this competition isn’t right for MLS teams”.
” . . . the competition is watered down due to the fact that each team is juggling players”.

Bruce Arena’s comments, July 2010 after losing 2-nil to Sounders in a US Open Cup Semifinal.

Bruce Arena also made comments about the Starfire field and facility.  He may have a point in questioning the Sounder’s Front Office insistence in using the small practice pitch, but he won’t have to worry about lineup juggling or MLS scheduling.  The only watered down issue he may have to deal with is his teams preparation for the short, fast, Northwest pitch.

Follow me tonight on Twitter.  @SalesonSounders also @USOpenCup.  Watch the match live, here.  Also visit the US Open Cup site TheCup.us.

Thanks and support to Josh Hakala and ALL involved with and working for TheCup.us.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan 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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Re-Union of Expansion Rivals: Philadelphia Union vs Seattle Sounders FC

16 04 2011

Peter Nowak, has his club playing with excitement and confidence.  The second year Philadelphia Union manager has players buying into his defensively physical, but gracefully eloquent pass and possession style.

The Union are the surprise club of the young 2011 Major League Soccer season.  With four matches in their books, the Union lead the Eastern Conference with 3-wins and 1-loss.  Defeating potential MLS Cup favorite, New York Red Bulls 1-nil last week is evidence revealing they are no surprise.  New York and LA are the two clubs most favored to win the 2011 MLS Cup.  Instead the Union are turning into a contender to reckon with.

Philadelphia Union - 2009 Expansion

Squaring off twice in 2010, Philadelphia and Seattle became unintended rivals.  Hard to do from across the country.  Yet both clubs did enough on and off the field to make Chester, PA and Seattle, WA feel like Cascadia Rivals.

Sebastian Le Toux was left unprotected by Sounders FC in the 2010 expansion draft.  Philadelphia Union wasted no time snapping him up.  It was widely considered the Sounders first Front Office mistake.  Those most vocal were Sounders FC’s own supporters.  Le Toux joined Sounders FC as a USL-1 club in 2007.  He successfully helped the Sounders knock off MLS clubs in ’07 & ’08 US Open Cup matches.  He was the US Open Cup goals leader in 2008.  In 2009, his assist in the US Open Cup final vs DC United lead to Reger Levesques winning goal and Seattle’s first taste of trophy glory.

Seattle and Philadelphia are the two previous expansion cities.  Portland and Vancouver have joined this season.  Sounders FC joined in 2009 and the Union in 2010.

Sounders FC ownership launched a franchise with such high marks it makes comparison unfair for future expansion clubs.  Winning the US Open Cup and making the playoffs left Philadelphia in the wake of that comparison.  The Union’s new soccer only stadium, PPL Park was not completed.  So, for a second straight season, MLS granted Seattle the host city for First Kick 2010 vs expansion Philadelphia.  Which meant the Union had to go west for their inaugural MLS match at unfriendly Qwest Field in Seattle, losing 2-nil.

If direct comparison hadn’t already lit a spark under this unintended East v West rivalry, then match play and post match dialogue did.  During the match, physical play led to strong yellow cards, an ejection, and an injury to Ljungberg.  Union’s coach Peter Nowak felt Freddie Ljungberg dove to get a fouls called.  Ljungberg ended up injured for two weeks, which was about as long as their mild banter and jabs went back and forth.

Sebastian Le Toux & Peter Nowak

Traveling east in June Sounders FC took their magnetic media frenzy to give PPL Park, in Chester, PA, a grand opening.  Hungry for revenge, Philadelphia felt necessary to prove their quality.  Pat Noonan, Seattle’s forward for that match took some of their joy out of the occasion by scoring the first official MLS regular season goal at PPL Park.  That was enough to twist Union passion up to 11 on the rock-n-roll meter.  From that point forward Union dominated and eventually won 3-1.  Even when Montero earned a rare Sounders FC penalty kick, Noonan could not finish.

Seattle goes to Chester, PA hot off their first win over the Chicago Fire last weekend.  The Sounders unexpectedly slow start, 1-win 2-losses 2-draws, goes up against the surprisingly successful start for the Union.  Undefeated in their last 3 matches, a Sounders first away win would put them right on course.  Even a draw would keep momentum building on a stretch of away matches that includes 4 of their next 5.

In this Season of the Rivalry, it is important to look beyond regional rivals.  Houston and Seattle still have a grudge in the bank from 2009.  Seattle knocked Houston out of the Semi Final of the 2009 US Open Cup.  While Houston knocked Seattle out of the MLS playoffs with a stoppage time goal in the second leg of their first round clash.  LA and Seattle have an ever rising tiff as well.  This shows the maturity and growth of Major League Soccer.  A maturity directly related to the quality in all its recent expansion clubs and the supporters groups from their home cities.

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Sales on Sounders would like to recognize a pair of supporter based blogs.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting a fellow Sounders supporter and blogger at Tat’s in Pioneer Square, prior to the Chicago Fire match.  Jacob Cristobal, the editor of, Jibber Jabbin’ Jacob, shows tremendous knowledge of the game, and a sharp eye for key elements of matches.  Follow the link above to his site.  In addition to great taste in sport, his sense for locating a quality watering hole and amazingly authentic Philly Cheese Steak in Seattle is spot on.  Traveling to Seattle and wondering where to grab a good bite?  A supporter from Portland or any other soccer city and want to know what to eat and where to go?  Tat’s is close to Qwest field, so look no further.  In as PG-13 a manner as I possibly can, you only need 8 inches.  As good as 12 inches sounds, you can share it but you can’t finish it.  Looking to get a fresh intelligent take on the weekly MLS club Power Rankings?  Please take a look at Derek Ciapala’s, Weekly MLS Power Rankings.  Derek is an LA supporter, but his knowledge of what is shaping up throughout the league is objective and more engaging than most sport site’s Power Rankings.

* * * * *

© 2011 by Ryan J Sales, Sales on Sounders,
April 16, 2011


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