Defend It – Sounders vs Chivas USA – Seattle wants fourth Open Cup

11 07 2012

“Defend it”

“Defend It” – USL Sounders slogan – keychain side 2

USL Sounders “Defend It” keychain side 1

Dusting off an old Sounders keychain, I found a message from their USL days. It’s a simple slogan lacking originality. But sends a clear message. Defeat Chivas USA, Wednesday at Starfire and the Sounders earn the right to defend their three consecutive US Open Cup titles. A unique American sports dynasty that Sounders would like to defend while striving for a fourth.

Sporting Kansas City travels to PPL Park in Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia Union in the other Wednesday semifinal.

Three is not enough. Seattle have already established a modern US Open Cup dynasty winning three straight US Open Cups. From the 2009 inaugural season to the present they have reigned supreme. Possibly more significant than winning three straight cups is tomorrows semifinal with Chivas USA, which marks Seattle’s sixth consecutive trip to the US Open Cup semifinal round. A tremendous achievement in the cups ninety-nine year history. A mark extraordinary enough to likely stand for another hundred years.

If the Sounders make it past Chivas they will become only the second team to accomplish the feat.  The last being Stix, Baer and Fuller (St Louis Central Breweries) from 1932-1935.

Advantage Levesque or advantage Riley?
Teammates and fan favorites from the Sounders inaugural season and the run of three US Open Cups. Roger Levesque and James Riley face one another as opponents this time. Both are steady cogs in each clubs lineups. Never the star, but always accountable.

Roger Levesque plays any position. From Defender to Forward. James Riley was a steady Right Back for Seattle’s first three seasons. He plays the Right Back position consistently for Chivas USA since being picked up by Montreal and subsequently traded in the Expansion Draft. Levesque has played for the Sounders since their USL days.  He’s been part of each of the Sounders six-year run at reaching as far as the semifinal.

Starfire’s home advantage. Riley knows Sounders home away from home pitch at Starfire as well as any opponent Sounders could face. The short field plays quickly. Teams have little space to build a midfield attack. It makes for an exciting game for fans as the possession transitions like hockey quickly from defense to attack. Riley will be able to help Chivas prepare for that style of play.

2012 is the 99th edition of the US Open Cup – Sounders are 1st club since 67-69 to win 3 in a row – 6 consecutive semifinal appearances

For the Sounders, there is an intriguing simultaneous duel they are fighting for beyond the one with Chivas USA to reach the US Open Cup finals. One for respect. The US Open Cup does not get its due credit as an American sporting institution. And the Sounders aren’t treated like a reigning champion.

Rather than the Sounders having home-field advantage throughout this years competition as reigning champions. They lost home-field hosting rights to Sporting Kansas City with a coin flip. A sporting flop. A coin flip determines who kicks off and who defends. Not who hosts a match.

In any other major sporting league the Seattle Sounders US Open Cup accomplishments would be more highly regarded by their peers. Winning the US Open Cup is a direct path to CONCACAF Champions League. The Sounders have benefitted from punching their CCL ticket before any other MLS club the past three years. But MLS clubs often show up to US Open Cup matches ill prepared. Portland losing 1-0 to Cal FC may have even been the match that undid John Spencer’s coaching position for Portland. The Sounders don’t need any parades, but more acknowledgment from Major League Soccer and their club peers would help grow the interest and image of the 99-year-old knockout competition.

There are no guarantees, but if the Sounders defeat Chivas USA, they will be making a fourth consecutive US Open Cup Finals appearance. Their dynasty becomes legacy.

The Final may well be a name changing event. From US Open Cup, to Seattle’s Open Cup.

 

2007 – Seattle Sounders lose to FC Dallas 2-1 overtime – Qwest Field, Seattle, WA (Semifinal)
2008 – Seattle Sounders draw Charlotte Battery 1-1, lose on Penalty Kicks (4-2) – Charlotte, NC (Semifinal)
2009 – Seattle Sounders FC defeat DC United 2-1 – RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
2010 – Seattle Sounders FC defeat Columbus Crew 2-1 – Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
2011 – Seattle Sounders FC defeat Chicago Fire 2-nil – CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
2012 – Seattle Sounders  FC vs Chivas USA – Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, WA (Semifinal)

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

From Frisco With Depth – Sounders at FC Dallas

9 05 2012

Three up, three down.  What’s next?  Wednesday in Frisco, Texas with FC Dallas.

Sounders successfully march on to challenging May schedule – March to the Match vs Philadelphia Union 5/5/12 – Photo by © Paul Kahl

The last time Sounders traveled to FC Dallas Stadium, they were facing eight matches in August.  The most challenging portion of their 2011 schedule. How did they do?  Sounders went 7-W, 0-L, 1-D.  Including a rare Champions League win in Mexico.  Only the second MLS squad to succeed in Mexico.  The only other is FC Dallas, who did it one week before Sounders FC.

The Champions League win was followed by a 1-nil win over FC Dallas.  Zach Scott took on growing US Men’s National Team star, and FC Dallas playmaker Brek Shea.  Scott was impressive in shutting down the rising US star.

Currently In the middle of their first scheduling challenge of 2012 the Sounders are rising to the occasion.  They are turning into a club with a well oiled baseball like player and lineup rotation.  And a skipper with a nose for who needs to be on the pitch.  If you accurately predict the Sounders starting XI for Wednesday, buy a lottery ticket.

The Sounders baseball like player rotations and lineup changes have produced three wins in a stretch of five matches over 15 days.  Sounders Coach, Sigi Schmid continues to show his Lou Piniella like sharpness with his defensive rotation.  About his defenders, Sigi said, “I think we’ve got seven starters.  Any of those seven, we don’t miss a beat in the back”.

Seattle is undefeated in its last five matches.  Winning four in a row.  MLSSoccer.com took note of the Sounders recent success in their current power rankings. There is not much to glean from power rankings while you are in the midst of a tight regular season schedule.  That said, they make for fun talking points.  If you’re winning, then you’re climbing the ladder.  While the teams you defeat, like the LA Galaxy fall.  Which is kind of fun to watch.

Early success can be completely forgotten by the time the Sounders hit the showers after Real Salt Lake on Saturday.  The Sounders are 6-W, 1-L, 1-D and 19 points on the season.  (3 pts = Win, 1pt = Draw)  In the West, they are third behind San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake.  Both with 22 points.  Sounders have played two fewer matches than San Jose, and one fewer than Salt Lake.  If they enter the Century Link locker room on Saturday after facing a second loss in 4 days, momentum and power ranking talking-points will reverse against them.  That is the downside of any short-term success in a compact schedule.

It’s not one position, or one tactical grouping of players going through rotations. It’s the entire squad.  Sounders starting Keeper, Michael Gspurning left after the first half of the LA Galaxy match last Wednesday.  Brian Meredith stepped in to finish the shutout win.  Meredith got the start last Saturday against the Philadelphia Union. Earning his first win and complete game shutout.

Some rotation decisions are tactical, and some like Meredith coming in for Gspurning are for injury.  Meredith is likely to finish the May schedule for Gspurning.

As the Sounders continue to roll through their tight May baseball schedule, they continue to roll through their rotation.  The brightest star for the club is perhaps the depth of their bench.  If the entire club continues to buy into shared minutes throughout the full season, there could be a healthy reward at the finish.

Pre-match Warm up vs Philadelphia Union 5/5/12 - Photo by © Paul Kahl

Please welcome Paul Kahl to Sales on Sounders for his photography contributions.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

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.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

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


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

Sigi’s Sounders go to Washington

4 05 2011

April 30, 2011 #11 Tribute to Steve Zakuani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

 A few notes and references

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

* * * * *

© 2011 by Ryan J Sales


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

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


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : The Full 90

Put Away Your Vuvuzela, It’s MLS Time

27 06 2010

Round 14 vs Philadelphia Union

Have you had enough vuvuzela?  And what’s up with the dancing Jabulani ball?  How do you keep yourself together during all the World Cup hoopla?  One sure way to keep focus is when the Sounders FC take the pitch Sunday against the Philadelphia Union for their maiden match at their new home, PPL Park, in Chester, PA.  As Major League Soccer recovers from its two-week World Cup fever, the crazy Jabulani will not leave us.  Apparently we better get used to its extreme quirkiness.  Major League Soccer has a deal with Adidas to use it ALL season.

In addition to celebrating World Cup fever, Major League Soccer opens a second soccer specific stadium this year.  The Sunday match will played at Philadelphia Unions new soccer specific stadium, PPL Park.  The Union’s first two matches were held at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles.  The New York Red Bulls opened Red Bull Arena in March.  Soccer is definitely on the upward move in the US, with growing numbers of new US soccer stadiums, a 19th expansion team (Montreal Impact – 2012), and a successful run in the World Cup.  Fan support may reach new highs for all MLS clubs by the end of this season.  Our US National Team players who are not already in Europe, will be soon.  Additionally with our new found levels of success and recognition is the great news that players you and I have heard about from around the World Cup are coming our way.  Look no further than Seattle.  Blaise Nkufo, from Switzerland, made the pass that led to the goal defeating Spain in a World Cup opening round shock upset.  Nkufo is on his way here.  He’ll draw both national and international attention, which not only places attention on Seattle, but more importantly soccer in America.

Zolos

For the Sounders, the World Cup was an injury recovery break.  An opportunity to recharge and focus on a difficult coming schedule.  Including the defense of the US Open Cup which starts Wednesday in a rematch of last years thrilling 2-1 US Open Cup victory over Portland on their home pitch at PGE Park.  Not to be forgotten, is the Sounders first ever CONCACAF Champions League match.  First up, is a rematch of Sounders opening day 2-nil victory over Philadelphia Union.

Watching Michael Bradley brilliantly poke in the equalizing goal against Slovenia, and of course Landon Donovan’s, Prayer in Pretoria, the winning goal over Algeria, set the table for what is missing in Sounders matches.  Hard fought, sweat to the end, fight for everything, gruelingly tough, leave it ALL on the table GOALS!  More people in the US than ever before are aware of what Sounders fans already know.  It is astonishingly, even punishingly emotional to cheer your team in hope and prayer for one goal to win it all.  Do you remember Round 4 vs Kansas City, The Fucito Finish? That was not a World Cup victory, nor a MLS Championship, not even a playoff match.  It was simply an early regular season match that finished with a goal that felt like the Sounders won the Milky Way Galaxy Champions Cup of the Universe.  A parade with Michael Fucito leading the team through the solar system was planned for the next day.  It may not have been quite that big, but it was water cooler fab-jab, for even the casual Sounders fan on Monday.  Everyone knows the emotional power of what soccer is capable of.  Everyone knows you never watch alone. It is the beautiful game.  Brutal on mind and spirit, divine bliss in its glorious release of victory as the goal net swells then settles the obsessive ball.  Every game for the rest of the Sounders season will feel like the joy in drawing with England, the anguish of a refs stolen victory over Slovenia, the frustration in not beating Algeria after 90 minutes, or the elation and amazement at suddenly finding a rabbit in the hat of extra time.

The Gunners - Est. 1886

There is a lot at stake in this back from the break, mid-season match.  It is a rematch of the Sounders opening round 2-nil victory.  A game where Union’s manager, Peter Nowak claimed Ljungberg embellished his falls.  Only to realize, Ljungberg did not take Nowak’s words lying down.  The bruise on his lower spine served as proof.  Nonetheless, Union supporters, Sons of Ben will send vociferous jeers of disapproval Ljungberg’s way every time he touches the ball.  Here is what I hope no one tells any Union supporter before the match, that is exactly what Ljungberg thrives on.  He played for Arsenal of the English Premiere League.  He heard much worse years ago at White Heart Lane, when traveling with Arsenal to bitter rival Tottenham Hotspur.  The Sons of Ben are in season one, so their “shock and awe” chants are not

What to look for?

Enjoy the beautiful game’s new-found rise in attention in the States.  What is wonderful about soccer is its relatively short span compared to most other American viewed sporting affairs.  Take in the intensity, sweat out the result, then enjoy the rest of your Sunday.  I’ll be back after the game and for the rest of the season, with the story of the game.  The ongoing story of the Sounders regular season, US Open Cup defense, and inaugural voyage into CONCACAF where the door to being the number one club in the world exists.

Thank you ALL for following my story.  Especially to all the ongoing readers and wonderful addition of new readers in the last two weeks.


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : 2010

First Kick vs Expansion Philadelphia Union

25 03 2010

Pre Match, Round 1 vs Philadelphia Union

Sounder 'til I die

So filled with Rave Green, I had to take a vacation day.  Still got up and did a good Uncles share today, and got my niece and nephew off to their respective schools.  They were both decked in Sounders attire.  Love them!

I’m taking the day to expand the March to the Match, and I’m marching Seattle.  Hard Rock Cafe is first stop, and then taking it to the streets of the Rave Green City.  I know, I know.  This is not Europe.  It is however, unarguably the soccer capital of America.  That is a bit self-proclaimed, but I’m taking a role in making it true.  The reality is Sounders FC are #2 today to the Huskies sweet 16 game.  I’m throwing my support to that game as well, but at the same time doing my part to show that the red carpet, center stage sporting event of Seattle, and the US today is at Quest Field.  This game should be as big as Monday Night Football.  I’m taking Seattle today to do my part so that one day it will.

Keys to the match:

Really simple.  Establish possession early in mid field.  Then push Philly back into the attacking third.  Find the guy whose ready to step into the match-journeymen Grocery Clerk position and stuff the ball in the back of the onion bag.  An early goal tonight.  First 20 minutes could open the gates.

Peter Nowak, the Philly manager, is smart and knows Sigi’s game.  So the reality is, they will do everything possible to take this match goalless or drawn even at 1 apiece deep into the 75-80th minute.  Which would make for an eye-catching, fingernail biting, hold on to your scarf because anything can happen finish.

So, look for the Sounders to push the attack early while Philly tries to hunker down, endure and frustrate the Sounders into a long match.  This catch’em sleeping approach could be a good test for the Sounders defense.  Probably the best defense in the league, but they have no idea what Philly is going to bring, or who they are going to target in their attacks.

Prediction:

Sounders FC 2 (Fredy and Freddie) – Philadelphia Union 1 (Sebastian Le Toux)

Post Match

As the match and rain shifted into a steady constant pace, there were a few empty seats.  Had the rain become the Sounders faithful first test of true support?  After 30 seconds and Union’s first yellow to Danny Califf.  The Union showing their true physical colors, and me in Rave Green heaven once again, I didn’t notice the crowd again until halftime.  Two goals and a red card later it was halftime.  Walking out for the start of the 2nd half I noticed the rain coming heavier and seats completely full.  Any doubt Seattle Sounders FC‘s faithful being tested by a little wet weather in year two was put to rest.

At the March to the Match at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square, 60 minutes before the match, Major League Soccer commissioner Dan Garber declared Seattle the soccer capitol of America.  How many American sports have their commissioner joining a team rally before their first game of the season?  Apparently it will take much more than wind and rain to challenge Sounders faithful.

The standout Man of the Match was Brad Evans.  Sigi, singled him out from his Columbus Crew championship to join Seattle in its inaugural season.  Bob Bradley has also called him up for a couple caps on the US National Team.  He and Fredy Montero scored in the Sounders inaugural match against the New York Red Bulls in ’09.  The pair each put up a goal in the first match of 2010.  Thursday was the first match I noticed what Sigi and Bradley already knew.  If you placed a GPS on Evans you’d see how much field he covers.  His recognition for being in the right places at the right times was as consistent as any player on the pitch.  His goal seemed so relaxed and simple.  Ljungberg did the workhorse move switching from right field to left, and Zakuani drove to the end line and fed a ground cross to Evans who simply fired across goal to the far post.  Recognition of player and ball movement.  Knowing his role during the flow of game almost made him appear to be a player eventually wearing the captains arm band.

Let it be noted that Ljungberg’s poise, Alonso’s everything everywhere, and the defense, oh the fantastic defense all did their part.  Scanning other MLS games this weekend, the Sounders looked as good as any team out there.  Round 2 vs New York Red Bulls should be a taste of the full season to come.


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : 2010


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 750 other followers

%d bloggers like this: