Sounders FC Game 1: Player ratings and a few thoughts...

"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.
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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!  :-)