Bayern, Blues and Border Crossing – Bayern Munich vs Chelsea and Sounders vs Whitecaps

19 05 2012

Cascadia Rivals – Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders FC – Image by Kelly Dews from Cascadia Trifecta

Harmonica. Lederhosen. And a tour bus.

Driver wanted for greatest heist since Pink Panther. Objective:  Champions League, and Cascadia Cup trophies. From Vancouver to Munich. Cross Atlantic travel required, not optional.

Last time Seattle Sounders FC crossed the border to Vancouver, Canada the trip included a memorable 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The stellar performance earned a priceless Cascadia trophy for the Rave Green faithful to take home.  So dramatic, the loss caused the Whitecaps to close their home pitch.  Forever.

The Major League Soccer era for the Cascadia Cup began in 2011. The first year with all three Cascadia rivals in Major League Soccer. Seattle joined MLS in 2009, with Portland and Vancouver launching in 2011. Seattle won the first MLS edition of the Cascadia Cup. Including two thrilling draws at home followed by highlight worthy wins from both road matches in Portland and Vancouver.

The first Cascadia Cup winner came down to the match with Vancouver. Their final appearance at historic Empire Field. The Sounders pulled together a stellar 3-1 performance against the Whitecaps. The win was enough for the Sounders to go undefeated throughout the Cascadia Cup. It was also the last match for the Whitecaps at Empire field before moving to their current home at BC Place. Which they opened a week later in a 1-nil loss to Portland.

All rivalries are fun. Some are epic. Dedicated Timbers Army supporters drove the Cascadia Cup from Pottland to a match their club wasn’t even participating in. Sounders fans showed how exciting and passionate all three clubs are in traveling to away matches as much as being at home matches. Emerad City Supporters voices were loud and easily heard in Vancouver

Vancouver and Seattle Cascadia ties have a French connection.

Le Toux and Nowak – City of Brotherly Love no more

Sounders FC’s first player signing was Seabastian Le Toux. Le Toux joined the Sounders in 2007 while the club still resided in the USL. Fans latched on to the Frenchman attempting to find an American soccer home. Philadelphia snatched him away in their 2010 Expansion Draft. Le Toux was left unprotected by the Sounders. Clubs can protect eleven players. The rest are available for expansion clubs. Philadelphia made no hesitation in grabbing Le Toux for his tenacious work rate. He immediately became a Union fan favorite. Helping the Union to a successful 2011 season. Making their first playoff appearance.

Union coach, Peter Nowak shocked the MLS nation. Trading their leading goal scorer Le Toux to the Whitecaps before the season. The trade was not popular in Philadelphia but has worked well in Vancouver. Now paired with fellow Frenchman, Eric Hassli, they make up one of the more dangerous tandems in the league. Likely the most difficult attacking assignment the Sounders steady-7 defenders have faced all season.

The French tandem  haven’t connected for much yet. But if Wednesday’s wonder-volley by Hassli is any sign of what the Sounders may face, a potential firestorm of French connected goals are on the way for the Whitecaps.

Hassli scored a pin-point volley against Toronto, in Wednesday’s first leg of the ACC (Amway Canadian Championships). The second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final is next Wednesday. The score from the first leg is 1-1. The winner plays in the CONCACAF Champions League.

2012 Champions League Final – Chelsea (Premier League, England) vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)

Prior to Saturday’s first installment of the 2012 Cascadia Cup, and across the Atlantic, with a french step-over to Germany is the 11:45 am (PST) kickoff of the UEFA Champions League Final. The Bavarian region of Germany is the site of the largest football match in the world so far in 2012.  The UEFA Champions League Final features English Premier League power Chelsea against Bundesliqa juggernaut Bayern Munich. The match site is in Munich. Bayern’s home stadium, the Allianz Arena.

During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, I looked for a player I didn’t know.  One I had never heard about. I looked for a player to captivate my attention. During the Group Stages, I noticed the French kept deploying some guy out on the right-wing. Nothing fancy. Just hustle and finesse. The guy kept beating midfielders and defenders in 1-vs-1 challenges for no more apparent reason than he wanted it more than the other guy.

I found my man.  Franck Ribery.

I wasn’t alone in noticing Ribery. Bayern wasted no time in luring him from Southern France’s, Ligue-1 club, Olympique de Marseille. Ligue-1 is the top league in France.

In short order, Ribery has gone from being a relatively unknown player to one of the top performers in Europe over the last 6 years.  All with Bayern Munich.

Everyone has a favorite player. Ribery is mine. Whether you are in Chelsea Blue, or Bavarian red-and-white gingham, Ribery is a player to watch. He plays more from Bayern’s left-wing than his French National Team right side. Watch for how positive his possession of the ball is. Always gliding forward. Leading teammates into attacking spaces. Sandwiched with as many as three opponents, don’t be surprised to see him work the ball free, or safely pass the ball out. Goals?  He is one of Bayern’s best goal getters. And still looks for the assist first. His goals, if he gets one, always have flare. The kind that launch every sporting viewer into the air. You may root for Chelsea, but you must watch Ribery.

The Sounders come off a tough loss at home to Real Salt Lake. They still bring fresh confidence. Their 1-nil loss to Real Salt Lake was preceded by a quick succession of 5 matches in 15 days. Over the previous six matches, the Sounders went 5-wins and 1-draw.

Coming into BC Place, Saturday’s 2pm (PST) match with Vancouver Whitecaps, the Sounders have a 7-W, 2-L, and 1-D record. Third in the west with 22-points. Vancouver is 5-W, 3-L, and 2-D.  Fourth in the West at 17-points.

The Western Conference is heating up.  Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes lead the way. With Seattle and Vancouver working close behind. Colorado Rapids, and FC Dallas chase steadily in the 4th and 5th spots respectively. Either is capable of moving higher in short order. The western table fills out with LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, and Portland Timbers. Defending champions, LA Galaxy, have yet to show a defense of their 2011 title. That is no doubt a dormant monster waiting to attack this Summer. Chivas USA made player acquisitions this past week to show they are working to improve as much as rebuild. Portland rests at the bottom. In my humble, and only slightly scientific opinion, they are a hibernating team. If their defense solidifies, shoring up leaks, as seen in the two previous draws, then combined with their offensive knack for early leads, they may become the 3-D creature that shocks the standings.

The unbalanced 2012 MLS schedule means Cascadia rivals will face off six times this year. Sounders travel to Portland and Vancouver twice each. Hosting both only once. A tough road to defend their inaugural MLS Cascadia Cup.

While Europe celebrates a new champion, Cascadia will feature two offenses heating up.  One distinctly French, and the other more South American. Don’t move your UEFA chair. Order another pint and take in the nervy and wild 2012 Cascadia Cup ride.

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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LA Confidence – LA Galaxy at Seattle Sounders FC

2 05 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2012 Sales on Sounders by Ryan J Sales


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Re-Union of Expansion Rivals: Philadelphia Union vs Seattle Sounders FC

16 04 2011

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

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

Philadelphia Union - 2009 Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

Sebastian Le Toux & Peter Nowak

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

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

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

Seattle Sketcher, Gabi Campanario

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

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

* * * * *

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


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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.


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Categories : 2010

Something Older, Something Newer, Something Gardner

4 02 2010

Not long before Sebastian Le Toux joined the USL Sounders in 2007, I followed two of its other key players, Roger Levesque and Josh Gardner. Their work rate up front was impressive. In fact all three, Le Toux, Levesque, and Gardner were part of the last USL Sounders who helped push the team into Major League Soccer. Le Toux became the first player signed by Sounders FC and Levesque made the squad during training. Both made significant contributions during the Sounders FC inaugural season. Their efforts in US Open Cup competition were key to the team claiming its first trophy. Levesque scored the winning goal in the US Open Cup on a cross from none other than Le Toux. One would be reasonable in saying the Sounders did not miss Gardner. Gardner stayed in the USL with Carolina during 2009.

February 3rd marked the first day of practice for the Sounders in Casa Grande, Ariz. It also marked the return of Josh Gardner. This was hardly newsworthy for US soccer fans. With three Brazilians joining the LA Galaxy, including Juninho. This was likely only news for Sounders coaches and players who already knew him. And maybe a few dedicated longtime Sounders fans. Sounders FC Assistant Coach, Brian Schmetzer was Gardner’s coach on the USL Sounders, and Sigi drafted him 13th in the 2004 SuperDraft with the LA Galaxy. So, is it fair to say that hardly more than a few warm hellos and new introductions were all that could be taken from this?

Not for this Sounders fan. Josh Gardner joining Sounders FC in training is news equal to Juninho joining LA. Unless you’re talking about obtaining a player at least the quality of Ljungberg, then club chemistry comes before player skill. Levesque proved that last year. His positive attitude and steady work rate showed critical dividends at the end of the inaugural season. In arguably the biggest regular season game at Columbus, Levesque worked himself into position for the winning goal. I believe Gardner’s joining training camp is a marquee moment. He is an affordable player acquisition. If he can get up to MLS level and make a roster spot, then he will be like having another Roger Levesque to back up the current Roger Levesque. He played a forward attacking role with the USL Sounders, but has been building up his defense. Teams will see him as a defender, and not think much of him. Then, while trying to sit on another physical draw, they will twitch furiously, looking silly and shocked when they see this no name American come off the bench, make a run down the side, and cross into the box for a headed game winner. Especially since few American soccer players are known for their ability to execute an attacking cross into danger.

It’s impressive how much depth the Sounders are bringing to camp without spending money. A lot of strange, odd pieces that would not likely make other MLS teams. Here, they are fighting intensely to be subs. Subs? LA just bought 3 Brazilians. Yes, I’m nervous about that because I see the wisdom in it, but a club that knows each other, fights for each other, and challenges to grow individually, sometimes those are the ingredients for the beautiful game success at club level. The Josh Gardners and Roger Levesques of soccer, or any professional sport are few and far between.

I’m starting to believe in the wisdom of Sigi, Schmecter, and Hanauer. SSH! Just like a striker scoring a killer goal on the road, putting his finger over his lips to hush the crowd and celebrate their silence. Our coaches and GM (SSH) could be paving the way for a season and long future of a league silenced by the awe of the Rave Green glow from our beautiful Northwest game.

Seattle Times on Josh Gardner – 2/11/10

The Seattle Times published this piece a week later.


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