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.


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Categories : 2010

For Father and For Club

10 06 2010

My father will be in surgery from Thursday morning to late afternoon.  The Sounders play Major League Soccer’s game of the week the same evening.  What do my father’s heart surgery and Sounders FC have in common?  Both are genuine and unique in their endeavors to champion the human spirit.  With intense passion, taking nothing for granted, they march to meet life with scarves raised every day.  Stopping for no one, yet inclusively showing everyone the way to happiness and celebration in life.  In constant song and chant both demonstrate, in action and word alike, how much everything in life is worth fighting for.  Both have the heart of a true champion.

Black-and-Red

Facing the most celebrated club in Major League Soccer’s short fifteen year history is Thursday evenings challenge for Sounders FC in its Round 13 match vs DC United. DC United are known as the “Black-and-Red”.  A club that could easily be described as the heart of Major League Soccer’s short history.  They own the largest trophy case in Major League Soccer.  It holds four MLS Cups, four MLS Supporters’ Shields’ (for best record), two US Open Cups, and the one most coveted by Sounders FC, the *CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.  DC United are the only US team to have won our regions Champions League trophy in 1998.  The Sounders have a lot of room still to fill, but they got an early start in their inaugural season.  Sounders traveled to RFK Stadium, for the 2009 US Open Cup final vs DC United winning 2-1.  Literally swiping the trophy right out of United’s case and starting their own collection in Seattle.  In only their second season, the Sounders will have their first opportunity to play for the CONCACAF Champions League later this summer.  So, as it is with Sounders FC, and the immense passion of its fans, supporters will meet Thursday evening before the match, march, chant ,and sing.  Fighting with the heart of a champion to defeat an already decorated one.

US Open Cup - 2009 - Owners of Sounders FC allowed supporters to March the cup to the match

Both teams met 3 times last year.  Sounders home match turned into a blistering goal frenzy, finally settling at 3-3.  The away match proved a turning point in the inaugural season, with the Sounders winning on a brilliant strike by Fredy Montero, fed from James Riley for a 2-1 victory.  The win led to a great end-of-season, run-of-form propelling the Sounders into the playoffs against Huston.  The third match was the US Open Cup victory.  The Black-and-Red have uncharacteristically struggled to a 2W-8L-1D record in 2010.  Starting to find their form in th last few games, and with MLS taking a World Cup break, they will have nothing to hold back.  Sounders would do well to duplicate their performance from last Saturday.  Score early, continue to defend by applying attacking pressure, picking up additional goals.  Then let the midfield and defense lock-down the second half.  If DC United pick up an early goal, they will defend in numbers, limiting Sounders ability to find space forward to create scoring opportunities.

Sounder 'til I die

For my father, and for my team, Thursday will require a calm mind with intense spirit.  Surgeons and supporters alike will need a full dedicated focus.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere in the world except Seattle to find the best of both.  I will be in the waiting room for both operations.  It is with the same intense spirit for life as my father that I will quietly raise my scarf in that waiting room tomorrow chanting for my father and team.  You never wait alone, you never watch alone, and “you’ll never walk alone”.

*Do you know your CONCACAF’s? Get used to these A,B,C’s.  As fluently corked as the acronym is, this is name of the region the US will always play in.  Club and Country alike.  If Sounders FC want to be #1 in the world they must win the CONCACAF Champions League. If the US wants to challenge for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, they must be one of the top three qualifying teams in the CONCACAF region.  So, until Canada sells all its fresh water for cash and buys up North America, this is the acronym we got’ta stick with baby. Here it is: Take a breath, CONCACAF = Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football.  Whew.


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Categories : 2010

Stop The Revolution

5 06 2010

Before launching into round 12 vs New England Revolution, I would like to recognize and promote North Star Fine Coffee.   Who sponsor the Sounders. I was fortunate to meet their owner Bryan-David Scott after the San Jose Earthquakes match.  It was a wonderful experience as a passionate Sounders FC fan to meet and talk with another passionate fan who happens to own a company that creates a coffee specifically with the Sounders in mind.   The blend North Star Fine Coffee has created is, Kick Coffee and features the Sounders badge on the front.   They are looking to bring this coffee to the March to the Match and eventually out to many local youth leagues.  I’m taking time to support them because as fans themselves, they are the best example I’ve found of what the Sounders FC has been about since their start.  From ownership to fans, we stand for a unique partnership with sport, community and business.  The bond promotes Seattle, the Sounders, and all our supporters as the Soccer Capitol of America.  The more businesses that follow North Star’s lead, the more well established soccer will become here and all over the US.   This advertisement is posted because Sales on Sounders believes in the people and the company who make Kick Coffee.   The only currency exchanged in posting this ad is shared passion and an appreciation that comes from good conversation with good people.  I’ve had a tremendously enjoyable time talking with Bryan and hope every Sounders fan has the same opportunity.

Curtains up.  Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen for joining me for Round 12 vs the New England Revolution.  There are two mighty games until Major League Soccer takes a respectful bow to this Summers center stage at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

New England Revolution

Similar to the Earthquakes and Rapids, the Revolution are another of the original 10 clubs formed for the inaugural Major League Soccer season in 1996.  Their trophy case is a bit bare compared to other inaugural teams.  They hoisted the US Open Cup in 2007.  Their logo and branding are not responsible for their mostly empty shelves, but the team logo and badge need a make-over and face-lift.  Image is a small, if not insignificant aspect of the game, but it should say something about a team and its sport. Their badge looks more like a crayon drawn political poster than anything representing a soccer club.

Fortunately, whatever they lack in look and feel with their badge they make up for in their coach.   What endears me to this team is coach, Steve Nicol.  Nicol played for one of my beloved teams, Liverpool FC from 1981 – 1995.  He also played for the Scottish National team from 1984 – 1992 earning 27 caps.  He played for some fantastic Liverpool squads, winning the English League 5 times, FA Cup (like US Open Cup) 3 times, and 1 European title.  Additionally to coaching he has been an ESPN Analyst.  He was featured on ESPN during halftime analysis of English Premier League matches during the 2009-2010 season.  Listen to him once and you likely find yourself converted like me. It’s partly due to my attraction to his accent.  More than a good voice his clarity in how to simply but effectively execute the game makes it easy to see why anyone would be a soccer fan.  It is a testimonial to Nicol, that players stay loyal to him.  Their star and captain, Shalrie Joseph would have surely left for a more successful club by now if not for Steve Nicol.

Shalrie Joseph is a stud.  He plays with enormous intensity and strength.  Not matched in MLS in my opinion.  He is 6′ 3″ with footwork like he’s 5′ 8″.  His arching passes look more like Frank Lampard of Chelsea, than anyone in MLS.  Watch Lampard face USA in the June 12, World Cup match.  The ball sweetly arcs over defenders and lands at the receiving players feet.  He plays ridiculous numbers of roles per match.  With his height and strength he plays a central striker up front, rolls out to left-wing, tracks back for central and wide defensive coverage, helps organize the midfield to push forward, and sets the table for other players to score.  Yah, I could write that in a less run-on manner but that is not how Shalrie plays.  He doesn’t stop his run-on role until the ref raises his hand and blows his whistle.  I don’t want him to win, but I don’t mind watching him as closely as any of the Sounders.

Sounder 'til I die

Like Sounders FC, New England Revolution has been affected by injuries.  Shalrie is coming back from one  He’s only beginning to regain full match form.

How do you stop a player like Sharie?  Not easily.  He will require the full attention of Seattle’s defense.  Here is my blog-chair coaches take.  Shalrie will get winded.  Likely requiring a 70-75th minute sub.  If the Sounders run him down that will Solidify Coach Nicol’s decision to give Shalrie a late game rest.  At full strength if you give him 5 yards of space he’s like any top NFL receiver with enough room to catch, juke, and break for the end zone.  Put your body right up into his.  Ask him to dance.  Man-up to him.  He may run over you, but it will remind him you are here to dance with him all night.  Get on him right when he receives a pass.  It will get you into his head.  Give him one moment in a game, and that moment likely turns into a series of passes that lead to one game losing goal.

Post Match

One of the Sounders more unexpected players scored a goal last night.  Leo Gonzalez, worked his way up field, inside the top-left of the Revoltion penalty area.  He drilling a glorious, curling, left footed shot that veered around the Revolutions back-up Keeper Steve Shuttleworth, for a 5th minute goal.  Leo Gonzalez, (Gonzo) is the Sounders regular starting Left-back, from Costa Rica.  He came to the Sounders last year and has played on the Costa Rica National Team.  The spectacular early goal set the attacking tone of the match earning him, Man of the Match honor.  Holding up other teams forwards and midfielders from attacking their right flank is his usual job.  He’s one of the best in the MLS at doing it.  For him to have a goal and assist in the same game is all sweet cream.  He added an assist on Montero’s third goal.

Coming into last night’s match Sounders were 1W-4L-1D in their last 6 games.  Goals felt like nostalgic memories in a season of forgotten dreams.  Leo woke things up early, electrifying 36,000, and maybe, just maybe reminded the team a potential champion lives and breathes within this squad.

Sounders FC have been difficult to write about the last few weeks.  I’ll start with a reasonably sensible pre-match overview.  For the majority of each match they play the way you think they will.  Then comes the furiously frustrating and only momentary nap-time.  In a seemingly insignificant instant, one goal is in, and the complexion of the game turns against them.  Teams end up out shot, out played, and victorious.  The stats have not added up.  Last night, Leo may have turned it all around on one wonder strike.

Leo Gonzalez – 5th minute strike v NE Revs 6-5-10

Tale of the Mohawk

The greatest soccer players, like Zinedine Zidane, are all a little, you know, crazy in the head.  They have to be.  In terms of bodily-kinestetic intelligence they work the soccer pitch at an unmeasurable IQ.  What seems crazy to us, is part of their secret language of sanity on the pitch.  The best way to see it is to smile in wonderment as a spectator, and enjoy.  Freddie Ljungberg, is one of those players.  He helped Arsenal win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups (similar to US Open Cup), and was the English Premiere League MVP in 2002. During one of his hot goal scoring streaks for Arsenal he sported a red mohawk.  Not his sexiest look but added drama to his on-pitch attitude and flare.  The last few games many critics and fans alike have complained about his complaining too much.  He throws his hands in the air at Refs when he doesn’t get calls his way.  So, at age 33, on a beautiful June evening in Seattle, Ljungberg sported a mohawk.  He came out wound up, flying all over the field, making everything go Seattle’s way.  In the second half, ahead 3-nil, he started throwing a tizzie.  He even threw his water bottle at his own bench, cutting Sigi Schmid’s arm.  He kept up appearances with the Ref and let the world know he wasn’t happy.  He also set the table for no fewer than two more goals that did not get finished.  As I saw it, he was the player of the match.  He was the best player in MLS last night.  He was the sexy stud in a mohawk.  The problem, the real serious problem here, is whether he should be allowed to cut his hair, or be required to sport it as long as Sounders win.  The complaining, arm waiving, and mohawk created a Sounder perfect 3-nil storm.  CAW, or complaining arm waiving, and mohawk are simply 3 means to identifying Ljungberg’s on-pitch intelligence.  He is footballer, I am spectator.  In him is champion.  I hope it’s Sounders before I die.

Freddie (Mohawk) Ljungberg v NE Revs - 6-5-10

Game Summary:

Goal – 5th minute – Leo Gonzalez, assisted by Steve Zakuani
Goal – 24th minute – Steve Zakuani, assisted by Brad Evans & Freddie Montero
Goal – 42nd minute – Fredy Montero, assisted by Pat Noonan & Leo Gonzalez


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Categories : 2010

Disruptors & Distractors

30 05 2010

Round 11 vs Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids

Like San Jose, Colorado is another of the original MLS teams.  Twice appearing in the MLS Cup final but coming up short both times.  They also sport a US Open Cup in their trophy case, but it’s a bit dustier than the Sounders, as it came in 1999.  Two interesting historical points link the Sounders and Rapids.  The first is a personal side note, and US Mens National Team back up Goaltender, Marcus Hahnemann.  Hahnemann helped the A-League Sounders to back-to-back titles in ’95 and ’96.  Directly after their second championship in ’96 against the Rochester Rhinos, I met Hahnemann.  Actually it was more like the Mean Joe Greene, Coca-Cola add from the ’80′s.  He threw me his sweaty water bottle.  Yes, I did take a swig, and kept it as a proud souvenir.  The second connection is Sounders current Technical Director, Chris Henderson who is still the Rapids all time assists leader with 53.

Seattle Sounders – circa 1996

The Rapids are a team of two faces.  Always as good as any team in the league, but not always in form.  Sounds a little familiar.  The bad face, is their two main goal producers, Conor Casey, and Omar Cummings, who can light up the score board with the best, but have not been in top production form.  Meaning they could be due for a break-out game.  The good face, is a brilliant face.  Conor Casey was left off the US Mens National Team World Cup squad, barely.  Some say he should be there.  He was the 2nd leading scorer in MLS last year and has struggled this year.  Showing how quickly a player goes from being in form to out of form.  Edson Buddle, for LA Galaxy is amazingly in form this year, so he’s on the plane to South Africa while Casey stays home.  Is that fair?  To be continued . . .   My World Cup posts are coming soon.
Now back to the main event.  Those two, Casey and Cummings have not been in form but both are strong, quick and able to score in multiple ways all around the attacking end.  They are backed up in midfield by US World Cup 2006 standout Pablo Mastreoni.  Their defense is also strengthened by another US standout, Marvel Wynne, who played well for the US in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  The Rapids have the skill and intensity to be a MLS Cup contender, but they have not yet found that playoff bound groove.

Sounder 'til I die

Seattle comes to the Rapids home pitch in Commerce City, Colorado at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.  They bring baggage of similar sounding issues to Colorado.  Difficult time finishing up front, great potential, but struggling to find their form.  So the game presents a perfect test for one team to rise above the other and attempt to gain mid-season momentum.  Seattle’s electric defeat of the Boca Juniors 3-0 in their mid-week friendly, hopefully sparked the team into preparation for Colorado’s physical toughness.

What the Sounders need to do is play with intensity from the start.  Rather than sit back as they did against San Jose.  Push the ball wide, create passing lanes in the Rapids defense, and get their chances on net.  Make the Rapids Keeper have to work.  If we keep him busy, good things will happen.  If we let the Rapids dictate the pace and possess the ball, it could be another frustrating night for Sounders FC.  This is not a “must win” game, but it is a “should not lose” game.  A draw tonight would be well received.

One player on the Sounders who could step up tonight to help the Sounders cause is Fredy Montero.  He may not be a pure goal “finisher” as some have stated about him.  His new role could be possibly more beneficial.  During the Boca Juniors match, he did not score, but he was a disruptor.  Tonight in the game against the Rapids his disruptor role could change the game.  It would force defenders to play him more tightly, but leave more Sounders unmarked.  It would also leave the Rapids defense unsure where Seattle’s attack will come from.  That could also help give the little extra moment for Zakuani, or Ljungberg to come in on goal or set up an assist.  Montero’s disruptor role could become defined for him tonight.  No pressure for him to finish, just put pressure on the other team all night long.

Post Match

“I don’t think we’ve walked off the field being an outplayed team.  We’ve got to keep working and keep our belief in ourselves, and the team spirit has to remain there”.
Sigi Schmid, after round 11”s 1-nil loss to the Colorado Rapids.

LA Galaxy being the exception.  The Sounders have played on the pitch as eloquently as Sigi speaks after a tough loss.  Falling to 3-5-3 is not how anyone saw this team.  It is a deep hole.  The Sounders are responsible for digging that hole.  Goals are all that could fill the empty void players, coaches and fans are feeling.  Because the on-field play is good enough to deserve a better record.  Sigi is right.  If the players keep their belief up, the way they are playing will earn better results.

Two players on their way to Sounders FC may help gain those results.  One is coming back from injury.  The other is new to join Sounders FC.  Nate Jaqua will rejoin Sounders FC in a week or two after recovering from a pre-season injury.  He provides a tall target up front.  A focus up top that will free Montero from his current do everything role.

FC Twente - The Tukkers

After the World Cup, Blaise Nkufo, the Swiss National Team striker joins Sounders FC from his former club FC Twente.   Blaise Nkufo, /Blaze Koo-foe/ has banked 114 goals for FC Twente, which brings a lot of hope to Sounders FC’s late season form.  No one man on his own can win a title.  But he can provide a spark of hope and distraction from frustration.  Nkufo brings experience, and an excited spirit to the team.  He will be fresh from South Africa.  Every player asking him the same questions as press, “what was it like?”  To the delight of all involved he will offer a distraction to all the usual questions about a disappointing season.  He will be covered in microphones, while the rest of the team prepares.  That is just what this team needs.  Distraction from disappointment and consistent work on game preparation.  That will keep the team spirit up and allow for good results to come.  Blaise will likely give the same on field distraction as he does off field.  Defenders will swarm Nkufo, like press junkies, leaving Montero marked by one defender instead of 2 or 3.  Ljungberg will have a tall target to provide him more ground and air options.

There are no guarantees in sports.  There is hard work, which allows the selfish belief in hope for great results.  In that type of sweat and hungry spirit there often lives a spark that makes those great results come true.  Sports is about watching the impossible become real.  Soccer is the essence of that truth.  This young team knows how to win.  They play like a winner.  Following the advice of their coach and incorporating two difference makers gives credibility to Sigi’s post-match comments.  All the elements exist for this team to find itself on a championship course.  If the players continue to work hard and believe the results will come.


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Categories : 2010


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