6.20.2011

At the halfway point, how full or empty is your glass?

We, Sounders supporters, have had our share of frustrations, even anger, in the first half of the 2011 MLS season.  Two 1-nil losses to LA and NY to start the season, two Cascadia derby home draws (albeit the Whitecaps one felt better), and of course, the Brian Mullan tackle in Colorado that took out a great player and young man for the season.  To put it mildly, neither the season or club has lived up to expectations.

Supporters I have talked to at pubs, read on Twitter or their blogs naturally have opinions that range from "Fire Sigi!" and "Cut Flaco" to "Church of Fucito" and "Montero is this team's future."  All of those sentiments have their place and merit.  Afterall, everyone is entitled to their opinion.  However, I am attempting to stay steadfastly calm through what feels like the most tumultous period in the Sounders brief MLS history.  However, I think it's healthy to make an honest assessment at this point.  Let's be frank then-

Alvaro "El Flaco" Fernandez has been inconsistent. 

Montero has 3 goals and 6 assists- our most productive (statistically) offensive player this year.

Zakuani's injury changed the entire team's formation and offensive dynamic.  

Mauro Rosales has been a very, very positive signing by the front office.

Kasey Keller has been excellent.

The defense is improved from last year overall (15 goals against this year, 24 through 17 matches last year).

We have 25 points through 17 matches- 6 better than last year at this point in the season.

All in all, it's safe to say that the club has been inconsistent.  I know that's not an Earth shattering assessment, but I think it's unwise to not have patience- with Sigi, the front office and most of all, the club.  However, as some of the bullets above show progress is being made and the team is in a far better place than last year's version at this point in the season.

Sure, the transfer rumors continue to swirl.  Supporters are looking for a savior.  However, I would like to remind everyone of a key moment and turning point in last year's campaign that rings very familiar to this past weekend.

Last year in the Sounders' 17th match of the season, Roger Levesque scored an 89th minute winner against a lowly away opponent (D.C. United).  Just when so many of us were expecting a draw, the Sounders stole 3 points.  That sentiment is very much how I felt sitting at home watching the Toronto match this past Saturday....a lowly opponent, but the guys found a way to steal 3 points (Montero's brilliant free kick).  Here's to progress and trends (like the run we made last season in the second half) continuing for the Rave Green.

- DTRT

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