"SEATTLE SUNSHINE! SEATTLE SUNSHINE!"
Those words are typically chanted by the ECS when the sky opens up during SSFC matches...much like last night. Let me assure you- by all Pacific NW measures, last night was an extremely "sunny" evening. After yelling and supporting for a full 90, my gf, brother and I were soaked from a consistent downpour throughout last night's Sounder MLS opener. IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT.
On to the player ratings:
Kasey Keller- 6; The captain didn't have much to contend with last night sans having to tip one 20 yard screamer over the bar mid-way through the first half. The little he did have to deal with though, he took care of business.
Zach Scott- 5; Mediocre at best last night. He mishandled several passes in the first half, but did get better in the second.
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado- 7; He and his counterpart, Tyrone Marshall, ensured that all Union attackers had a hard time last night. I was especially impressed with his seemingly improved ball handling and passing in the back though. Solid performance.
Tyrone Marshall- 7; Consistently won headers and worked a full 90 to say the least. Kept his cool...for the most part too.
Leo Gonzalez- 5; Played well, but didn't necessarily standout. Did start the ball movement for the first (wonderful) goal though.
Steve Zakuani- 7.5; This kid is so talented and with each game he reveals more and more of it. His brilliant moments (crosses on the Evans goal and the missed shot by Levesque moments later) greatly outnumbered his not-so brilliant moments (several dispossessions). If this match is any indication, Zak is in for a breakout season though.
Roger Levesque- 5.5; Stache did well with his placement on the pitch and possession of the ball throughout. Should have capitalized on a two different clear cut goal scoring opportunities though.
Osvaldo Alonso- 7.5; Ozzie controlled the midfield. His "assist" (looked more like a shot) on Montero's goal was a screamer. He is as consistent of a midfield force as there is in the entire league.
Brad Evans- 8; My man of the match. Tirelessly worked a full 90 and made a great run and finish on the season's first goal. A standout performance.
Freddie Ljungberg- 7; Solid and the heart of the offense throughout. Got shaken up and Sigi made a good call to get him out of there at the 60 min mark. I seriously did not see why Philly coach, Piotr Nowak called him out for "diving" and "dishonest" play last night. Poor loser I say.
Fredy Montero- 7; Worked hard for the majority of the night. If it wasn't for his fearless diving header, I would rate him lower though. Still dinks with the ball too much and ultimately lets the defense catch up to the play.
SUBS
Sanna Nyassi- 6; Great speed and vision during his time in the match. I see good things from him this year. Should have gotten a PK call in the dying moments of the game too.
Mike Fucito- 6; Tirelessly worked for possession and almost added a third goal towards the end.
..................................................................
As JACKED as I am over this opening win, tonight will be dedicated to my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and their quest for a Final Four berth. For all of your UW fans that are heartbroken, there is plenty of room on the O-H-I-O bandwagon for you! :-)
3.23.2010
The rest of my 2010 Sounders predictions...
I have decided that writing comments for my picks is a futile task. Humbly, I will admit that the rapid decline in the write-up quality was laughable so I simply am giving it up.
Thus, I will finish this exercise with the game information and a simple prediction. However, I feel it is VERY much worth noting that I pick up my predictions in a point of the schedule that could be very significant. July 15 is projected to be the first available date that Blaise Nkufo will be available to the team after his international duties are fulfilled.
Nkufo represents (what many feel is) the most glaring piece missing to the Sounders arsenal- a true target forward. Nkufo is an internationally renowned striker whose nose for the goal should give the Sounders the added firepower and goal-scoring to push far into the MLS postseason this year. So, without further ado...here goes nothing:
7/15- @ D.C. United (prediction = draw) 6-3-8, 26 pts.
7/25- v. Colorado (prediction = win) 7-3-8, 29 pts.
7/31- @ San Jose (prediction = draw) 7-3-9, 30 pts.
8/8- v. Houston (prediction = loss) 7-4-9, 30 pts.
8/14- @ Chivas USA (prediction = win) 8-4-9, 33 pts.
8/28- v. Chicago (prediction = loss) 8-5-9, 33 pts.
9/4- @ New England (prediction = loss) 8-6-9, 33 pts.
9/9- v. Real Salt Lake (prediction = win) 9-6-9, 36 pts.
9/18- @ Columbus (prediction = draw) 9-6-10, 37 pts.
9/25- @ Chicago (prediction = draw) 9-6-11, 38 pts.
10/2- v. Toronto FC (prediction = win) 10-6-11, 41 pts.
10/9- @ Kansas City (prediction = win) 11-6-11, 44 pts.
10/15- v. Chivas USA (prediction = win) 12-6-11, 47 pts.
10/23- @ Houston (prediction = draw) 12-6-12, 48 pts.
...............................................................................................
I feel like the middle and stretch run portion of the season will be extremely tough for the Sounders. They will have U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League group stage matches AND MLS regular season matches to contend with throughout this time period. Their legs will tire and their committment to each competition will be tested. However, I see them finishing towards the top of the table with the possibility of sneaking away with the Supporters Shield (league's best overall record).
Furthermore, I feel that the Sounders have the potential to reach and win the MLS Cup this year. They are a very chic pick to do so in most other soccer blogs and prediction columns:
24th Minute (TFC fansite)
MatchFitUSA (one of my personal faves)
DailySoccerFix (CNNSI's Steve Davis' personal blog)
However, putting aside my personal bias and the above promising prognostications- the Sounders are realistically looking at (potentially) an EXTREMELY successful season.
Now, we have under 48 hours until kickoff! I cannot wait to join 36,000 of my closest friends on Thursday at the Xbox Pitch. :-)
Thus, I will finish this exercise with the game information and a simple prediction. However, I feel it is VERY much worth noting that I pick up my predictions in a point of the schedule that could be very significant. July 15 is projected to be the first available date that Blaise Nkufo will be available to the team after his international duties are fulfilled.
Nkufo represents (what many feel is) the most glaring piece missing to the Sounders arsenal- a true target forward. Nkufo is an internationally renowned striker whose nose for the goal should give the Sounders the added firepower and goal-scoring to push far into the MLS postseason this year. So, without further ado...here goes nothing:
7/15- @ D.C. United (prediction = draw) 6-3-8, 26 pts.
7/25- v. Colorado (prediction = win) 7-3-8, 29 pts.
7/31- @ San Jose (prediction = draw) 7-3-9, 30 pts.
8/8- v. Houston (prediction = loss) 7-4-9, 30 pts.
8/14- @ Chivas USA (prediction = win) 8-4-9, 33 pts.
8/28- v. Chicago (prediction = loss) 8-5-9, 33 pts.
9/4- @ New England (prediction = loss) 8-6-9, 33 pts.
9/9- v. Real Salt Lake (prediction = win) 9-6-9, 36 pts.
9/18- @ Columbus (prediction = draw) 9-6-10, 37 pts.
9/25- @ Chicago (prediction = draw) 9-6-11, 38 pts.
10/2- v. Toronto FC (prediction = win) 10-6-11, 41 pts.
10/9- @ Kansas City (prediction = win) 11-6-11, 44 pts.
10/15- v. Chivas USA (prediction = win) 12-6-11, 47 pts.
10/23- @ Houston (prediction = draw) 12-6-12, 48 pts.
...............................................................................................
I feel like the middle and stretch run portion of the season will be extremely tough for the Sounders. They will have U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League group stage matches AND MLS regular season matches to contend with throughout this time period. Their legs will tire and their committment to each competition will be tested. However, I see them finishing towards the top of the table with the possibility of sneaking away with the Supporters Shield (league's best overall record).
Furthermore, I feel that the Sounders have the potential to reach and win the MLS Cup this year. They are a very chic pick to do so in most other soccer blogs and prediction columns:
24th Minute (TFC fansite)
MatchFitUSA (one of my personal faves)
DailySoccerFix (CNNSI's Steve Davis' personal blog)
However, putting aside my personal bias and the above promising prognostications- the Sounders are realistically looking at (potentially) an EXTREMELY successful season.
Now, we have under 48 hours until kickoff! I cannot wait to join 36,000 of my closest friends on Thursday at the Xbox Pitch. :-)
3.20.2010
Sounders season preview cont...
So I decided a while back that I wouldn't finish my season preview until a the MLS-Union labor negotiations were decided. However, this morning I woke up to read Grant Wahl's tweet about a deal was set to be announced later today! So here are my much abbreviated season predictions for the 2010 Seattle Sounders FC campaign (leaving off from my earlier predictions- a 3-1-2 start; 11 pts):
5/1- v. Columbus (prediction = loss) Columbus is coming off a favorable showing during CONCACAF Champions League action and I feel this form is going to continue on into the early MLS season. Probably our toughest fixture at home in the early going.
5/8- v. LA Galaxy (prediction = win) I originally had this as a draw, but being that Donovan will probably be at USMNT pre-World Cup camp- I feel good about our chances to get a favorable result at home.
5/15- @ NY Red Bull (prediction = draw) I feel that NYRB will be a MUCH improved team this year. Angel was not at full fitness for the majority of last year and that hurt their attack immensely. There are still some question marks about their back line, but in their new Red Bull Arena I can only see a draw here for our first trip there.
5/22- v. San Jose (prediction = win) We had a very favorable record against the Earthquakes last year...until they smacked us around in SJ, 0-4. Something tells me the Sounders are going to remember this and get some revenge.
5/29- @ Colorado (prediction = draw) We had a favorable draw result last year in our trip to Colorado. The Rapids have a dangerous offensive team led by oft-called upon USMNT striker, Conor Casey, but I feel a draw coming out of this fixture.
6/5- v. NE Revolution (prediction = draw) We struggled mightily against New England last year in both our matchups. MF Sharlie Joseph is amongst the best in the league and should have probably won the MVP over Landon Donovan last year. A draw here would be disappointing, but likely.
6/10- v. DC United (prediction = win) This is the last fixture doe us before the World Cup break. This fixture last year produced the MLS game of the year in my opinion. However, in the end it was a frustrating draw. I feel we can go into the break on a high note.
6/27- @ Philadephia (prediction = draw) This will mark the opening of the Union's new PPE Park. The home team and supporters will be jacked for this match, but I feel we can sneak out with a draw due to our defensive quality.
7/4- @ LA Galaxy (prediction = loss) Depending on how far that the USMNT gets in the World Cup, Donovan may or may not be back in the lineup for LA here. Either way, we outplayed LA in this fixture last year...it's very hard to do that in back to back years away from home.
7/11- v. FC Dallas (prediction = draw) This match pits two of the best up and coming teams in the Western conference. A draw seems fair here.
Predicted season record up to this point: 6-3-7 (25 points)
..................................................................................................................
While I'm predicting soccer matches...here is my take on the upcoming UEFA Champions League matchups:
Barcelona v. Arsenal- This draw will produce some of the most fluid and beautiful soccer of the year. Either way, Barca is the best club in the world and will outlast Wegner's young and promising club. (Barcelona, 4-2 agg)
CSKA Moscow v. Inter Milan- Jose Mourinho has Inter playing extremely well and there may not be a MF in better form at the moment than Dutch international, Wesley Sneijder. Too much Italian quality here for the Russians. (Inter Milan, 3-2 agg)
Lyon v. Bordeaux- This all-French quarterfinal has two in-form clubs pitted against each other. These two clubs are also fighting with a slew of other clubs for the Ligue Un championship during this time. I have watched both of these clubs and Lyon impressed me the most with their timely finishing. It will be close though. (Lyon, 4-3 agg)
Manchester United v. Bayern Munich- What a tremendous draw this is for a quarterfinal. Rooney v. Ribery. English football supporters v. Bundasliga Supporters. I feel that ManU will win its fourth straight EPL title this year, however Bayern Munich has been in world class form. They haven't lost a league match since September! I'm going for the upset here. (Bayern Munich 5-4 agg)
5/1- v. Columbus (prediction = loss) Columbus is coming off a favorable showing during CONCACAF Champions League action and I feel this form is going to continue on into the early MLS season. Probably our toughest fixture at home in the early going.
5/8- v. LA Galaxy (prediction = win) I originally had this as a draw, but being that Donovan will probably be at USMNT pre-World Cup camp- I feel good about our chances to get a favorable result at home.
5/15- @ NY Red Bull (prediction = draw) I feel that NYRB will be a MUCH improved team this year. Angel was not at full fitness for the majority of last year and that hurt their attack immensely. There are still some question marks about their back line, but in their new Red Bull Arena I can only see a draw here for our first trip there.
5/22- v. San Jose (prediction = win) We had a very favorable record against the Earthquakes last year...until they smacked us around in SJ, 0-4. Something tells me the Sounders are going to remember this and get some revenge.
5/29- @ Colorado (prediction = draw) We had a favorable draw result last year in our trip to Colorado. The Rapids have a dangerous offensive team led by oft-called upon USMNT striker, Conor Casey, but I feel a draw coming out of this fixture.
6/5- v. NE Revolution (prediction = draw) We struggled mightily against New England last year in both our matchups. MF Sharlie Joseph is amongst the best in the league and should have probably won the MVP over Landon Donovan last year. A draw here would be disappointing, but likely.
6/10- v. DC United (prediction = win) This is the last fixture doe us before the World Cup break. This fixture last year produced the MLS game of the year in my opinion. However, in the end it was a frustrating draw. I feel we can go into the break on a high note.
6/27- @ Philadephia (prediction = draw) This will mark the opening of the Union's new PPE Park. The home team and supporters will be jacked for this match, but I feel we can sneak out with a draw due to our defensive quality.
7/4- @ LA Galaxy (prediction = loss) Depending on how far that the USMNT gets in the World Cup, Donovan may or may not be back in the lineup for LA here. Either way, we outplayed LA in this fixture last year...it's very hard to do that in back to back years away from home.
7/11- v. FC Dallas (prediction = draw) This match pits two of the best up and coming teams in the Western conference. A draw seems fair here.
Predicted season record up to this point: 6-3-7 (25 points)
..................................................................................................................
While I'm predicting soccer matches...here is my take on the upcoming UEFA Champions League matchups:
Barcelona v. Arsenal- This draw will produce some of the most fluid and beautiful soccer of the year. Either way, Barca is the best club in the world and will outlast Wegner's young and promising club. (Barcelona, 4-2 agg)
CSKA Moscow v. Inter Milan- Jose Mourinho has Inter playing extremely well and there may not be a MF in better form at the moment than Dutch international, Wesley Sneijder. Too much Italian quality here for the Russians. (Inter Milan, 3-2 agg)
Lyon v. Bordeaux- This all-French quarterfinal has two in-form clubs pitted against each other. These two clubs are also fighting with a slew of other clubs for the Ligue Un championship during this time. I have watched both of these clubs and Lyon impressed me the most with their timely finishing. It will be close though. (Lyon, 4-3 agg)
Manchester United v. Bayern Munich- What a tremendous draw this is for a quarterfinal. Rooney v. Ribery. English football supporters v. Bundasliga Supporters. I feel that ManU will win its fourth straight EPL title this year, however Bayern Munich has been in world class form. They haven't lost a league match since September! I'm going for the upset here. (Bayern Munich 5-4 agg)
3.15.2010
Too bad for Beckham
Yesterday in Italian Serie A action, AC Milan closed within one point of table toppers and inter-city rivals, Inter. However, that story was ridiculously overshadowed by another, less fortunate story.
David Beckham will miss World Cup 2010.
During the last three years, Beckham has been on a whirlwind personal mission to be selected by English national club manager, Fabio Capello. The Italian manager had declared on numerous occasions that Beckham would not be considered if he only play on his MLS club, the L.A. Galaxy. These statements led Beckham to pursue a loaned return to European soccer with AC Milan. He has virtually been playing year-round for the last three years (when healthy), which has certainly taken a tremendous toll on his mid-thirties body. He also has sacrificed time away from his family to live and work in Milan the last two MLS "offseasons". Ultimately, Beckham had been doing very well for himself in both Serie A as well as leading the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final last season. All the hard work and tireless effort had been paying off as he has been included in the last handful of English international fixtures by Capello. Unfortunately though, all that hassle and hard work has ultimately been for naught.
I have certainly been critical of Beckham in the past. Initially, I felt slighted as an American soccer supporter when he pursued his loan deal to Milan last year. Was he too good for American soccer? However, after educating myself more on the game, I can certainly understand the level of competition discrepancies between the two leagues. I also have realized (speculatively of course) and come to greatly respect where his soccer heart's allegiance lies...with his home country.
English soccer may get a bad rap at sometimes for being arrogant about the game that they apparently invented. However, I cannot help but feel bad for a guy that wanted (more than anything) to simply just be on the England roster for this year's World Cup spectacle. This injury may not only mark the end to his international career, but it could possibly force him to retire from the beautiful game all together.
David Beckham will miss World Cup 2010.
During the last three years, Beckham has been on a whirlwind personal mission to be selected by English national club manager, Fabio Capello. The Italian manager had declared on numerous occasions that Beckham would not be considered if he only play on his MLS club, the L.A. Galaxy. These statements led Beckham to pursue a loaned return to European soccer with AC Milan. He has virtually been playing year-round for the last three years (when healthy), which has certainly taken a tremendous toll on his mid-thirties body. He also has sacrificed time away from his family to live and work in Milan the last two MLS "offseasons". Ultimately, Beckham had been doing very well for himself in both Serie A as well as leading the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final last season. All the hard work and tireless effort had been paying off as he has been included in the last handful of English international fixtures by Capello. Unfortunately though, all that hassle and hard work has ultimately been for naught.
I have certainly been critical of Beckham in the past. Initially, I felt slighted as an American soccer supporter when he pursued his loan deal to Milan last year. Was he too good for American soccer? However, after educating myself more on the game, I can certainly understand the level of competition discrepancies between the two leagues. I also have realized (speculatively of course) and come to greatly respect where his soccer heart's allegiance lies...with his home country.
English soccer may get a bad rap at sometimes for being arrogant about the game that they apparently invented. However, I cannot help but feel bad for a guy that wanted (more than anything) to simply just be on the England roster for this year's World Cup spectacle. This injury may not only mark the end to his international career, but it could possibly force him to retire from the beautiful game all together.
3.13.2010
Preseason soccer in the USA
As a Sounders fan, I was very disappointed with their Thursday night preseason result against arch-rival Portland. However, the inept offensive display by my beloved Rave Green and Blue was somewhat offset by a few other EXTREMELY encourage statistics/facts.
Total attendance for Thursday night's friendly: 18,606 (average regular season MLS attendance= 16k)
Number of traveling Portland supporters: 400+
General weather throughout the match: Cold and rainy
Considering that these facts are tied to a MLS preseason match is simply unprecedented in this country. These numbers would be encouraging for any other MLS regular season match or even some regular season MLB games! However, Seattle showed once again why it is truly earned it the moniker: Soccer City, USA.
I cannot help but wonder how this town will react if the players union does indeed decide to strike...but something tells me that the supporters chant, "Sounders til I die..." probably will ring just as true either way.
Total attendance for Thursday night's friendly: 18,606 (average regular season MLS attendance= 16k)
Number of traveling Portland supporters: 400+
General weather throughout the match: Cold and rainy
Considering that these facts are tied to a MLS preseason match is simply unprecedented in this country. These numbers would be encouraging for any other MLS regular season match or even some regular season MLB games! However, Seattle showed once again why it is truly earned it the moniker: Soccer City, USA.
I cannot help but wonder how this town will react if the players union does indeed decide to strike...but something tells me that the supporters chant, "Sounders til I die..." probably will ring just as true either way.
3.11.2010
"Real" waste of money...for now.
Why do the “little” always revel in the failures of “bigger and powerful”?
According to memory and my (typical) shockingly accurate calculations, nine out of ten casual sports fans will typically root for the underdog during the Super Bowl. The common reason is to see the big, bad favorites fail and to see the team that less people expect to win…WIN.
This same principle applies to all of the “big” sports franchises in the world as well: Yankees, Red Sox, Lakers, etc. These teams are ones that you either love or hate. Most people really could care less who these teams are playing- they just want the "other" team to win. It is a true rarity to find people who simply feel “eh” about any of those teams. The reason these clubs are vilified are the same reason everyone is fascinated by epic celebrity falls from grace (please see Woods, Tiger; Lohan, Lindsey or Spears, Britney) - MONEY. They have literally tons of it. Most of us do not. Either way, we normal, little folks always seem to be fascinated by these failures, sins or…ahem…indiscretions.
This brings me to Spanish “super club”, Real Madrid. During last summer’s international transfer window, newly appointed Real president, Florentino Perez, spent $340 million to upgrade a roster that had not been living up to the traditional standards expected from Real supporters. Thus four of the world’s best players, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, were purchased to become the new “Los Galácticos” and lead Real to European glory. Well, yesterday they failed..at least for this year.
French power, Lyon, eliminated Real Madrid in Real’s backyard 2-1 (on aggregate) to advance in the UEFA Champions League. Even though Lyon has won seven consecutive French Ligue 1 trophies, it is still an upset of epic proportions in world soccer. This upset is equally being welcomed by and has fascinated the vast majority of soccer fans across the world. The reason, of course, is the same reason the world simply cannot follow the Tiger Woods saga enough. The “big and powerful” have fallen.
The old adage, “money doesn’t buy happiness”, can definitely be applied to sports. Sports fans see it year in and year out. However, for every 2003 Florida Marlins team, there are ten big money winners- especially in sports without salary caps. Soccer is no different. This obviously is supported by recent history. When you throw enough money at something, championships will be won. The fact that the Yankees and Lakers are the incumbent champions in their respective sports proves that. Other examples of celebrity recovery support this as well (i.e. Britney, Kobe and sooner rather than later- Tiger).
So even though free-spending Real Madrid has been denied European glory this year, enjoy the “little win” now. History dictates that they will spend more and eventually, buy their European trophy soon enough.
According to memory and my (typical) shockingly accurate calculations, nine out of ten casual sports fans will typically root for the underdog during the Super Bowl. The common reason is to see the big, bad favorites fail and to see the team that less people expect to win…WIN.
This same principle applies to all of the “big” sports franchises in the world as well: Yankees, Red Sox, Lakers, etc. These teams are ones that you either love or hate. Most people really could care less who these teams are playing- they just want the "other" team to win. It is a true rarity to find people who simply feel “eh” about any of those teams. The reason these clubs are vilified are the same reason everyone is fascinated by epic celebrity falls from grace (please see Woods, Tiger; Lohan, Lindsey or Spears, Britney) - MONEY. They have literally tons of it. Most of us do not. Either way, we normal, little folks always seem to be fascinated by these failures, sins or…ahem…indiscretions.
This brings me to Spanish “super club”, Real Madrid. During last summer’s international transfer window, newly appointed Real president, Florentino Perez, spent $340 million to upgrade a roster that had not been living up to the traditional standards expected from Real supporters. Thus four of the world’s best players, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, were purchased to become the new “Los Galácticos” and lead Real to European glory. Well, yesterday they failed..at least for this year.
French power, Lyon, eliminated Real Madrid in Real’s backyard 2-1 (on aggregate) to advance in the UEFA Champions League. Even though Lyon has won seven consecutive French Ligue 1 trophies, it is still an upset of epic proportions in world soccer. This upset is equally being welcomed by and has fascinated the vast majority of soccer fans across the world. The reason, of course, is the same reason the world simply cannot follow the Tiger Woods saga enough. The “big and powerful” have fallen.
The old adage, “money doesn’t buy happiness”, can definitely be applied to sports. Sports fans see it year in and year out. However, for every 2003 Florida Marlins team, there are ten big money winners- especially in sports without salary caps. Soccer is no different. This obviously is supported by recent history. When you throw enough money at something, championships will be won. The fact that the Yankees and Lakers are the incumbent champions in their respective sports proves that. Other examples of celebrity recovery support this as well (i.e. Britney, Kobe and sooner rather than later- Tiger).
So even though free-spending Real Madrid has been denied European glory this year, enjoy the “little win” now. History dictates that they will spend more and eventually, buy their European trophy soon enough.
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