Archive for the ‘mls’ Category

Qwest Field Erupts

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

After a terse, far less open than I thought it would be match Michael Fucito subs in and buries a Brad Evans throwin for the winning goal in the second minute of second half stoppage time. A grand goal that sent Qwest into euphoria and the loudest I think I’ve ever heard Royal Brougham Park. The fact that Fucito scored the goal in his first league appearance makes the occasion even sweeter. Thanks to Dave over at Sounder At Heart, many of us have been tracking his progress with the team over the past two years . . . following his reserve match goals and roster inclusions (or lack thereof) as he finished his degree at Harvard last season. Fucito is class and fully deserves his goal — as well as more playing time if you ask this guy!

Today, I had the opportunity of working at Franklin High School with the United We Serve Sounders community outreach program. It was a beautiful sunshiny day, and I enjoyed weeding and laying mulch while listening to the young cynicism of the high school students surrounding me. James Riley and Steve Zakuani made appearances, and while they didn’t stay long or really dirty their kicks, the kids enjoyed autographs and pictures and it was a positive gesture from two of Sounders more ‘community-aware’ players. Shook both of their hands, and had a chance to chat with Riley for a few moments . . . yes, he has a gash on his head and said his neck was still sore. I thanked him for keeping Ryan Smith relatively quiet yesterday.

Next match at Dallas on Thursday! Too bad ESPN decided to showcase this one . . . Dallas’ attendance is abysmal. Oh well — growing pains.

Mega MLS: 16 Clubs, Eight Matches and One Day

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

For the first time ever eight MLS matches will play out on the same day. I feel like I’m following a true league — finally a full day’s worth of matches. As I speak, Barca has just walked over Real in Spain, while American action has gotten underway as Chivas USA leads the Red Bull one-nil, Philadelphia is about to have their home inauguration (complete with Joe Biden) hosting DC United (complete with thousands traveling). Let’s see, Houston hosts the Galaxy I believe, Toronto heads over to New England. Well, every other team is playing but I don’t want to look them all up. These are the ones I care about.

And, one more: SOUNDERS FC travel to REAL SALT LAKE for their first away test, and against the MLS Cup holders. Kick off 6pm PT, stay tuned for a possible match page.

Rough weeks for some hold glory for others

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

What a couple of gut wrenching losses for my clubs (Man United/Sounders) these last 2 weeks!! United suffers the loss of Rooney on a freak ankle twist that leads to a lapse of play by United while Ivica Olic seizes the moment to score a late goal in Munich to beat United. The loss of Rooney is very evident in the following week as Chelsea stepped into the Theatre of Dreams for a EPL match. In a very open match, Chelsea somehow deny Dimitar Berbatov the space to make anything happen at the front of the formation. A late goal by an offside Didier Drogba sealed the deal in the late minutes.

The most painful of all these losses has to be the most recent as Man U rose to the occasion early jumping ahead to a 3 nil lead against Bayern Munich. This was mainly because of a rejuvenated line up featuring young talents Nani, Gibson, Rafael, and Valencia starting together for the first time. Late in the first half the machine himself comes from nowhere to fight off Michael Carrick in the ten yard box and squeak a ball past Van Der Sar in the most narrow of windows…. This really worried me as Ribery and Robben started to get very involved on the ball to end the first half, and that is a problem for any opposing squad. Rafael had picked up a cheap yellow card in a blatant attempt to retaliate against a foul that did not occur, and then he picks up another in the second half to dismantle United down to 10 men. This clearly showed Rafael’s lack of experience in a match of such magnitude, but I am done making excuses.

As a football (soccer) fan my hat goes off to Robben for that unbelievable volley goal off the corner from Ribery to win the match, and the dance afterwards matched the finish as well…. As far as Rafael: my friend, don’t you ever do that again or your own team mates will kick your ass! To pick up both of those cards was just stupid, and who knows when he’ll be back on the pitch for those IDIOTIC challenges!! Ferguson should keep him benched for a while, but he is too talented to leave on the pine for too long. Both Manchester United/Bayern Munich matches were packed full of action and theatrics. I am so sick of flops, and guys crying when someone tackles them and they go down. IT’S FOOTBALL, grow a pair and get after it! Nani is going to just be amazing in many years to come, and I believe that the Ronaldo shadow has finally been lifted for the youngster. He showed amazing heart and pride for his club by just doing whatever he can to be the difference in the match. I must say that I love the play of Ivica Olic for Bayern Munich and his “never quit” working attitude, he definitely kept them in the match after trailing 3-0 early. One last word about United getting ousted in the Champions League quarterfinals would be that Rooney’s right ankle looked very tender on the pitch, and after the challenge by Daniel van Buyten left him walking even more gingerly, I can not help but feel much needed rest will come for the young striker in the following weeks. In all reality Barcelona looks like the team to beat as they roll away clicking on all cylinders.

Oh you Sounders! I thought I may find relief during the United shambles but I never know what to expect from my vaguely new football club. Zakuani looked a little tight against the Red Bull defense, and Ljungberg could not get the ball in space like Sigi would have liked. Keller was incredible, and it took a well placed cross and finish to beat him. I am very knew to the MLS scene, and still feel myself talking out of my ass sometimes being so unfamiliar with present and future players. What I do know, and some of you may disagree, is that Montero is not what the Sounders need up front. I think he is a decent player, but he just isn’t physical enough to make that one touch past a defender like a Jim Brennan or a Frankie Hejduk and out muscle them for the ball. Certainly with the upcoming addition of Blaise Nkufo after the World Cup things will open up a little for the Sounders attack. The build up is there, but they are lacking that finishing quality that allows you to become one of the elite clubs. What seems to be very evident is that Montero can not be the lone striker at the top of the formation without increased support from the wings, especially Ljungberg, and from the midfield pushing forward.

Man United vs Bayern Munich Highlights

Up The Sounders

-Jamaal

Matchday Two – Sounders host New York

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

They have a new stadium. We have ourselves — and a brilliant new video (ECS made). Hoping dramatic off-season changes can energize the squad where carbonation cannot, in New York we have a Hans Backe side claiming ‘an awesome set of rookies’ that looks organized and compact. Compact is wrong: they hold their lines. In their pre-season match against Santos, that christened the new Arena, their back four and mid four looked nearly horizontal across the pitch. The wide backs made occasional forays up to the center of the pitch, but I don’t remember much action in the attacking third from them. I am sure I am wrong. I have heard speak on some blog (wish I could cite, prolly SounderAtHeart) that they’re defensive style tonight will look similar to the Timbers visit and, in my opinion, similar to how Vancouver shut us down as well.

Since I’m already talking out of my rear end, I may as well predict Red Bull will be closing down tight, looking to release their speedy youngsters. I doubt Angel will beat Hurtado/Marshall/Keller — f me if he does. Watch out for Lindpere, he scored a cracking volley against the Fire last week. A relatively new and inexperienced squad, however, will crumble to the developing chemistry and creativity in Sounders attack. Ljunberg will play. We will win three-nill, again. By the way, I hope you all caught Union head coach Peter Nowak’s quotes on playing style and Ljungerb’s injury. The meat of ‘em:

If you have a problem with (your) back, Nowak said, it’s probably because you’re an old man and playing on turf. …Sorry to say.

What an asshole.

Now on to my usual video roll. Arlo White is a very intelligent commentator, and whoever associated with ECS made this Sounders-NY vid, it’s top-notch.

GET FIRED UP:

The match will be live on FSC at 7:30 PST. Keep us updated on where you guys are watching matches. It’s how we’ll connect with other supporters in the region. For instance, some of our folks in Helena continue to catch occasional matches at The Quarry — to them: knowing they’re watching in MT puts a smile on my face; I’m curious if you ever encounter other fellow viewers?

Enjoy match day you super folk!

UP THE SOUNDERS

Matchday One – Sounders FC host Philadelphia Union

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Alright! Match day one — rather, MLS First Kick — is upon us. Getting life situated to enjoy match day to it’s fullest has consumed my energies so much that I haven’t really had time to digest the monumental occasion that is today. However, my lungs are warmed up and my passion is ready to be dispensed at Royal Brougham Park this evening.

We welcome the newest addition to Major League Soccer, the Philadelphia Union, to roast in our cauldron. If you catch any of their twitter feeds, the Sons of Ben (with a mightily convenient acronym: SoB’s) are bringing a heavy contingent.

I do not have a match analysis, but I will put down what I think will be the starting lineup: Keller (GK); Gonzalez, Hurtado, Marshall, Ianni (back four); Alonso, Evans (central mids); Zakuani, Levesque (wide mids); Ljungberg (withdrawn forward); Montero (forward). I agree with what I’ve read elsewhere that replacing Riley (RB, suspended from a red card in the last game) with Brad Evans would deprive Ljungberg of a key outlet in the midfield. Ianni, in my mind, is the next defender on the depth chart, but not necessarily a wide one. The right side of the pitch will be interesting to watch tonight, as well as through the first few matches as Sigi decides who will be our stalwart in the right midfield (Estrada? Fucito? Where’s Nyassi these days?). I welcome any thoughts you may have.

And, considering we have a player very dependent on refereeing (Ljungberg), I was pleased to see tomorrow’s officiating crew on MLS Daily:

Referee – Ricardo Salazar
SAR (bench) – Corey Rockwell
JAR (opposite) – Peter Manikowski
4th – Paul Ward

MLS is known for it’s less than consistent officiating, so hopefully we can keep our eyes on these guys a little more carefully this year.

Some other story lines I’ll be paying attention to are, one, whether or not the ’sold out’ stadium is indeed full, as even up to this morning there is a huge market for tickets on Craigslist, Stubhub, etc. It seems everyone and their uncle thought they could pay for their season tickets by buying extras and selling them…I hope all tickets find themselves in the hands of willing participants!

Two, will we score? That’s an obvious question, and obviously a crucial one. Will Freddy and Freddie trip over each other or work some beautiful interplays? I guess we’ll know in nine hours. And, in the spirit of the day, I’d like to put something on the record: Zakuani will score many, many goals for us this season.

What are your predictions, hopes and fears for the coming months?

To top it off, Seattle Sounders consumerism is slightly more justified as Ruffneck (official scarf maker of MLS) is based in Seattle. It’s a cool story:

Have a super day wherever you may be; tangible soccer is back in our lives!

MLS and Players Friends Again – Roll On Columbia!

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Sounders 2010 will happen.

Extreme relief. As Adrian Hanauer said, there was confidence all along that an agreement would be reached; however, everyone realized the weight of the stakes. (Player strike likely would have damaged MLS beyond repair…but, ah, no more speculation needed!) Players are relieved, staffs are relieved, owners are relieved, and anyone who cares about soccer in the US is relieved. Finally, the bottle of fermenting excitement will be released. The details of the new five-year CBA have not been released. We do know the players got increased salaries (higher salary cap and minimum salary), increased freedom to move around within the league after being released by one team, and most will be getting guaranteed contracts. Owners didn’t budge on free agency. I’m curious to see if the actual number of players allowed on the roster went up, as the Sounders will be competing on three fronts this summer.

Watch and listen to Sigi and Sounders express their joy at putting this debacle behind us:

FOUR DAYS UNTIL FIRST KICK — game on!

UP THE SOUNDERS; UP THE SUPERS

Vamanos!

MLS/MLS Players Union: Collective Bargaining

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

The announcement of a vote by the players that they would strike rather than start the season without a new CBA (all but two voted in favor), has shaken supporter nations and casual supporters alike. However, a lot remains to be seen over the next two weeks (or shorter, please) and I’m going to try and post snippets of what I find because this whole “Agreement” thing is starting to rain on our big Sounders parade — which says something.

From Steve Goff at the Washington Post:

While mediation is ongoing, the league cannot lock out the players and the players cannot strike. So in order to strike, the players would have to reject the continuation of mediation. The sides are scheduled to meet again with the mediator next week in Washington.

The brief article can be found here. (via Fake Sigi’s excellent ditty on the union announcement)

As it stands, mediation is ongoing…this whole mess (especially with recent player posturing in the media) has begun to make supporters of the league edgy. Very. As per the post-Timber Radio Sounders podcast, it’s getting to the point where the issue is causing damage to the league. Here is a summer where America has a World Cup to get everyone rifled up about soccer, and finally a league compelling enough to stoke passionate support. Bluntly, people are ready to spend money on soccer and traveling to soccer, but are now hesitating on purchases both big and small. Come on, we could be rescuing the economy here!

As everyone starts to receive their Sounders tickets, how excited can we be?

FC Dallas begs spectators to “comeback”

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

They are desperate down there in that empty financial capital. Seriously. The marketing campaign is titled “The Comeback” and features bald men screaming insanely. In face paint.

Apparently these faux-Sams create the environment they envision:

We hope that our fresh approach to building an environment that is authentic to soccer will energize those who have previously not renewed.

FC Dallas proved their marketing savvy with an average attendance of 12,500 last season, good for 13th highest out of 15. Their remedy:

“Discounts for former ticket holders”

FC Dallas are reaching out to all previous Ticket Package Holders and asking them to come back. For a limited time, all previous Ticket Package Holders will receive a discount on purchasing tickets for the 2010 season.

Two-stick ideas are coming at me a mile a minute. Does mockery count when its subject is a sitting duck? Who cares! They’re gonna drown in the Sound no matter. Looking forward to July 11 (from that schedule I’ve only managed to mention) immensely.

Dallas press realease

MLS to release full schedule today at noon

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

The 2010 schedule is complete! In a few hours we will know ALL league matches, ESPN/FSC/telefutura televised matches and can start planning for away matches.

Expect an updated post later tonight that includes all relevant and exciting Sounders dates and information. Supers, are you ready?! Sounders Oh-Ten is upon us!

UPDATE:
Which apparently means no analysis, for now I hope you and Prost Amerika don’t mind if I simply display their schedule so discussion may ensue.

2.9.10 Pitch Invasion published a cool article detailing a few of the myriad considerations and processes that go into creating MLS and USL league schedules.

Date Opponent Time (PT) Media
March
03/25 – Thursday Philadelphia 6:30 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
April
04/03 – Saturday New York 8:00 p.m. FSC, FSE
04/10 – Saturday at Real Salt Lake 6:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
04/17 – Saturday Kansas City 12:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
04/22 – Thursday at FC Dallas 5:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
04/25 – Sunday at Toronto FC 11:00 a.m. DK, MLSnet.com
May
05/01 – Saturday Columbus 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
05/08 – Saturday LA Galaxy 1:00 p.m. TeleFutura
05/15 – Saturday at New York 4:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
05/22 – Saturday San Jose 12:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
05/29 – Saturday at Colorado TBD DK, MLSnet.com
June
06/05 – Saturday New England 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
06/10 – Thursday D.C. United 7:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
06/26 – Saturday at Philadelphia 1:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
July
07/04 – Sunday at LA Galaxy 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
07/11 – Sunday FC Dallas 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
07/15 – Thursday at D.C. United 5:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
07/25 – Sunday Colorado 8:00 p.m. FSC, FSE
07/31 – Saturday at San Jose 7:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
August
08/08 – Sunday Houston 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
08/14 – Saturday at Chivas USA 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
08/28 – Saturday Chicago 7:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
September
09/04 – Saturday at New England 4:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
09/09 – Thursday Real Salt Lake 8:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
09/18 – Saturday at Columbus 4:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
09/25 – Saturday at Chicago 5:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
October
10/02 – Saturday Toronto FC 12:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
10/09 – Saturday at Kansas City 5:30 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com
10/15 – Friday Chivas USA 8:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
10/23 – Saturday at Houston 1:00 p.m. DK, MLSnet.com

Yakir Lusky, future Sounder?

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

The 24 year-old Israeli midfielder is rumored on imscouting.com to be coming on trial with our Sounders. Some reports feel he will ‘add to Seattle’s already potent offense’ and others can’t get over what has been an interesting career path for Lusky, which has seen him last playing third-tier Israeli football after going AWOL for some time. He has featured for the Israeli U-17’s.

What do you think? Think this is real? Think he’ll get signed?

Personally, I’m hoping the front office has their ducks in order and this is a diamond in the rough kind of thing where they have really seen a high soccer IQ and technical skills in this man — either way, I’m very pleased to know Sounders are scouting the Middle East and its affordable talent.