Rave Green

A look at Chivas USA

MattG — Sat, 26 May 2012 16:44:00 GMT

The Sounders FC is back on the road for the final match of the month of May against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Here is a look at Chivas USA.

RECORD: Chivas is 4-6-2 (14 points), good for sixth in the Western Conference standings.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Sounders FC is 2-2-3 all-time against Chivas USA in league play and has a win in the 2010 US Open Cup semifinal to their credit.
WHO TO WATCH: While Juan Pablo Angel, Juan Agudelo and Jose Erik Correa give Chivas a solid attacking trio, the hallmark of the club is their defense. Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is one of the top American shot stoppers in MLS and has three shutouts in 12 matches this season. Recently added center back Danny Califf brings in a veteran presence to a defense that features James Riley as a stalwart right back. The two-time Sounders FC Humanitarian of the Year is the only field player who hasn’t missed a minute of action this season for Chivas.
INJURY REPORT: Sounders FC – OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); M Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); F Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear); D Adam Johansson (R hamstring strain). DOUBTFUL: GK Michael Gspurning (R hip strain); D Patrick Ianni (lower back pain); D Leo Gonzalez (L quad strain). QUESTIONABLE: D Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain). Chivas USA – OUT: M Marvin Iraheta (L knee ACL); M Nick Labrocca (L hamstring strain). PROBABLE: M Ben Zemanski (R knee MCL sprain).
NOTES: The Sounders will be playing without midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, who was suspended two matches for a tackle late in Wednesday’s loss to the Columbus Crew. … Chivas will not have the services of Oswaldo Minda, who is away with the Ecuador National Team. … Seattle is riding a three-game winless streak (0-2-1) while Chivas is on a three-game unbeaten streak (1-0-2).
TV/RADIO: KING 5, 97.3 KIRO FM.

U23s open home slate tonight

MattG — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:04:00 GMT

Three games into their first season in the PDL, the Sounders FC U23 play their first home game of 2012 on Friday night at 7:30 at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma.

The U23s are 1-1-1 through their first three matches after earning four points in two days with road games against Vancouver and Victoria, then falling last week to the Kitsap Pumas. This week, though, they added more players returning from college and will look to incorporate their full roster, starting tonight against the Victoria Highlanders.

"In reality we got our final four players in the last two days. Our fourth game of the season is tonight and we're finally getting all of our players in," head coach Darren Sawatzky said. "In saying that, there's a good group of guys here. We're a young team in this league, so we're still finding our feet a little bit."

What will help that transition is the inclusion of eight former Sounders FC Academy players on the roster, including Jamael Cox, Darwin Jones and Sean Okoli.

"Having academy guys just for familiarity is a good thing. Trying to mix in puzzle pieces to make it work and finding the right chemistry is the key to the PDL," said Sawatzky, who is also the director of youth development for the Sounders FC. "You have to find it quickly and get going."

Other Academy products who feature for the U23s are goalkeeper Ryan Herman, defender DeAndre Yedlin and midfielders Troy Peterson and Chase Hanson.

Sounders to host Atlanta - Sigi explains why

MattG — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:54:00 GMT

On Tuesday when the Atlanta Silverbacks kicked off against the Georgia Revolution in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, it appeared that a Silverbacks win would put the Sounders FC on a plane bound for Atlanta for the third round match next Wednesday. Atlanta won 1-0 and that looked to be the case.

However, an agreement was reached between the two teams and the match was moved to Starfire Stadium in Tukwila.

“When you do something like that, it’s obviously to the benefit of both teams. It’s to our benefit because of the amount of miles that we travel. We travel so many more miles and play so many more games than other teams do in our league. It’s to their benefit as well because they got something out of the deal in terms of cash or something that’s greater than they thought they would do if they hosted the game," Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said. "That’s sort of a win-win situation. It benefits us, it benefits them. Obviously there are teams that will opt not to do that. It really comes down to an individual team decision.”

Schmid conceded that travel was the primary concern for the Sounders.

"For us, one of the issues was that we couldn’t get the whole team on a flight on Monday - either out of Seattle or out of LA. So then it meant we had to all fly out on Sunday. So now you’re spending four nights in Atlanta and the guys are away from home for a week," Schmid said. "The travel cost for us were pretty significant. The lateness of the announcement and finding out a week before who you’re going to play and trying to book the travel, it’s not a cheap ticket.”

If the Sounders advance, they will face the winner of the Portland Timbers match against Cal FC of the US Adult Soccer Association. If Portland wins, the Sounders will play at Jeld-Wen Field for the third time in four years in the tournament. If Cal FC wins, the match will be at Starfire.

For tickets to the 3rd round Open Cup match, click here.

First Look at the Atlanta Silverbacks

MattG — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:49:00 GMT

With their 1-0 win over the Georgia Revolution on Tuesday, the Atlanta Silverbacks advanced to the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where they will meet the Sounders FC next Wednesday.

The Silverbacks are a team with a few ties to the Sounders FC and more to the Seattle area.

Midfielder Raphael Cox, who scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute, is a Tacoma native, Stadium High School and UW product and played for the Tacoma Tide in the PDL. He was also on the 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake team, scoring one goal in six appearances for RSL that season, but did not return to the team in 2010. He is in his second season with the Silverbacks.

Midfielder Ciaran O’Brien is a Federal Way native and Decatur High School alum. He played collegiately for San Diego and UCSB before signing a Generation adidas contract in MLS in 2008. He played one game with the Colorado Rapids, who selected him fifth overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, then was loaned to the Sounders in the USL. He was also loaned to the Austin Aztex and Montreal Impact in 2009. He didn’t play in 2010 while seeking out a loan deal in Europe, but returned to the US in 2011, where he signed with the Silverbacks.

Others with MLS experience include midfielder Nico Colaluca (Colorado Rapids, 2007-2009; New England Revolution, 2009-2010), defender Jose Burciaga, Jr. (Kansas City Wizards, 2001-2007; Colorado Rapids, 2008) and midfielder Tony McManus (Chicago Fire, 2004; FC Dallas, 2005). Burciaga was an MLS Best XI defender in 2006 and was the MLS Humanitarian of the Year in 2008.

In addition, forward Reinaldo Navia has 10 goals in 40 appearances for Chile from 1999-2007. He already has five goals in four league matches for Atlanta in his first season in the NASL. Midfielder/defender Danilo Turcios has 85 caps and seven goals for Honduras from 1999-2010. He is in his first season in the NASL, too.

Atlanta head coach Alex Pineda Chacon was the 2001 MLS MVP with the Miami Fusion where he scored 19 goals in 25 matches on a team that also featured Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. He would only play three seasons in MLS, though, including one with Sigi Schmid’s LA Galaxy in 2003. He is in his second season at the helm of the Silverbacks after four years as an assistant coach.

In 2007, the Sounders topped the Silverbacks 4-0 to claim the USL First Division title at Starfire.

Time, date and location of the match remain to be determined. Stay tuned to SoundersFC.com for all the latest as the Sounders begin the quest toward their fourth straight US Open Cup title.

A look at the Crew

MattG — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:10:00 GMT

The Sounders FC will play their last home match for nearly a month on Wednesday when they host the Crew at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday.

Here is a look at the Crew.

RECORD: Columbus is 3-4-3 (12 points) and sits seventh in the Eastern Conference.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Sounders lead the all-time MLS series at 3-4-3, outscoring Columbus 14-5. Seattle also has a win in the 2010 US Open Cup final to their credit.
WHO TO WATCH: The Crew is a team riddled with injuries, so regulars on the defensive side like Will Hesmer and Chad Marshall leave head coach Robert Warzycha looking to the bench to fill out his starting XI. They still have some talent that could be dangerous though. Midfielder Eddie Gaven has two goals this season to give him 44 for his 10-year MLS career, to go with 31 assists. Forward Justin Meram has added two goals in the last two matches after not playing in the club's first seven games this season. Tony Tchani is on his third team in just his third MLS season, but is a promising 23-year-old midfielder. Goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum has been a defensive standout filling in for Hesmer. Last week he posted a career-high seven saves. Forward Emilio Renteria had eight goals last season, including one against Seattle, but had not scored through the club's first nine games and was left on the bench on Saturday in a 1-1 draw with the Earthquakes.
INJURY REPORT: Sounders FC - OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); M Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); D Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain); F Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear). DOUBTFUL: GK Michael Gspurning (R hip strain); D Patrick Ianni (lower back pain); M Brad Evans (R calf strain). PROBABLE: M Alvaro Fernandez (R quad strain); D Leo Gonzalez (L quad strain). Crew - OUT: F Tommy Heinemann (L knee surgery); GK William Hesmer (R hip surgery); F Aaron Schoenfeld (R plantar fascia rupture); D Chad Marshall (concussion); M Kirk Urso (R adductor tendonitis). DOUBTFUL: F Ben Speas (sports hernia rehab); D Rich Balchan (sports hernia rehab); M Milovan Mirosevic (L adductor strain). QUESTIONABLE: F Ethan Finlay (concussion). PROBABLE: M Danny O'Rourke (L ankle sprain).
NOTES: Both teams are coming off 90th minute draws, which each team falling on opposite sides of the emotional spectrum. After holding off San Jose throughout the match, the Crew finally conceded the equalizer on an Alan Gordon putback in the 90th minute, while Fredy Montero netted the game-tying goal for Seattle in the 90th minute in a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. ... Seattle's next home match is June 20 against Sporting Kansas City. After Wednesday, they will play five of their nextsix matches on the road. ... Two of Seattle's three hat tricks have come against the Crew. Last year, Lamar Neagle scored three goals in a 6-2 win at CenturyLink Field, while Blaise Nkufo scored the club's first ever hat trick at Crew Stadium in 2010.
TV/RADIO: KONG 6/16, 97.3 KIRO FM.

Monday Injury Update

MattG — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:39:00 GMT

The Sounders FC has been dealing with a few injuries over the last several weeks and it looks like they may be bringing some of those players into the fold for their matches this week against the Columbus Crew and Chivas USA.

Brad Evans, Leo Gonzalez, Patrick Ianni and Michael Gspurning all missed matches recently because of injury and on Monday head coach Sigi Schmid offered updates on their status.

“I think Evans should be ready to go. Leo, it’s still a day-to-day thing with him. Ianni is still out at this juncture," Schmid said. "Michael Gspurning did a little bit of work today, felt good, so he’s now starting to ramp up and he feels good about it. But that’s about it.”

Gspurning has been out since halftime of Seattle's May 2 match with the LA Galaxy with a hip injury. While he's not expected to be ready for Wednesday's match against the Crew, Bryan Meredith has filled in admirably, allowing just three goals in 405 minutes of action.

Sounders to again host UEFA Champions League winners

MattG — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:20:00 GMT

As the Sounders and Whitecaps kicked off on Saturday, some at BC Place kept their attention on the goings on in Munich, Germany, where Bayern Munich and Chelsea were knotted at 1-1 heading into extra time in the UEFA Champions League final.

The Cascadia match resumed as scheduled, but many with access to the televisions in the suites, concourses and press boxes around the stadium were glancing back and forth between the two matches. As they went to penalties in Europe to decide the champions, many of those eyes were fixated exclusively on the televisions.

And with Chelsea's victory, Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid was of two minds. As a fan of Bayern Munich, he was disappointed that his club didn't come out victorious. However, Chelsea's victory meant that for the second time in four summers the Sounders FC would host the UEFA Champions League champions at CenturyLink Field in a summer friendly.

FC Barcelona brought the cup with them in 2009 and now Chelsea will do the same with their match on July 18.

"It’s great when you’re playing against the Champions League winners. That’s a great thrill for our club and should be a great day for our fans," Schmid said. "Chelsea deservedly with the trophy gets a chance to honor their team on this tour as well."

For ticket information on the four-pack that includes tickets to see Chelsea as well as the Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps and LA Galaxy, click here.

A look at the Vancouver Whitecaps

MattG — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:36:00 GMT

The Sounders FC hits the road to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first match of the Cascadia Cup derby.

Here is a look at the Whitecaps.

RECORD: Vancouver is 5-3-2 (17 points), good for fourth in the Western Conference standings.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Sounders FC is 1-0-1 in their two MLS meetings, but dating back to 1974 in the North American Soccer League, Seattle is 61-45-19 to lead the all-time series.
WHO TO WATCH: Eric Hassli provides the biggest scoring threat up front – and with four goals in the last four matches across all competitions, the towering Frenchman is at his best right now. Sebastien Le Toux showed a scoring knack with the Philadelphia Union, netting 25 goals and 20 assists in 62 matches over two seasons before an off-season trade landed him in Vancouver. Already he has three goals and one assist for the Whitecaps through ten matches. Brazilian midfielder Camilo provides another scoring threat, scoring 12 goals last season and adding to that with two this year. Davide Chiumiento provides much of the service to that attack with three assists this year to add to his nine assists in 2011. Jay DeMerit is an established US National Team veteran who provides a solid base for the Whitecaps defense that held opponents scoreless through their first four matches.
INJURY REPORT: Sounders FC - OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); M Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); D Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain); F Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear). DOUBTFUL: GK Michael Gspurning (R hip strain); D Patrick Ianni (lower back pain); M Brad Evans (R calf strain). PROBABLE: M Alvaro Fernandez (R quad strain); D Leo Gonzalez (L quad strain). Whitecaps - OUT: GK Brian Sylvestre (R knee surgery). QUESTIONABLE: F Atiba Harris (R quad contusion).
NOTES: This will be the Sounders FC’s first match at BC Place. They played the final match at Empire Field last year, topping the Whitecaps 3-1 to clinch the Cascadia Cup. … The Whitecaps have been streaky to this point, winning their first two, then going winless in their next four. They then won three straight before falling 4-1 to the New England Revolution last week. … Both teams have six shutouts this season to share the league lead.
TV/RADIO: KONG 6/16, 97.3 KIRO FM.

A look at Real Salt Lake

MattG — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:57:00 GMT

The Sounders FC finishes their stretch of five matches in 15 days with a home match against Real Salt Lake at 7 at CenturyLink Field.

Here is a look at RSL.

RECORD: Salt Lake leads MLS with 23 points (7-3-2) through 12 matches.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: The all-time series is split at 3-3-2 in MLS and MLS Cup playoff matches. They are also even on the score sheet, with both teams scoring nine goals in the series. Seattle is 2-1-1 against Salt Lake at home.
WHO TO WATCH: Goalkeeper Nick Rimando is in his 13th MLS season and shows no sign of slowing down. He has three shutouts and a 1.09 GAA in 11 matches. He missed Wednesday’s match against Chicago with a shoulder injury. … Their defensive foursome of Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave and Chris Wingert is among the best in the league and Chris Schuler provides an able fifth body to the rotation. … Midfielder Kyle Beckerman is coming off of perhaps his best season in MLS when he had three goals and nine assists. He has followed that up with three goals and one assist and has played every minute of their 12 matches. … The forward combination of Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola has proven lethal in the last few years. Saborio has 27 goals in 62 MLS matches, including four this season to top Salt Lake, while Espindola has 29 goals in 105 career matches, with three goals and one assist this year.
INJURY REPORT: Sounders FC – OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); M Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); D Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain); F Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear). DOUBTFUL: GK Michael Gspurning (R hip strain). QUESTIONABLE: D Patrick Ianni (lower back pain); Osvaldo Alonso (L adductor strain). Real Salt Lake – DOUBTFUL: F Cody Arnoux (L adductor strain). QUESTIONABLE: M Javier Morales (R quad strain). PROBABLE: GK Nick Rimando (R shoulder impingement).
NOTES: The Sounders will be without right back Zach Scott, who was suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for a yellow card tackle against FC Dallas on Wednesday. … The Sounders are looking to become just the third team in MLS history to win five games in 15 days. The first two were the 1997 LA Galaxy and the 2001 Miami Fusion. … The Sounders have matched their all-time best winning streak at five matches and are unbeaten in their last six matches at 5-0-1.
TV/RADIO: KING 5. 97.3 KIRO FM.

A look at FC Dallas

MattG — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The Sounders FC will play their fourth of five games in 15 days on Wednesday against FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Here is a look at FC Dallas.

RECORD: Dallas fell to 3-4-3 (12 points, 6th in the West) with a 2-0 loss to Colorado on Sunday. They are winless in their last four matches (0-2-2).
HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Sounders lead the all-time series at 2-1-3 and have never lost (1-0-2) in Frisco.
WHO TO WATCH: Many of the top players for Dallas are out with either injuries or suspensions. Brek Shea missed the game on Sunday because of turf toe, but may be available on Wednesday. After his breakthrough season last year that saw him score 11 goals, the US National Team left winger has three goals in seven matches this season. Kevin Hartman is the all-time leader in several MLS goalkeeping categories. The UCLA product has missed three games this season due to injury, but has a 3-3-1 record with a 1.57 goals against average this season. UW and Shorewood HS product George John is back after a loan stint with West Ham United in England’s Championship and leads the Dallas defense. Speedy Colombian Fabian Castillo lines up opposite Shea and, while he had just two goals last season, his bursts up the wing can cause problems for opposing defenses.
INJURY REPORT: Sounders FC - OUT: GK Josh Ford (R knee stress fracture); MF Steve Zakuani (R leg fracture); DF Michael Tetteh (L hamstring strain); FW Babayele Sodade (R knee ACL tear); DOUBTFUL: GK Michael Gspurning (R hip strain). FC Dallas - OUT: MF David Ferreira (R foot surgery); MF Ricardo Villar (R foot strain); MF Andrew Wiedeman (sports hernia repair); MF Carlos Rodriguez (L elbow dislocation); MF Bobby Warshaw (R foot fracture); DF Ugo Ihemelu (concussion symptoms); QUESTIONABLE: MF Brek Shea (L foot turf toe).
NOTES: The Sounders will be without left back Leo Gonzalez, who was suspended for the match by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for a foul that went uncalled against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. … FC Dallas won’t have the services of forward Blas Perez or midfielder Daniel Hernandez, as both are serving red card suspensions. … The Sounders are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four in a row.
TV/RADIO: KONG 6/16. No Radio.