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

27 04 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

 © 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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No More Mulling over Mullan – Rapids at Sounders

13 04 2012

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

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

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

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

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

What started as a routine defensive recovery went horribly wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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Seattle Sounders Take Campaign on the Road vs De Ro in DC

7 04 2012

When in the nation’s capital, it’s about striking with purpose and intent. Deliver messages that get results.  Soft shots, like soft words don’t play in DC.

Steven Lenhart goaded Marc Burch by going to ground easy. Gaining the referees attention ultimately led to a softly awarded, game winning penalty kick converted by Chris Wondolowski.

In an election year, daily 50/50 challenges between Republicans and Democrats play out like strikers and defenders behaving in all manors possible to win possession.  Defenders grind and bleed to play the ball safe and clear, while strikers turn rusty sinks into artful masterpieces sewing the ball into the goals netting.  No in-between in DC.  Messages get delivered with purpose, or go home.

The Sounders are in the Nations Capital Saturday, facing DC United at 4:30pm (PST).  One week after dropping an unfocused 1-nil hem-and-haw, off message performance to San Jose’s Earthquakes.

Steven Lenhart saw a ping of vulnerability in Sounders newest left-back Marc Burch.  Lenhart goaded Burch into giving a slight nudge of retaliation inside the penalty box.  The referee was audience to Lenhart’s well executed soccer flop.

Lesson learned.

Don’t be mad at Lenhart.  Like a tricky politician collecting delegates to bolster his nomination, Lenhart gave a performance delivered with purpose to get his club their desired result.  ”i’ve seen him enough, it’s the same tricks every time,” Burch stated.  ”I should be bigger than that, better than that”.  Sometimes casting silly votes by being vulnerable and innocent to a politicians tactics, we learn how not to vote next time.  Burch will be ready for the next match.

Even Sounders coach, Sigi Schmid said of Lenhart, “He’s the kind of player who looks for exactly that. He got one tonight. I don’t think it’s the best soccer.”  Indeed, it’s not the best soccer.  Unless you are on point and prepared to execute your message without any distraction, you leave yourself vulnerable to a soft undoing.

De Ro in DC.

Going into the Sounders third consecutive home match last Saturday, Seattle was in place to start their season with a hat-trick of home wins.  Instead, the Sounders settled for 2-wins and 1-loss.  Overall a good start.  But rather than DC being a first road trip where Sounders could ease into the long travel of their MLS season, the match with United becomes even more important.  A loss would be harmful.  A draw would be tolerated, but sting.

Pause, for a moment of sporing reflection and cliché.  ”It’s early”.  Saying that, a win Saturday in DC is critical for the Sounders to earn all three points.  Even in a long campaign, it’s never too early to deliver a statement of challenge to your opposition.  Sounders have a talking points list of reasons for needing a win in DC that sends such a message.

  • Missed opportunity at three home wins.
  • Avoidable and frustrating loss to San Jose last week.
  • Avenge a 2-1 defeat at DC last year.
  • Chip on the shoulder for injury to Mauro Rosales in last September’s match vs DC in Seattle.

Dwayne De Rosario (De Ro) - 2011 MLS MVP played for Toronto, New York & DC

Sounders didn’t pick up their first win of 2011 until match #5, on April 9th vs Chicago Fire.  Mauro Rosales’s pinpoint cross to O’Brian White for his perfectly placed headed goal of the week finish.  Combined with Zakuani’s skillful 1-v-1 move past a Fire defender to stuff in the winner helped the Sounders earn their first win of 2011.  All three players are still with the Sounders, but not one of them will start in DC on Saturday.

Oh, what injuries do.

The Sounders talented roster of Injuries quickly needs to be put aside.  DC United have in Dwayne De Rosario (De Ro) the finest attacking-midfielder in MLS.  Playing for three clubs last season, he finally settled with his third in DC.  Despite odds agains a successful season due to so many moves, he managed to win Major League Soccer’s 2011 MVP.  DC didn’t make the playoffs.  When was the last time you heard a player win MVP and the club not make the playoffs.  Don’t furl your brow at this.  De Ro earned it.  He’s that good!

De Ro takes over games on his own.  Creates goals out of nothing.  He poaches in close, heads, and strikes from distance.  He feeds assists to teammates finding gaps for them to score goals they would not otherwise create for themselves.

Osvaldo Alonso will have the weighted responsibility for keeping De Ro in check.  How well Alonso does may determine how well the Sounders do in delivering their early season message in DC.

Follow my posts on Seattle PI.com 

© 2012 Sales on Sounder by Ryan Sales


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Wonder-Striker Wondolowski – Earthquakes at Sounders

31 03 2012

Two home matches, two wins.  Is there much more that could be, or should be made from the Sounders taking six points out of six possible in the first two matches of 2012?

if this MLS season is a Marathon potentially lasting until December, then I’m more concerned about the Sounders accumulating early injuries than points from victories.  On paper, the start is an improvement over the 0-W, 2-L start the club had at this time last year.  But injuries temper short-term success in a long season.

Collin Lamont (@ChamberECS on twitter) made an interesting observation about a “formidable lineup” of Sounders.  A nearly all injured lineup:  Josh Ford – Keeper, Adam Johansson – Defender, Mauro Rosales – Midfielder, Eddie Johnson – Forward, Brad Evans – Midfielder (game-time decision) Steve Zakuani – Midfielder, Michael Tetteh – Defender, Andrew Duran – Defender, Babayele Sodade – Forward

Names you don’t want to see on the injured list too long.

The talented Sounders depth will be pressed up against the wall.  That depth is often about season development, more than about being forced into action.  But the length of the Sounders current triage list will force many developing players into action.

With four of the Sounders first five goals in 2012, David Estrada is bringing Sounders depth to the surface.  As with Neagle and Fucito before him, there is a precedent in the Sounders camp for developing players rising to meet the challenge when injuries begin to mount.

Chris Wondolowski of San Jose Earthquakes - Most goals in MLS past two seasons.

If you are like me, when you are jumping and singing praise for your own clubs heroes, like Estrada, it’s hard to see any other players in MLS who deserve mention for their hard work and team-first work ethic.

Chris Wondolowski stands out.  The San Jose Earthquakes starting forward deserves the growing recognition he’s receiving.  He doesn’t take many days off.  When he’s not playing for the Earthquakes and tallying the most goals in MLS over the last two years, he’s working his way onto Jurgen Klinsmann’s, US Men’s National Team lineup.

Paired with the ever-present threat of Steven Lenhart, San Jose posses one of the more lethal 1-2 goal scorning punches in Major League Soccer.  The Sounders have the defensive strength and talent to stand tall to San Jose, but the challenge can’t be taken lightly.

Wondolowski has graduated from proving his role each week as a starter.  Now he’s proving his place above other goal scoring names like, Henry, Donovan, Montero, and Shea.  He wants to prove his efforts can lift San Jose up as a playoff threat, while solidifying his spot on the National Team.

San Jose will test the Sounders depth.

The Earthquakes are the most complete challenge for the Sounders so far this season.  They possess some of the same threat the Sounders faced in the attacking height that Toronto and Houston had.  But they posses a more attacking midfield.  Sounders need to be alert to the constant threat of a quick San Jose counter attack.  Their defense has been their leaky faucet, but has improved.  They will come in with a chip on their shoulder from being the team that lost to Keller in his last regular season appearance before retiring.

Sideline Notes

 

The Heritage Cup - Original NASL Clubs in MLS

Heritage Cup:  NASL is still alive in spirit.  San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers, and Seattle Sounders are all part of the continued history from their former NASL days.  Before Portland and Vancouver joined in 2011, the first Heritage Cup went to San Jose in 2009.  Sounders won the next two in 2010 and 2011.  Tonight is the first Heritage Cup match of 2012.

Last meeting:  The last meeting between San Jose and Seattle was the historic last regular season home match in front of goal for Kasey Keller.  October 15th, 2011, Sounders won 2-1 for Keller’s last home regular season match.  To mark the night as a historic date for the Sounders, there were memorable performances by the club and from Keller himself.  Sounders fell behind 1-0 to none other than Chris Wondolowski.  The lead would have increased had anyone other than Keller been in net.  Keller thrilled a crowd of over 50,000 by making of succession of 4 saves.  Diving, charging, going to turf, rising again, and knocking the ball away.  Rare to ever see many efforts like it.  Topping the night off, Sammy Ochoa and Fredy Montero scored two late Sounders goals to leave the crowd thrilled and give Keller a happy retirement memory.

Alonso = Honey Badger:  Osvaldo Alonso has had his tenacious style of winning balls back from quickly from other teams earn the midfielder the nick name “Honey Badger”.  For his efforts last week he earned a place on the Major League Soccer Best XI.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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

14 03 2012

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

Club Santos Laguna - Mexican Primera División

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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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.

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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.

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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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Kasey Keller Day – Seattle Sounders FC vs San Jose Earthquakes

15 10 2011

I’m not exactly 100% sure what the time line was. I was graduating from high school. Still kind of selfish. Arguing with my dad occasionally about work, money, and other priorities. Stuff. I got a scholarship to head to Salt Lake City to study theatre at the University of Utah. My dad drove me from Seattle and dropped me off there. I don’t recall much road-trip conversation about soccer heroes.

Somewhere in between graduating, relocating to Utah, and showing my dad I can make it in the world. I heard about this other kid, same age, from Olympia, Washington. A Goal Keeper to watch. Youth with promise. That sort of thing.

No doubt, it was not long after that I started reading about him occasionally in the Seattle Times.

Keller lifting Cascadia Cup 2011

My soccer career, as for playing, had already ended. When I entered high school, I went straight for varsity Cross-Country, and made the cut. Bicycling, running, violin, and theatre were everything to me. Soccer had fallen off the shelf. That and the fact our high school forwards looked something out of the German National Team youth system.  My 5′-8″ frame was small. Height was too much a priority for the sport at that time. Maradona was considered a one of a kind phenom, and Messi wasn’t on the scene yet.

Sounders players Osvaldo Alonso, Michael Fucito, and James Riley will inspire an entire generation of kids whose skill attributes, like agility, endurance, and consistency will matter more than height. It pleases me to know that the next generation of soccer players will have a more equitable variance in size.

As a senior in high school, my friend Dawn Schuller nudged me into co-coaching a 9-year old girls, first year soccer team.  I found enough inspiration in that experience to consider dropping college and only coach soccer. I couldn’t see the future in that. So, I went to college to study theatre and become an actor.

Kasey Keller’s name didn’t jump up in many theatre circles. In between a theatre conservatory-esque regime of classes; movement, voice, and theatre history, there wasn’t much room for soccer.

Being the sports-0-phile I’ve always been, I knew who he was and continued to follow his rise up the ladder of the US National Team.

Most people will tell you about his Gold Cup victory over Brazil with the US National Team in 1998. A stunning 1-nil win over the Beautiful Game’s greatest nation. Not me. I’ll tell you how cool it is he lived in a castle in Germany, received an invitation from the King os Spain, and played soccer in England. Above all, I’ll tell you about his relegation battle at Fulham.

Kasey Keller fights for every game no matter what is at stake. In 2006 the US fizzled disappointingly at the World Cup. Keller went to Fulham in the English Premier League. They fell near the bottom of the league in 2007 and headed for relegation. HIs move appeared a possible last stop in his career. Two Seattle area Keepers dueled to stay above the relegation line. Marcus Hahnemann with Reading, and Keller with Fulham. it was a famous and glorious relegation battle.

Height takes a back seat to Osvaldo Alonso's 2 goals vs Comunicaciones in CCL

Difficult to describe what happened next. There is no US equivalent. We measure teams success by what they do at the top of the table. Bottom table teams are just holding out for draft choices to help rebuild. In soccer leagues around the world, there is glory at the top of the table. But the place settings are few and the guest list doesn’t change much.

Three teams at the bottom of the table are relegated to the league below. Three teams in the league below are promoted above. Those relegation battles draw crowds, cameras, and conversation no different from who makes the sweet sixteen. Keller dug in and Fulham planted a historic survival flag. A battle that went to the last match of 2007. It could have been a fitting end, but he heard the Sounders calling.

Sometimes heroes hear their calling. I’ve struggled with following my own passions. How to make them part of my life in a way that earns a living. At a young age Keller heard his calling to be a professional athlete and stayed true to that path. So, when the Sounders called it was no surprise that the US International Soccer hero jumped back across the pond to make his last professional stop at home.

Captain Kasey Keller #18

At the end of Keller’s second year with the Sounders, his contract was renewed. Instead of a bidding process for more money. Keller offered less. He offered $50,000 less than he could have taken. That $50,000 found Mauro Rosales. This is sports. Just entertainment at the end of the day. But with Keller it’s much more. School in session. Sacrifice personal reward for the greater achievements of your family and community. For your club.

In his third year with the Sounders, their third year in existence, he is the team Captain and soccer icon we have always wanted. 62,000 will take part in his retirement ceremony. Leaving no less than what all sports in America needs. An example of hard work, leadership, and desire to win no matter what is at stake

Kasey Keller Day is officially upon us. 62,000 will take part in his retirement. One fan finds himself reflecting on his own life’s soccer influence, and taking account of future goals. As Keller retires from soccer, I find myself more and more compelled to be part of its growth. Keller’s achievements inspire and bring together the core for me of what sports are about. A club rising to the occasion to represent the city that hosts it. Keller has brought both club and community together. As he retires, I can’t help feel that he has united Seattle into something special for decades to come. Inspiring us in sport, classroom, and life.

 

Dedicated to Dawn Schuller – She is my personal soccer Captain and hero.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales


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MLS Playoffs Wait for Cascadia Cup – Sounders FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

24 09 2011

The season of the rivalry has come to this.  A Sounders victory in Vancouver and the Cascadia Cup goes to Seattle.  A draw or loss, and Sounders leave Cascadia Cup celebrations to hope.  Which, is like dry timber surviving a lightning storm, a small craft in soaring winds, sailing in high swells, or a happy school of salmon avoiding trawlers nets.  Cascadia worries aside, the Sounders would secure the cup and further improve their playoff position.

MLS Breaking News

Sounders make MLS playoffs for third consecutive year.  Last night’s match, (Friday 9/23), between Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City ended in a 1-1 draw.  The draw secured Seattle’s third consecutive playoff appearance.  With playoff acquisition behind them, the match with Vancouver remains critical. Finishing above Real Salt Lake and Colorado secures home field advantage in the first round of the MLS Playoffs.

Side note. Philadelphia’s lone goal was scored by beloved former Sounder, Sebastian Le Toux.  A gift from one Sounder to another.

Now back to our regularly scheduled, but ir-regularly minded Cascadia Cup Clash.

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

A Major League Soccer moment in history was marked in their first meeting, June 11th at Qwest Field. Eric Hassli converted a first half penalty and Vancouver led 1-nil through the 80th minute. With a major upset only 10 minutes away, Tyson Wahl crossed a ball into the box from the left-flank, where Nate Jacqua brilliantly flicked on to Mauro Rosales for a finely finished volley.

The Sounders could have easily settled for happy-relief with the 81st minute equalizing draw. Instead, Osvaldo Alonso stole the ball outside the box in the 84th minute, slotting a shot inside the near post. With Seattle now holding a late 2-1 lead, it appeared they had stolen another exciting, nail-biting victory.

Eric Hassli decided to make history. (see video) Osvaldo Alonso, the hero, doesn’t make many mistakes. Receiving a pass at the right corner of the Sounders penalty box for a simple clearance, he misplayed the ball. Hasli immediately picked up the loose ball, flicked it up to himself, and from above the right corner of the penalty area, volleyed a shot that not only hit net, but has earned nearly 5,000,000 YouTube hits worldwide.

Many call this the “Goal of the Year”. Some now call it the best in MLS history. Either way, the goal is so outstanding, Qwest Field was renamed CenturyLink.

Video – Eric Hassli’s goal to remember

The good, the bad, the ugly of Eric Hassli. Even ugly, he is as entertaining a soccer player as Major League Soccer has ever had. He wears the passion for the game on his arm. He’s hot on the ball and hot-headed. Everything a striker needs to be. First season in MLS and he’s accumulated 10 goals, 6 yellow-cards, and 3 red-card ejections. It’s quite likely, if not certain, as seen in their first meeting, the Sounders will see Hassli add to those stats.

Vancouver whitecaps’ 4-win, 14-loss, 10-draw record, lowest seed in Major League Soccer, is no reflection of their talent on the field.  Hassli, Camilo, and Chiumiento have joined for 20 goals and 12 assists. Their offense is potent and earns its goals in the run of play as well as any club in Major League Soccer. Compared with the more successful, but set-piece oriented Portland Timbers, and you wonder what holds them back. Their defense and goal-keeping are their weakness. Attack minded clubs, like Seattle, expose those weaknesses. No doubt defense is the key to Vancouver’s improvement for next season.

Seattle Sounders - NASL 1974 - 1983

When rivals meet, season totals reset to zero. For tonight, Vancouver has one emotional stat in their favor. This rivalry dates to 1974, when both teams joined the NASL. Vancouver’s home field for much of their history has been at Empire Field, where tonight’s match takes place.

While Seattle is in the playoffs, Vancouver is out. Seattle has 14-wins to Vancouver’s 4. Sounders set a new club high-mark for season points, with 51 and climbing. Vancouver is at 22. But forget it all. Vancouver has an emotional weapon. Tonight is their last match at Empire Field. Their home for much of their 37 years of professional soccer. History has a way of adding emotional adrenaline to match-day adrenaline. Something the Sounders can best calm with early goals.

At 51 points, 46 goals, and 14 wins the Sounders excellence so far this season has them poised and fighting for home-filed playoff positioning.  Their stakes remain high, even with Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City assisting their playoff certainty last night.

Mauro Rosales will not be available due to his MCL injury suffered in last week’s match with DC United. Pressure to fill his boots likely falls on Fernandez, Friberg and Neagle. Sigi Schmid has been resourceful juggling his clubs depth to fight off many injuries all season long. Each match has posed a new lineup challenge.  Schmid has succeeded at meeting those challenges throughout the season. Tonight will be another regular lineup challenge. The emotional crowd of Empire Field, desire to lift a rivalry trophy, and improve their playoff position will be anything but a regular challenge for both clubs. Normal for Cascadia.

Cascadia Cup Standings
Sounders:  1-W, O-L, 2-D = 5pts (one match remaining @ Vancouver)
Portland:  1-W, 1-L, 1-D = 4pts (one match remaining @ Vancouver)
Vancouver:  0-W, 1-D, 1-L = 1pt (two matches remaining vs Seattle, vs Portland)

© Sales on Sounders – 2011 by Ryan Sales



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Rave Green Chili Peppers – Chivas USA at Sounders FC

13 08 2011
Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

Panama heat, Houston heat, Kansas heat, even CONCACAF Referee heat.  A quartet of chili pepper challenges behind them, Sounders came out looking pretty cool. Two wins and two losses.  For their brave efforts, splitting the peppers found the Sounders continuing to climb the Scoville scale of Major League Soccer.  What can they get from goats this week?

Defeating San Francisco FC of Panama, qualified Sounders for Group stages in CONCACAF Champions League.  Two stoppage time goals last weekend against Sporting Kansas City and the Sounders became the first MLS franchise to win at new Livestrong Sporting Park.  The win placed Seattle one point behind Dallas for third in the west, at 41 points on the season.

Both Sounders goals came in stoppage time.  The second nearly at the death.  Mauro Rosales played a full 120 minutes last Wednesday in the 2-nil CONCACAF defeat of San Francisco FC.  So, it was nothing short of amazing to watch him carve the ball away from two defenders after another full 90 minutes against Sporting Kansas City. With more workman than flash-like moves, Rosales used a calm sense of poise to drag the ball away from two Sporting defenders.  Then pass the ball past their Keeper, Jimmy Nielsen for an equalizing goal. The Sounders would have been content with that tying goal for a draw. Moments later they pushed forward again.  Mauro Rosales passed the ball from the top of the box to the left of goal, where Lamar Neagle met the ball one time with his right foot, skirting the ball past two defenders, and into the net of a heartbroken Jimmy Nielsen for the winning goal.

Sounders FC are building a scary reputation for being road warrior streak busters.  The 2-1 win at Sporting Kansas City’s, Livestrong Sporting Park was their third such feat. In 2009 Seattle ended Columbus Crew’s undefeated streak at 22-games.  In May of this year, Sounders went to Real Salt Lakes’s fortress, Rio Tinto and stopped their undefeated streak at 29-games. The win at Livestrong stopped Sporting’s 14-game undefeated streak.

It wasn’t the first time Kansas City have played Sounders FC matches expecting to get something, only to come away empty-handed and disappointed.  With the win, Seattle picks up their third stoppage time win over Kansas City.  Last year at Qwest Field there was the famous  Fucito Finish.  The stoppage time goal from Mike Fucito to grab a 1-nil win. Then, on May 21st, Jeff Parke made it “lightning strikes twice” and headed in a second stoppage time winner.  Coach, Sigi Schmid, felt this third such victory was justified pay-back.  “They were the first team to beat us at Qwest, and we’re now the first team to beat them at Livestrong”.

I think it is safe to say Sporting Kansas City will be perfectly happy to not see the Sounders again until next year.

Here come the Goats!!!

Club Deportivo Chivas USA - Founded 2004

At 7-wins, 8-losses, and 8-draws, Club Deportivo Chivas USA comes to CenturyLink a more dangerous attacking team than their record shows. With 29-points from 23-matches, they are sitting sixth in the Western Conference.  Right now, that is good enough for the 10th and final MLS Playoff spot.

Strong in attack.  Chivas have scored 30 goals over 23 matches.  It is their defense that needs work. The Sounders defense are not entirely different. They have also given up more goals than Kasey Keller would like in his final season. Unless either defense becomes stingy it could be an exciting, high-scoring 3-2 match.

The Sounders have developed a knack for dramatic finishes this season.  Especially at home.  Their confidence for always finding a way to win matches will favor Sounders FC against Chivas USA. Beyond that, grab a coin and flip for a winner.

If that seems dismissive of the Sounders better results and record reflecting their effort.  I assure you it is not.  The Sounders have demonstrated they have a club poise and quality for winning.  No team possesses a flare for outrageous winning like Sounders FC.  With 210 minutes played in the last two matches, resulting in two wins, including one in overtime and the other in stoppage time, their team chemistry and determination are among the best in MLS currently.

Seattle’s success goes beyond the intangibles of team chemistry and is in no small part due to their developing talents.  No one in MLS tackles better, and disrupts opposing midfield play more than Sounders’ Osvaldo Alonso.  Mauro Rosales is playing like he belongs on an MLS starting XI.  Add to that the dynamic in-form play of Alvaro Fernandez, along with Fredy Montero, and Seattle’s midfield and front attack is something to fear.  On the other end of the field, a few too many defensive miscues have demonstrated Sounders back line cohesion needs to improve to make a significant playoff run.

Chivas plays a high attacking line, exposing defenses to fast breaks.  They will attempt to run fast and often at Seattle’s defense to keep them unsettled.  They show good attacking form with their passing, possession and forward movement from players off the ball.  This does leave their defense exposed.  But allowing a couple of goals is something they are not afraid to risk in order to create a winning goal in a high scoring affair.

Where Chivas lacks some of the Sounders cohesiveness, they are not short of youthful talent.  With a great mix of strength and speed, which is starting to come together, Chivas are looking more dangerous all the time.

Midfielder, Nick LaBrocca along with forwards, Justin Braun and Alejandro Moreno will put pressure on Seattle’s back line.  If Seattle uses their few extra days rest and preparation this week, they should be able to use passing and possession to counter Chivas strength and speed in going forward.

One thing 36,000 fans do for opposing teams when they come to Seattle is make them want to bring out their best.  Chivas would like to prove they belong in the MLS Playoff-Ten.  With four teams on their heels, taking all three points in Seattle would help strengthen their playoff position and add confidence to their push towards the end of season.

Playoff positioning is equally important to Seattle, who would like to keep pressure on Dallas and LA.  The chase for second place in the Western Conference heats up next week in Frisco, Texas as Seattle and Dallas face-off at Pizza Hut Park.  Trailing LA by 7-points for top spot in MLS and Supporters Shield may prove too tall a hill to climb, but winning never hurts your chances.  Any slip from LA, and another late season winning run from Seattle could leap them into Major League Soccer’s top spot.

© 2011 Sales on Sounders – by Ryan Sales


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