Sounder At Heart

Two Off Season Votes this Season for Sounders FC

2010-02-06T00:50:23Z

As the whole concept behind Democracy in Sports continues to be refined there are currently two ongoing votes for Sounders FC Alliance members.

The first is a continuation of the Alliance Council. Four more just recently reached the 25 vote minimum and 15 now serve. Eleven of us wil be ending our term at the end of this season, while those elected this year will be done in 2011. We advised the club for longer terms because we had trouble learning the system and extent of influence. They agreed. All Alliance Members can vote this year, click here to do so.

When you visit there you will also be asked to vote on the future of the Golden Scarf ceremony. The three options are to give it only to fans of the team, only community icons or a mix of the two. Now, it isn't my job to tell you how to vote, but I think that this tradition will only be relevant if the people who get it are significant to a large segment of the fanbase. Yes, I got one, but I didn't get one because of who I am. Instead I was part of a group that got one to represent YOU. But a Scarf before each match to a fan, for just being a fan doesn't seem right.

It is notable that of the 15 people on the Council they break into following groups (some members of multiple groups)

Emerald City Supporters - 6
Gorilla FC - 4
Bloggers - 3
Women - 3

Both Supporter Groups are organizing to get more on the Council, and probably will. If you are a member of another Group it might be a good idea to get someone on the Council. If you feel that the SGs have too much representation you need to find someone who represents you.

If you are running and need more support, feel free to campaign in this thread or by using the FanShots/FanPosts.

SBNation welcomes a ManCity Blog

2010-02-05T22:50:13Z

SBNation welcomes a ManCity Blog

Now at 3 MLS team sites (SSFC, RSL, DCU), a US/MLS site, a World competitions site, a Euro overview site and our first EPL site. All lthis in a just a few months.

"But the real exciting time for all of us is in 2011, when you join with Vancouver (B.C.) and match...

2010-02-05T03:28:24Z

"But the real exciting time for all of us is in 2011, when you join with Vancouver (B.C.) and match up with Seattle and I think give us what this country has never had, which is a true epicenter of passion for the sport," Garber said.

"Seattle is continuing to surprise us all. They haven’t announced it yet, but they’ve sold out their available season tickets (for 2010). They’re now at 32,000 and expect to go well north of 40,000 for their attendance."

From Oregon Live

The MLS Commissioner expects Seattle to average more thank 40k.

That's a FOUR followed by four ZEROES.

Is Standing Pat really that Risky?

2010-02-05T00:20:30Z

Falk sounded off, and has really represented what a majority of fans are thinking. The Sounders haven't done enough in the off-season. They haven't added any names. And yet, is that an indication that they have wasted an opporutnity?

Are we really going to think that a surprise draft pick (David Estrada), a resurgent former 2nd Team All-American (Mike Fucito) and a precisely tuned offense are going to get this team to be the offensive power that we once that it should be?

I actually think so. There are some numbers to back it up, but they lack significant size.

So we are left with anecdotal stuff. The 24th Minute recently published the top 50 players in MLS. There were 3 Sounders attacking players in the top 37, 2 in the top 15. And yet the offense struggled. Steve Zakuani has been the focus of Sigi, trying to get him to be just a bit more decisive, a bit more productive.

Is this really just a team that needed only tweaking and not an overhaul?

4th on the Table. One Cup in Year One.
But an early exit from Playoffs
Two points shy of the Shield

That says to me tweaking, not churn is all that is necessary. Sure the defense is bound to regress a bit, but the offense actually gets better by regressing. Nate Jaqua's 10 and 8 was a DOWN year for him, as his Shots on Target %s well down from his average. Montero, Ljungberg, Zakuani are all learning the league.

Freddie Ljungberg is every bit as capable of being as good as Jaime Moreno. He ended the season in a very similar role, and ended the season as the Player of the Month. Fredy Montero can be a Juan Pablo Angel type (he was damn close). Seriously, this isn't about risk, this is about a team that was nearly the best expansion side in the history of sports, that UNDERPERFORMED.

Sure there are 36 scheduled matches at this point (30 League, 3 Friendly, 2 CCL, 1 Open Cup) and that could grow to add another 10. Depth may be an issue, but peak performance, from this team and this staff?

I don't think so.

Am I saying there aren't holes? No. Am I saying I wish the Sounders had borrowed (that's the opposite of loan right?) Nashat Akram from FC Twente or Khalfan Ibrahim from al-Sadd? Certainly. But adding talent to a team that has yet to gel would be no guarantee either.

We have no baseline for performance yet. RSL, Fire, Galaxy, United, Dynamo, Revolution all have major losses this year. Sounders FC, not so much. I don't want to get in the habit of writing rebuttal pieces, but I think that the Sounders Nation (as channeled quite well by Falk) is wrong on this point.

I see Sounders as 3 deep at Forward - Ljungberg, Montero, Jaqua
4 Deep on the Wing - Zakuani, Jaqua, Fucito and Estrada
4 Deep in the Center - Evans, Alonso, Vagenas and Estrada
3 Deep in the Fullbacks - Gonzalez, Scott, Riley
4 Deep in the Centerhalf - Hurtado, Marshall, Ianni and Graham

Roger Levesque can slot into several roles effectively as well

Oh, and they still have the best American Keeper in history in the pipes, with a hell of a battle for the #2

Churn let's you become Toronto FC. Champions only tweak.

Poll

Should the Sounders have added a "name" talent this offseason?

MLS Regular Season Schedule is Out

2010-02-03T20:19:43Z

This is not the complete schedule for Sounders FC. Most of you know that, but I should remind you that there will be the US Open Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League as well as 3 friendlies tagged onto the following schedule.

It is notable to me that though 1/3 of all league matches are on TV this year, only 9 will be of Sounders. A "balanced" TV schedule would have been 10. A schedule that would have featured the team and city with the best MLS TV ratings should have had more. This is an MLS miss.

MLS added the Philly SSS Opener to the ESPN2 schedule. Seattle now is evenly represented on National TV.

Also notable are the reduction in weeknight games, this year down to 15%. This is due to a bit less crowding from FIFA dates, and just a wise move to get more people inside the stadiums. You should expect a bump in attendence overall from this alone.

Philly has the anti-Sounders schedule due to their stadium issue. Their 3rd Home Game is against the Sounders on June 27th, a Sunday (MLS still fixing their online version of schedule).

Also notable is that the Sounders/Seahawks conflict lead to only a tiny weighting towards road games. In September/October there will be only 3 home games and 5 away. It could have been worse. Throw in August and its only a 5/6 split in favor of traveling.

Sounders have a double week early, and both matches are roadtrips. Kind of long ones at that. At Dallas on a Thursday followed up by at Toronto. At the end of that first 6 matches of March/April Sounders need to be at 10+ points. They are facing clubs that are generally lower to mid-level teams, with the at Salt Lake being the only one where I expect a poor result. Also, several teams historically start slow as they don't bring in their full squad until the end of the Primary Transfer Window. It is great that one of the shortest/cheapest roadtrips is the first one of the year.

The Second Six gets more difficult with only the loans of Donovan and Beckham making it a bit easier. By the time the World Cup starts Seattle fans should have a good picture of what kind of team has come back to defend their single trophy and effort towards a multi-Cup year.

Full Regular Season Schedule after the jump. I have included the date change that MLS has indicated will be made to the @Philly match.

date	opponent	time (PT) / result	TV, Radio / attendance
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
06/27 - Sunday	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

Thoughts on the schedule?

UPDATE: Final Four Matches for the League

Team	Opp 1	Opp 2	Opp 3	Opp 4
Chicago	@ Dallas	Columbus	DC	@Chivas
Chivas	Toronto	@ Seattle	@ San Jose	Chicago
Colorado	DC	@ Dallas	@ LA	Salt Lake
Columbus	San Jose	@ Chicago	@ Toronto	Philly
DC	@ Colorado	San Jose	@ Chicago	Toronto
Dallas	Chicago	Colorado	@ Salt Lake	@ LA
Houston	@ Philly	New England	@ San Jose	Seattle
Kansas City	@ New York	Seattle	@ New England	San Jose
Los Angeles	@ Chivas	@ Philly	Colorado	Dallas
New England	Real Salt Lake	@ Houston	Kansas City	@ New York
New York	Kansas City	Salt Lake	@ Philly	New England
Philly	Houston	LA	New York	@ Columbus
Salt Lake	@ New England	@ New York	Dallas	@ Colorado
San Jose	@ DC	Houston	Chivas	@ Kansas City
Toronto	@ Seattle	@ Chivas	Columbus	@ DC
*Seattle*	*Toronto*	*@ Kansas City*	*Chivas*	*@ Houston*

It may be a good thing that RSL ends with 3 Away.

Sigi to improve Sounders game through improved technique

2010-02-03T03:30:45Z

Many fans have pointed out that the lack of signings is an indication that the Sounders offense will struggle again. I think this is a simplistic look at the coaching process, particularly with a coach who is accomplished at developing talent. It also ignores the trials and tribulations of expansion. From today's quotes from the coach we see that Sigi sees the same issues that we all see, and he is setting the team up to improve by improving their technique. He also sees one key player who could take a few steps forward.

We want to improve certain aspects of our game. We want to be able to play a little quicker. Not to play in a hurry, but to play quicker. We want to be able to be more aggressive in the box. So we want to gear our game towards that. So a lot of what we did yesterday in terms of making them get a shot off at a certain time. Today we were working on good diagonal runs, getting points for playing balls to be people in the end zone. It’s all about, can we play a little quicker? Can we get behind defenses? Can we be more aggressive in the final third of the field? Because obviously defensively last year we were amongst the best in the league. Offensively we can add another five, six, seven goals to our offensive production. That makes all the difference between finishing where we did and maybe finishing as Supporters’ Shield winners

Even the minor improvement he sees in five goals likely puts Seattle into first. Just 1 win is all it would have taken, and if those 5 goals are randomly distrubeted the chances that they hit the more than 1/3 of matches that ended in a draw would have been enough.

But what excites me more is that there is a focus on getting off more shots, getting faster, being more aggressive. I enjoy that game, not because it leads to more goals, but because it requires more skill and more tactical knowledge and it forces the opponent to react to you; because you have defined the game.

That's what I called Sigi's Game.

How do they recapture that?

... maybe changing the mentality of the players. Getting them to obviously make their runs a little bit sooner. The forwards understanding that the ball is going to come forward quicker, so when the ball turns over now is the time to make your run. It’s not we’re going to knock three, four passes around the back. We’ll get back into that because coaching is always like a pendulum. So trying to swing the pendulum over here where we play quicker. We’re probably going to get to the point where we’re playing too quick. Then we’ll have to swing the pendulum over and say slow it down, keep possession, hold onto it. Swing together ten passes and each time the pendulum swings back and forth you land in that happy middle point. It’s knowing when to slow it down and knowing when to go quicker. But it seems like the pendulum is always on one side or the other side. And I felt at the end of the year sometimes we were almost a little too methodical and that’s why it made it difficult for us sometimes to score goals.

In the first half of that you see that he doesn't want the forwards to wait for the ball, but instead demand the ball with solid runs and trusting their team to get them the ball. What they are expecting is a higher level of team work than we saw last season, and the way to get there is through having time together. Training together with a single coaching staff.

One of those players that the team expects more from, is a player that you and I want more from as well. Steve Zakuani is someone who can really move the team's offensive goals forward quite a bit.

We expect him to make better decisions. I think that he had a number of situations last year where he got in. Where he either got behind the defense, or he got opportunities, good looks on goals and so forth, and we didn’t always come out with the best results. So if we can get him to up that ratio to like 25 or 30 or 35 percent, where we get something out of it when he gets those good looks, that’s going to help us at the end of the day, our goal production. The other thing with Zakuani was just that we wanted to get him stronger and fitter and I think that’s something that we’re achieving right now and I think that’s going to help his game as well.

Can the team really move forward into multi-trohpy land with just more technique and a higher level of understanding? Can it acheive a 20% improvement in offense without adding a "significant" player?

It depends on where you stand from 2009. Were 2009's problems associated with a lack of talent, or a lack of execution?

I tend towards the second of those, rather than the first.

Estrada Signs with Sounders - What is Impact on Remaining Trialists

2010-02-02T17:09:41Z

This according to Goff at the Wa Post.

Forward David Estrada, Seattle's first-round draft pick from UCLA, has signed with the Sounders.

And so now the roster is starting to get full without players getting cut to make room. Here's the current training list with only the guys under contract listed

Goalkeepers (3): Terry Boss, Chris Eylander, Kasey Keller
Defenders (8): Taylor Graham, Leo Gonzalez, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Tyrone Marshall, James Riley, Zach Scott, Nathan Sturgis
Midfielders (6): Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Stephen King, Freddie Ljungberg, Sanna Nyassi, Peter Vagenas
Forwards (5): David Estrada, Nate Jaqua, Roger Levesque, Fredy Montero, Steve Zakuani.

Players there are classified by the team as reported to MLS (eg Zakuani as Forward). Now you long time MLS fans will note that only Nyassi is sure to be a Developmental Player (if that still exists in the new CBA), and it is possible that Estrada is as well.

That's 22 of 24 slots filled. I have heard no reports yet of Tyson Wahl being resigned yet (he was a Free at the end of year). So things are getting a bit dicey for the remaining trialists and Wahl. Either 1 senior and 1 developmental or 2 developmental slots are all that are open. For more than two on the following list to make the squad they are going to have to bump a Senior player from last year.

Keeper: Patrick Lane
Defender: Lamar Neagle, Tyson Wahl (Senior only), Jamel Wallace
Midfielder: Mike Fucito, Josh Gardner (Senior only), Jakob Yakir Lusky, Michael Seamon
Forwards: Tye Predido, Jarrod Smith (Senior only)

Now with Seamon and Predido going back to school that does mean that the other guys get a slightly larger window of opportunity. February 15th we will probably see a set of cut-downs, as that is the day before they fly to Spain.

Of course I'm assuming a 24 man roster with the 20+4 format of last year. That could change, or player could get a long-term injury forcing them on the Injured List (max 4 players) for the first six matches allowing another player to make the roster.

Freddie Ljungberg - Shifting Focus

2010-02-02T00:14:11Z

When 2009 opened the Ljungberg focus was two-fold; would he be healthy and would he take the American version of the game seriously? For 2010 we won't have those questions. We know that Ljungberg will be fairly healthy, a reasonable expectation would be for him to have 25 starts this season. We also know that he may just be taking the game here too seriously.

Freddie just might have some anger management issues. These tend to show up during what he perceives as a poor call and led to all but one of his yellows, and his only red. While that spirit can be a benefit it must be channeled. The Sounders are a better team when he's on the field and paying attention and there is no evidence that complaining to the referees improved things for anyone in the Rave Green.

The questions we are left with concerning 2010, now that camp has its most famous attendee, will concern with how Freddie is used within the arrow as well as how well he can work with his teammates. Last season saw a bit of issue when Freddie didn't see the expected pass or run. This may be less apparent with a full season, and a nearly full training.

Last season Freddie spent time as a CAM (early season 4-diamond-2), the Right Wing and as a Withdrawn Forward. It actually turned out that Freddie was a bit better without the ball at his feet for a long period of time, like as a CAM, but when he picked up the ball further forward things went much better. This is part of why I think the Freddyain (two guys named Freddy) will be the strikeforce for 2010.

Offense: Freddie is the top offensive talent on the team. He has deft dribbling, the ability to thread a pass over dozens of yards and makes the runs that give him and others space. His shot is still potent, though not much a threat from distance.

Defense: Ljungberg has never been known for defense as much as he has for his tenacity. He isn't going to stop an player from bringing it up, but his likely to slow them down enough that his team can get back into position.

Set-Plays: Corners are just better when Freddie provides the service. He's decent at the indirect kick, but when it comes to taking a direct kick he is slightly lacking. Defensively he should be the man starting the counter.

Defining Moment: Oddly I consider the month of October to be his defining moment. He took over the team and forced his will on the opposition. He was exactly what you want from a franchise player. Though he didn't score goals he tallied assists like bums collect change. They don't necessarily want what they got, but get enough and things are better.

Statistics
Plus/Minus - 10 | 10
Plus/Minus Per 90 - 0.49 | 0.53
Productivity in League Play - 0.64
Productivity in All Competitions - 0.63
Ratings from Prost Amerika - 6.95 (1st)

Second +/- listed uses Climbing the Ladder's data.

Short Term Peak - Clearly a past peak player now, Freddie has a chance to put up much better numbers as the team has settled on his usage, and he drives for that final pay day.

Past Recaps

Rights Controlled Players- Parke, Karkas, Smith

Lightly Used Developmental Players- Neagle, Brown, Fucito

Other Keepers- Boss, Eylander

Reserves- Graham, Sturgis, King, Scott

Subs - Nyassi, Wahl

USL Rotationals- Le Toux and Levesque

MLS Rotationals - Ianni and Vagenas

James Riley- MLS quality wingback or not?

Tyrone Marshall- Veteran Centerback

Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - First Sounder lost to Europe?

Leo Gonzalez - Settling the Left Back dilemma

Osvaldo Alonso - To Hold or not to Hold?

Brad Evans - Club CM & Country RB

Steve Zakuani - Generation Wow

Nate Jaqua - Target Midfielder

Fredy Montero - Too many touches

Thoughts on Freddie's 2009 and his outlook for 2010?

Freddie Ljungberg back in Seattle. "Me and some of the boys we're just going to have a good...

2010-01-31T23:08:10Z

Freddie Ljungberg back in Seattle.

"Me and some of the boys we're just going to have a good laugh."

Looks like the embed isn't quite working right. I have also linked the video at SoundersFC.com

On Main Stream Media coverage of Sounders and Soccer

2010-01-31T02:48:27Z

With the recent news that Jose Romero is leaving the Seattle Times, the rumors concerning Arlo White joining the Sounders broadcast, latest release of the Face of Sports (US)by Nielson and the nearly constant complaints on soccer forums about local sportsradio's lack of coverage of the Sounders I thought I should share my thoughts on this in just one place.

For a little background I have some education in Broadcast Communications, leveraged that into a job at KJR-AM Seattle for about 2.5 years, and even taught a little bit at BCC. The job I did at KJR-AM was as a producer - which means I was responsible at that time for booking guests, doing show research, screening phone calls and helping guide the overall direction of the show.

In order of amount of time I worked on shows I was affiliated with the following programs on a dedicated basis;
Locked on Sports with David Locke (now in Salt Lake City as play-by-play for Utah Jazz)
John Clayton's Sports Saturday (now at 710 ESPN Seattle)
SuperSonics Basketball (now dead and gone)
Storm Basketball
Baseball's Best Postgame Show(numerous hosts - Seth Everett, David Locke, Bill Krueger, Mike Blowers, Steve Sandmeyer, Dick Fain and Shannon Drayer)
The 4th Quarter with Dick Fain (now called Sports Saturday)
Mitch in the Morning

On top of that I worked and supported the other shows on the air, went to numerous press conferences and team practices.

I give this partial resume not because Dave Clark wanted to talk about himself, but so that newer readers might k now that when I talk about radio talkshows I know a little bit about it. It was my job, and while the host is the primary driver of ratings, my time was well spent.

During my time there I received constant calls that we didn't talk enough about sport/issue X, Y and Z. Every time I took that phone call or email I had to think "Is this complaint legit?" "If we talk about this we gain how many listeners and lose how many more/less?"

I was an advocate for more coverage of the A-League Sounders and that coverage very rarely happened, and was generally confined to on-air ribbing of the slightly crazy producer (me). Callers tended to advocate for more NHL talk, maybe some NASCAR as well.

We didn't have a hard rule. There was not a magic number that needed to be hit.

What we had in my case was a host that knew the NBA/MLB (Locke), or the NFL (Clayton), or college basketball (Fain & Mitch) or Golf (Mitch). I'm not saying that they were limited to those concepts, but they were better at those than most hosts in the country. So we often leaned towards those topics, because that was where we could provide the most knowledge.

Every host also had secondary subject matters, but eventually there comes a point where a host can't talk about a particular sport. They don't have the knowledge base. You'll note at 950 KJR and 710 ESPN now almost no one talks about the NHL. If they do it will almost certainly focus on an interview with an expert who hopefully can use a few mainstream metaphors so that non-hockey sports fans can understand what is going on in the game. Even then I would bet that thousands of radios are turning off, as this isn't a hockey market.

In hockey markets the hosts have to carry that knowledge themselves. But they didn't start that way, not in all of them, some markets became hockey towns after the advent of sports radio, and their stations had to adjust. They could not ignore the sport. Carolina is probably the best example of that. The Program Directors had to find some new talent, or engage their old talent in a sport that was "new" to the region.

Right now Seattle is entering that same realm. There are no hosts (weekly name brand show) on the air in this market that are soccer fans. There are a few that enjoy the sport (Gas the strongest, followed by Groz and Softy), but they can't comment on that they way they do other sports. Honestly, this is true for every other MLS market except Toronto at this time. Sure some markets have dedicated, live call-in shows for just soccer, but that still leaves it as a fringe sport and not a ratings winner.

Has Sounders FC reached the tipping point where there aren't just dedicated segments/shows for the sport and team, but instead that talk should trickle its way into any given hosts day? Probably Not. Yes, the ratings are pretty good. Certainly the attendence is amazing.

But the sport still has more haters than lovers in this town.

There-in lies the problem. Sports radio is not an NPR type media that covers stories base on their "value" unless value by how many listeners any give topic receives. That's it. Every single moment on radio listeners are making decisions, and that is what drives topic selection. Unlike the internet and cable tv where "microcasting" can succeed, on-air media (and newspapers) are "broadcasts" and have to have broad appeal. Listeners/readers/watchers have to be a large demographic segments, not clusters of tiny ones.

They want entertainment, they want to let go of the worries of life and they want to think that the professional knows more than they do. So when people say that "Sport X needs more coverage" on a sports station just remember, the only way that is true is if it would increase ratings.

In Seattle, with the Sounders we are damn close to that. But the hosts will need an education on the game, in order to apply a critical eye and do so while entertaining those that both love and hate the game.

We are the Rave and the Green

2010-01-30T17:55:55Z

The Crowd that Stands in Unity
We are the Blue and the Grey
Expecting Victory Everyday

-inspired by 311's Something Out of Nothing

In August of '08 the blog launched. There were 37 readers that month. Through an inaugural season that stunned MLS, and local media the blog has continued to grow, in large part thanks to the readers just spreading the word.

That growth lead to me joining this network, which is still growing itself.

Today, as part of the network I have the ability to sell some shirts. They are relatively inexpensive, and will contain phrases and images inspired by Sounder at Heart's writings concerning the team. I may do an occasional one that is match or player specific, but the three that launch the lineup should be good for a few years.

I think the one that will create the most interest is "One Nation, Under Sigi" I prefer it on black myself.

There is also a tribute to soccer being an international sport, and my desire for fans to quit whining about what name to use and just love and follow the sport "It is Life" You'll notice that there is a watermark style print there with a dozen or so words that mean soccer/football.

Lastly, is the one inspired by the Sigi's Game post, simply "Sigi's Game" They matched the font to one of the book cover's from the Ender's Game novel, which was pretty damn cool.

Prices range from 13.99+shipping to just about 20$ based on color and selection. Shipping starts at 6$ for first item, but only 1$ for each additional.

I do make a bit of money off of these, as does www.SBNation.com, and of course the company that makes the shirts does as well. This blog was never designed to be a full-time profit making enterprise, but agreements like this sure help my wife think that I'm doing good.

Over this season you are going to get live gamethreads, some locker-room coverage, a bit more of me on the radio, much more of me at practice, more exclusive interviews and more of course of Carlos and Graham. Four trophies are on offer for 2010, let's follow that quest together.

Thank you again Sounder Nation, and if you have an idea that you would like to see on a shirt/hat/sweatshirt email me bedir@hotmail.com.

Fredy Montero - Too many touches

2010-01-30T02:29:49Z

Sometimes flair and foot skills can stun the opposition and amaze the crowd. At their best these moves create space for a shot/pass or enable dribbling an opponent entirely. Often times they are really just opportunities to show off a little bit. But there is a bad case, and it isn't just about poor execution leading to change of possession, the bad case is when that flair slows a fast player down so much that they lose the opportunity.

When I think about the things that Montero needs to do to make that next step. This is issue #1. He doesn't need to try 5 or more stepovers in a single attack. Nor does he need to be come an expert at the volley. Fredy just needs to take a touch or two,maybe three and shoot or pass. He's actually fast when he wants to be, but the stepover inevitably slows him down.

The other area where he could improve would be in his tactical awareness. His inability to work well with Freddie Ljungberg was the biggest symptom of this. The clearest example is when he literally stole the ball from his own teammate. Hopefully having a second full season with Sigi helps this, because Montero has talent, and that shooters mentality.

Because he does shoot. A lot. More often maybe than some would like, but honestly with the offensive issues that the Sounders had last year I would have liked more players to take the imperfect shot rather than attempt to find the perfect one. He was right at the team average with 39% on Target and right at the team average in converting shots with 13%.

Next season Fredy won't be a newcomer. A s a known quantity he will need to take that next step forward, or two. As in season one he could make the adjustments and be one of the best forwards in the league, or he can continue to be adequate.

Offense: From distance, or in close Montero can and will shoot. If doubled he does a decent job at finding the open man, which is why he had impressive assist numbers. Montero does slow himself down enabling the opposition to plan their defense.

Defense: The least effective Sounder on defense. As the most forward player it was rarely his role to get back, and at one point his poor defense created a goal. But he could learn from his greatest defensive moment and apply more high pressure.

Set-Plays: Diminutive players generally aren't targets, and can't defend well either. Montero's opportunity on the set-play likely lies in having him take direct kicks at times, as he does have a powerful and capable shot.

Defining Moment: In Gillette Stadium Montero received a pass along the right touch and did not slow down, but just kept running. Finally a Revolution defender starts to approach. Montero noticed the closing defense and instead of looking for a pass, or showing some fancy technique he shot from over 35 yards out and nailed the goal.

Statistics
Plus/Minus - 11 | 8
Plus/Minus Per 90 - 0.45 | 0.36
Productivity in League Play - 1.26
Productivity in All Competitions - 1.17
Ratings from Prost Amerika - 6.31 (8th)

Second +/- listed uses Climbing the Ladder's data.

Short Term Peak - Montero could peak as a top Forward in the League next year with some small advancements. Already an All-Star caliber player, there is potential for an MVP if he were to stay for 2 or 3 years. That isn't likely. If he makes those adjustments he'll be in Europe.

Past Recaps

Rights Controlled Players- Parke, Karkas, Smith

Lightly Used Developmental Players- Neagle, Brown, Fucito

Other Keepers- Boss, Eylander

Reserves- Graham, Sturgis, King, Scott

Subs - Nyassi, Wahl

USL Rotationals- Le Toux and Levesque

MLS Rotationals - Ianni and Vagenas

James Riley- MLS quality wingback or not?

Tyrone Marshall- Veteran Centerback

Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - First Sounder lost to Europe?

Leo Gonzalez - Settling the Left Back dilemna

Osvaldo Alonso - To Hold or not to Hold?

Brad Evans - Club CM & Country RB

Steve Zakuani - Generation Wow

Nate Jaqua - Target Midfielder

Thoughts on Montero's future or his performance in 2009?

Ruiz asks "Who is fastest Sounder"

2010-01-29T20:50:09Z

Ruiz asks "Who is fastest Sounder"

Fucito

From today's Sigi Quotes emailed to media - "The beep test winner was (David) Estrada. Estrada won the beep test. The sprint winner, actually the quickest guy was (Michael) Fucito. Once you get a bowling ball going down hill at his speed it keeps going. He was very good."

Now, Ruiz' readers will likely be surprised by that, but are you?

MLS Fans Should Listen to Douglas Adams

2010-01-29T00:45:14Z

"Don't Panic"

Seriously, an over-focus and over-passionate fanbase can get riled up. New Media, and Old Media can fall into it as well. In all of our attempts to discover everything, to dig into the dirt looking for gold and finding tin, we sometimes stare too hard, think too much and forget that the Players and League want the same thing - you to pay to go to games.

Today you got an 11 day stay of work stoppage.

Press Release below the break

NEW YORK(Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010) – Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Major League Soccer Players Union (Players Union) today announced that the two organizations have agreed to continue to negotiate through February 12, as they work towards reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.

"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps preparing for the 2010 MLS season."

"Both the Players Union and MLS have concluded that a new agreement will not be reached by February 1, but we have agreed to continue to talk and we will be meeting over the next two weeks to determine if a new agreement can be reached," said Players Union Executive Director Bob Foose. "In the meantime, MLS Players are reporting to training camp, and preparations for the 2010 season will continue."

The current CBA, the first in MLS history, is a five-year agreement that had been scheduled to expire on Jan. 31, 2010.

A home for the Champions League

2010-01-28T02:21:16Z

As reported by Romero, Prost, and likely others, it sounds as if our CCL play-in games might be played at Starfire. Certainly we were all hoping to welcome real international competitors to Qwest, and I assumed that our guaranteed CCL game would be included in the season ticket package.

The club, apparently, thinks otherwise:

"That'll be just like the U.S. Open Cup," VP Gary Wright said. "Should we play in a Champions League final and its a home game, that would be a little different."

However, they may have a problem.

The CONCACAF website lists regulations pertaining to different competitions that fall under its jurisdiction. I checked out the regulations regarding the Champions League. A lot of the rules are interesting, but most interesting are these:

10.2 Stadium Location
a. The home venue selected by the participating team should be the stadium usually used by the team for its home games.

That seems clear enough. Qwest should be the venue. Unless we're moving to Starfire.

And:

10.7 Other Stadium Facilities. Each stadium shall, as a minimum, provide the following facilities:
a. Separate locker room facilities for the home team, away team and match officials, meeting international standards in terms of size, quality, and basic amenities such as hot water, towels, as determined by CONCACAF.
b. Controlled Areas that may serve as post game interview areas.
c. Room for post-game press conference, air conditioned if available.
d. Facilities to accommodate broadcast and production operations, consisting of at least 2 enclosed booths for radio and TV and preferably at least 2 enclosed TV booths and 4 enclosed radio booths.
e. Controlled seating for no less than 50 media personnel for Preliminary Round and Group Stage games, 80 for Elimination Round games.
f. A media room, preferably air-conditioned and with high-speed internet access for all attending media, television monitors carrying a live feed of the match, and food and beverages for all attending media.
g. Provide a private, secured box or comparable seating area for the officials of the visiting team.
h. Broadcast facilities for television trucks including parking space, security, and power and two (2) phone lines in the location where the production trucks will be parked.
i. A fully operable public address system, audible both inside and outside of the entire stadium, and an operator or announcer qualified in its use.

I'm a little ashamed to admit, I've never been to Starfire, so I don't know if it meets these minimum requirements. However, last year the RSL announcers had to sit at a folding table in the walkway, I'm pretty sure they don't have two enclosed broadcast booths. And it just seems like Starfire isn't quite up to snuff for a tournament of this level.

So, see you at Qwest in July.

Chris Henderson, Technical Director talks about Scouting Talent for Sounders FC

2010-01-26T19:49:59Z

Last year Chris Henderson had to find 24 players players to craft a winning expansion side. This year, he had to find less players and I started off asking if that helped him focus.

Chris Henderson: Last year was very unique, we needed every position. But this year we could focus our time and our energy. Now you have guys that have 40 or 50 games together and that's much easier to build upon.

DC: When you are looking for talent to add are you looking for team needs or the best player rather than a need?

Henderson: If its the Draft and college talent you are looking for the best player, rather than position. But right now we are also looking for 2011 and 2012. We are looking to the future. We want to make sure that when we present a player in front of Sigi next year that we already have looked at him for the next two years.

DC: You want to share where you are looking for players?

Henderson: Both Europe and South America.

DC: With MLS' particular rules do you really have to focus on the Frees?

Henderson: We look at a combination. The Free part is really a matter of timing. But we look at DPs, assistant DPs, but we also look at 18, 19, 20 year old players that can come right in. Let's say a team like Boca, River have a young player that they need to get games, but won't play on their team they may see MLS as an opportunity for a loan. Its big range of what type of player, as well as the timing of it. We are looking for a player the Summer Window, as well as the year after.

DC: What about how that worked with Patrick Lane?

Henderson: I've known him from my past for a long time. One of my roommates from college was Brad Friedel and he trained at Blackburn with Friedel there. Friedel has a connection with Brugge where he [Lane] was all last year. He's a guy who being able to learn under Keller could learn a lot, but we also have guys like Eylander and Boss, so we are in a good situation. He's a good young player who should fill out and grow.

DC: Systematically do you and Adrian present 35 guys and its Sigi's final call on the 24 or is it a collaboration?

Henderson: Its a collaboration. We do a lot of the front work with the players so the Coach can know what the players do well. Coach is great at looking at players, but its a collaboration. Once you get to know - Sigi doesn't have time to go and look at a player. Its a big thing that with he, Adrian and myself there is trust. We all trust each other and our soccer opinion. I think that's good for us.

We can be sure in the end that its a guy that Sigi can coach and how he fits the team, so he has a big say, but its definately a collaboration.

Thoughts on how the 3 men work together and the efforts they are putting in finding talent?

PS Lunch today was a PB&J with Ginger Ale on the side. 30 Minutes for that and transcription, the Army would be proud.

Freddie says NO work stoppage - He'll see everyone Monday

2010-01-26T20:27:44Z

Freddie says NO work stoppage - He'll see everyone Monday

And, now back to the no-drama Sounders that we know and love.

I can say that the reason I missed training this week was because of a communication error due to the business discussions. I had by this point already committed to playing with the Sounders next year, which I am very excited about.

I’m very grateful to all the clubs who have shown a great interest in my services but as I’ve always said I want to go back to America and play for Seattle. Based on the latest news I’ve heard from both sides, there wont be a lock out or strike on Feb 1. So from Feb 1 I will be with my team in Seattle trying to help them become the best team in America.

I CAN HAPPILY SAY THAT IT FEELS VERY NICE TO BE ABLE TO KEEP MY WORD. SORRY THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH SPECULATION

Excellent, and well put.

What we have here is a failure to communicate

2010-01-26T17:34:19Z

What we have here is a failure to communicate

GM, player and some front office people on one page

Coach and other players on another.

That my friends is a problem

Sounders FC's Taylor Graham looks to a healthy 2010

2010-01-26T04:56:15Z

Taylor Graham Looking Forward. Photo courtesy of Prost Amerika

View full size photo »

Taylor Graham had a rough 2009. Plagued with injuries he mentioned to me at the event the Alliance Council hosted at Elysian Fields during the Supporters Summit that he did not want an off-season. He wanted things to start right then.

That's where our discussion started today.

Dave Clark: How does it feel today, your first day?

Taylor Graham: It feels good. A lot of excitement in the first day, with tackles flying and guys going 100 miles an hour. Like they say its a marathon and not a sprint so I'm trying, and everyone's trying, to just ease their way into it and get to know the personalities.

Everyone is really excited just to be back. It couldn't be a better day...

I interupt. "You and Jarrod were easing your way into it?"

photo by Ron Moran of ECS

Graham: That's what I said about tackles flying, but that's great. Everyone's really excited the first day, but that's great. I want that. I want the battling I want the fighting. Everyone does. That's what I wanted

DC: How do you feel?

Graham: I feel good. I spent most of the offseason doing some crosstraining. I have some soreness, but not from the injury, just general fatigue. The ups and down of crosstraining building yourself up and breaking it down and building back up.

DC: Is it on odd feeling because you are a veteran with the club, you've been a pro for several years, but at the same point you have a full season with a gap there?

Graham: I think that it is more mental than anything else. I know the guys. I know the personalities, but I feel like I was removed from part of that process not playing. There's been a year hiatus, even though I was here in Seattle. But I'm trying to prove to myself first and everyone else second that I deserve to be out here. I know I can be out here, but be simple and do the things I can do.

DC: Proving to yourself first is that because you hold yourself to a high standard?

Graham: Exactly, because if I don't have confidence in myself who's going to?

DC: Do you have any personal goals for this season?

Graham: My first goal is to stay healthy the whole year. I want to be here the whole year, and I want to be healthy. What ever happens after that is my responsibility to be pushing the players in front of me and pushing the coaches. To be doing everything I can to help this club win another championship, if not two championships.

I'm very realistic in that there's good quality in this organization, and I feel like I can contribute to that quality. Its up to the coaches to see where that comes in.

Thoughts on Taylor Graham's attitude after a lost season?

Sounders FC Open Camp - One Major Absence

2010-01-26T03:29:37Z

The big news was of course the Freddie Ljungberg's absence and the statements from Kasey Keller. Keller's words were powerful, and pointed. He's likely the only player that can place those kinds of demands on Ljungberg, and he's the only one that should.

"I don’t know the full story. I’m a player, I’m not in management. … I think when you’re under contract you’re supposed to be where you’re supposed to be for the team that holds your contract. And if something gets worked out, it has to be worked out with the club that holds your contract. You don’t as a player get your choice to say what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it."

Coach Schmid wanted to focus on the players there, but did have a statement concerning Freddie, who as the DP might get a little special privelage, but not a lot.

"It’s not okay. It’s something that we’ll handle internally as a club in terms of whether there is fines or anything like that. All of them would like to miss a week. We can’t let them all miss a week. So from that standpoint we got to hold them all to a standard."

So, while Freddie is still likely to join the team at a future day, there were 29 men strong there today to start their journey on the 2010 season when four major trophies will be contested (Champions League, Open Cup, Supporters Shield, MLS Cup), as well as a few minor ones as well (La Manga, Western Conference Champions, Heritage Cup).

After some stretching and other warm-ups the team broke up into four groups. The first were those players who would not scrimmage - Steve Zakuani, Peter Vagenas and Nate Jaqua. The rest were seperated into 3 sides of 9 (Ezra Hendrickson filled out one side).

Blue Team
Keeper - Boss
Defenders - Marshall, Wallace, Wahl
Midfielders - Nyassi, Sturgis, Fucito
Forwards - Predido (1), Montero (1)

Green Team
Keeper - Keller, Eylander
Defenders - Gonzalez, Graham, Riley (1)
Midfielders - Neagle, Alonso, Seamon
Forwards - Levesque, Ezra

Orange Team (played with 8, yeah we couldn't figure it out either)
Keeper - Lane
Defenders - Ianni, Hurtado, Scott
Midfielders - King, Evans
Fowards - Estrada, Smith (1)

Sadly, this was the first time in a scrimmage where Mike Fucito didn't score. At least of which I know. He did have a diving header saved.

I only have a few thoughts, as this was really the first day back, and so tactics and form weren't necessarily important. For me the most significant thing was that each team broke out into 3 categories - 2009 starters, rotationals/subs, 2010 invitees/draftees.

This wasn't about having a first team, second team, third team, but an opportunity to see how guys work together. It was about building cohesion, and frankly I liked it. Its a solid move early in the season. Maybe later we see a First and Second situation, but right now before the likely cuts prior to the Spain trip, it would be best to build camaraderie.

Also impressive was the sheer amount of media there. 35-40 is a solid guess I my part, some are hard to define, like Matt Gaschk. But overall, the interest level seems high. A few people were like me and took a long lunch to get the access that the team gives to "non-traditional media."

James Riley and Sigi Schmid both talked about the CBA negotiations, and both seemed in high spirits generally, but more importantly the players and the team are acting as if Camp will go on uninterrupted. Frankly, we all should too. First Kick will happen at Qwest as you expect, with you and 31,000 other season ticket holders.

"It’s something we addressed briefly when we spoke to the team. We said we’re proceeding as we planned and if something changes there then we will make alternate arrangements and alternate plans as we need to. But right now, we’re planning to go ahead and go forward as we have already planned it out and had it scheduled. If something changes we’ll have to adjust; that is part of coaching as well… A lot of people have, what is it, twitters or tweeters, blogs and so forth. If I believed everything I read in those things and took them all for a hundred percent I would have a lot more grey hairs than I have right now."

Later tonight I'll get a one-on-one with Taylor Graham and early tomorrow a conversation with Chris Henderson.

PS - Buried by the Ljungberg news was the fact that Fredy Montero was there and trained just like everyone else. If he were on the verge of being transferred he likely would have been jogging or something. Nothing is imminent with him. Oh, and the other Colombian, he played as well.