MLS Cup

Quick prediction - 2-1 Dallas with Hartman the (fat) man of the match.

Update on Sounders Halloween Activities

Well, looks like the Front Office did right by the fans with kids.

Here are some details on activities planned by the Sounders FC for the playoff game on Oct 31st - http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2010/10-October/Sounders-FC-to-Celebrate-Halloween.aspx

Playoff Positioning

The Sounders have clinched a playoff spot (as witnessed by our purchased tickets) but we don't yet know the opponent. That gives us a chance to waste our time by speculating at which team we'd rather play. With MLS's funky system Seattle could end up in the eastern bracket, which may be for the best given that the western teams have been so much better this year.

Personally, I don't care who they play. I figure the only way to a championship runs through the best teams. Though I can see where I'd rather face them at a neutral site (Toronto) than in either a home-and-home series (first round) or on the road (second round).

For those who are concerned it might be interesting to look back at how Seattle fared against their possible opponents. LA beat the Sounders twice this season. The loss at home was so bad that the front office gave back our money. Seattle did get some revenge by putting LA's second unit out of the Open Cup. Seattle tied both games with both RSL and Dallas. Though it took an egregious PK call to save a draw for Dallas. Seattle split the season series with New York, with both teams taking 1-0 wins on the road. Where LA "owned" the Sounders, Columbus was our bitch. Seattle only had a 1-1 draw at home, but humiliated the Crew in Columbus 4-0, then took the Open Cup championship against them as well.

Theoretically then, it might be better for Seattle to lose in Houston this weekend. Either San Jose (who has two games) or Colorado could then leapfrog the Sounders and thus move Seattle to the weaker Eastern conference. Seattle does play before any of the other games kickoff so Sigi won't know for sure how much a win/loss would impact the seeding. I am not, for one second, suggesting that Sigi would throw a game (nor would I endorse it), but he could decide to rest some starters and thus give Seattle a less-than normal opportunity to win.

I would much rather see Seattle steam-roll the Dynamo and take as much momentum as possible into the playoffs. I think they've been playing well enough lately that they shouldn't fear any matchup.

Podcast

While we're getting this much traffic - please check out the podcast:

Tribe 131 Sounders Pow Wow. Available on Itunes.

Tailgate and Treat

The section has a decent number of kids.  The Sounders scheduling of the playoff game has put the game right during the time kids will want to be out trick-or-treating.  So during the Chivas game we starting talking about a solution....we came up with folks tailgating can bring candy and kids could go around to the cars/tailgates.  That solves the issue of kids getting to have fun and folks getting to the game.

Now the issue is getting the word out.  I am sure this blog doesn't have a huge bunch of folks that follow it but if everyone does their part to spread the news maybe we can get some traction.  We are usually in the lot by the Hawks Nest.

Lets spread the word and see where this goes...comment if you plan on participating and let us know your location for tailgating.  I will do my best to get the word out.

Stats....of a different kind

Lots of stats have been going around with the Sounders, their playoff chances, the recent "records" set (first PK, first Hat Trick, etc) but I wanted to look into the other stats.

The number of times we have gotten free stuff as ticket holders.  Over the last two season we have gotten free haircuts for 3 or more goals by the home team, and either Cirros or Tacos for shutouts depending on the season.  Here are the numbers I cam up with.

Free Item	2009 Season	2010 Season	Total
Jack in the Box Churros	8	0	8
Jack in the Box Tacos	0	5*	5
Great Clips Haircut	2	3	5

* We had a shutout in the Marathon game on 9/29 and I am not sure if free Tacos were awarded

Tacos and Churros are 99 cents each so there is 13 dollars (roughly) and Great Clip haircuts are around $15 for a total of $75.  That said there was a time this year where within about a week we got two free haircuts.  Now most people only took advantage of one so we'll say the total is $60

Based on all this my return on my Sounders ticket has been $73 in promotions, one games worth of tickets returned (where is that anyway) when we forgot to show up, and best of all many good times with new friends

Tonight we'll repeat with a US Open Cup win over the Crew...

GO SOUNDERS

Get by with a little help...

While the Sounders had a great chance the last two games to sure up their playoff odds, they have not really capitalized.  Getting a point against the Fake Salt Lake was not the worse result, getting nothing from NE was for sure not what the boys were looking for.

That said, the results this weekend helped the Sounders out plenty.  None of the teams we are battling for spots with us were able to capitalize on our lack of success.  Toronto, Chicago, and Colorado all lost while San Jose (can you see) drew.  That meant to boys were able to move up in the odds without even stepping on the pitch.

I think 2 - 3 wins gets us in.  Of course a lot of it will depend on other but for the most part we now control our destiny...win and in.  And if other teams want to keep helping us with losing their games, who are we to complain.

GO SOUNDERS

I plead the lazy

Montero, my hero. N'kufo, where is the rest of the team for you? El Flaco, a couple more games and then all shall be right.

In the event you haven't noticed, I've given up trying to track our Prediction League, I am now conceding to Troy as the winner and shall be delivering a shopping cart of movies and such to his door in short order (KP, you were never really in it).

Stay tuned for information on the 2011 Prediction League, courtesy of mfls.com, where the Tribe will set up camp and compete against each other for fabulous prizes which may include such amazingities as a 2012 Ford Explorer, a trip for two to Maui or nothing anywhere similar.

Go you Sounders!

Oh, and in case any Chivas fans are lurking here, prepare to be crushed in front of several fans on Wednesday.

FL comes to town

Let's keep the good times rolling (at least in MLS play).  The boys face a fairly hot Fire team this weekend, they have one loss in the last 4 games.  They were in quite a battle last week with the Dynamo losing 4 - 3.

Freddy comes to back to town and I think he'll get a decent applause during lineup announcements, then the heckling will start (at least that is my plan).  He has done more in the last month with the Fire than all season with the Sounders.  And the Sounders have looked stronger without number 10.  I think it has worked out well for both teams so far.

We have a chance to sure up our odds on a playoff spot.  According the the experts, the Sounders are at about 50% odds to be in...not that great.  With a win the move to 64%.  I am hoping all this tough play in the CONCACAF will help the boys out and we'll pull out the 3 points we need.

Sounders win 2 - 1 with goals from Montero and Jaqua (Baby Giraffe), Fire goal comes from Pappa.

Negative town

The fact that we have picked up a few points lately has really seemed to have picked up the spirits of the Sounders fans.  All the bloggers, forums, articles, and other media that I have read lately has been much more upbeat than before the World Cup/All Start breaks.  However, I do not want to talk about positives, why? cause I am afraid.

We have looked better for sure but there are still several things I am worried about.  Every game lately we have had to have 2 or more desperation saves or slide tackles to prevent a goal (or a sweet opportunity).  Maybe it was my bliss of the inaugural season but I don't really this as much last year.  Maybe we miss "El Presidente" more than I thought we would.  (This hurts to say) Parke is getting better back there and him and Ianni have started to form some unity back there (wait that was too positive).  We have really 2 players who have gotten the club turned around - Keller and Montero - they  both have stepped up their game a ton and that has been the difference in my opinion (you could make this 3 if you put in the absence of Ljundberg).  However I think we need more out of other folks.  Nyassi has played well at times but I think we can do better.  Sturgis is doing the best he can but....well just but.  Zak has faded into the woodwork.  Yes, I hear you all now, "El Flaco, El Flaco"  2 substitution appearances does not make a player.  He should start today with Zak not making the trip so hopefully we'll see more.  That said he does look like we have a winner (darn, positive again).

On to the prediction - I see the Sounders getting a 2  - 0 win today at the Home Depot center (well...can't be to negative).  Goals will come from Montero and Blaise (he has to get one).  El Flaco will get one assist and Ozzie will get the other.  Oh, and Keller has an great save after the first goal cause the boys have their usual laps in attention (yes negative again).

I'll be looking for the Chivas Girls (If you need more explanation be sure to listen to the podcast by my co -bloggers Jonathan and Troy).

BTW - some good shots of the Houston game here (this one I like cause it looks like the moment Robinson realizes he just screwed the pooch) http://www.flickr.com/photos/janegphotography/4875074182/in/photostream/

A Major Award

Padding. That's what I call the old-man, early morning walk to the bathroom when I don't get enough sleep. You may not be familiar with it, but it involves sore knees, a hand on the back and very slow movements. For me, it also includes the sound of my feet hitting the floor, pad pad pad, because my ankles are so stiff I can't roll heel-toe heel toe. I don't mind getting up early, but when I go to bed late I know that walk is looming and I dread it. It's a slow mournful shuffle that gives me plenty of time to reflect on life and why is sucks so much.

And yet I found myself rooting for padding. When the Sounders played Metapan in Seattle I wanted them to pad their 1-0 lead. Down in El Salvador, as they waded through the muck I wanted them to win. They couldn't pull it off but did manage to advance on aggregate score. Thank God for Alvaro Fernandez's header, it would have been humiliating to lose down there. Though if a team falls in an empty stadium, does anybody notice? I'll have to hold off on third-world jokes since they will now take on three other teams all of which may beat us. Never mind the fact that half our roster comes from "developing" nations.

Jon came over to watch the game with me. I can't say he invited himself over, it was more of an announcement than an invitation. Either way, he is always welcome. I did invite Niki and we made a "party" of it. At least as far as Facebook and soundersfc.com are concerned. They had a photo contest for viewing parties. I made the guests gussy themselves in green and pose for the camera. Scarves, shirts, flags and masks were prevalent in the award-winning shot. That's right - award winning. And not just some lame prize, a major award. I'll be receiving an autographed Nate Jaqua jersey! It's no leg lamp, but with any luck I'll be able to warm myself in the soft glow of electric yellow.

So now the Sounders advance to group play and we get six more games. Three of them will be at home, on school nights and I am thrilled. But I also know Jon and I won't get home 'til midnight and I'll have some stiff joints in the morning.

I have issues, Sounders...maybe not

I have tries a couple times (although not lately until today) to post comments with my predictions.  Today was one of those. It appears I have not mastered the interents enough to get it right as my Sounders loss of 2 - 0 prediction didn't make it on the previous post by Jonathon.  Goal scores obviously don't matter so whatever.  I'll figure this out

That said, glad the boys proved me wrong tonight.  The first 25 - 30 min were great.  We were moving with and without the ball.  Midfield was solid, Nyassi was a beast, Montero was all over the place, and even Stugis look adequate.  I am excited about the Nkufo- Monetro connection, looked solid today.  El Flaco was fun to watch and will bring some interesting looks to the midfield. (BTW, looks like we avoided the 3rd DP fee due to how things fell out but am I still not sure about that one).

With FeddyL gone I am thinking the team has been more cohesive.  they are playing hard and looking like the Sounders of old.  While I love what F10 did for the Sounders season 1, I am glad he has moved on.  The youth movement we have going is great.  Having El Flaco for the next 18 months will be interesting.  Rumors of Montero becoming our 3rd DP have started.  I am not sure he is worth that but based on his play since the WC break, he is gaining my love.

On to San Salvador (guess we are playing there due to stadium limitations of the opponents stadium).  I am hoping we put out a solid team and keep the charge going for the International cup (Keller will play Jon and Troy).  That said, we are in the playoff mix again and need to keep that going strong as well.

Bring on Houston....another victory in the West...come on boys. (BTW - I will pick them to lose since they always do the opposite of what I pick)

What lurks ahead

Today we signed a Uruguayan midfielder (welcome Senor Fernandez) as a third DP.

Last night we squeaked by Metapan with an unconvincing 1-0 win off what should've been a routine save for the keeper.

Last week, Keller's Save of the Week kept us from tying a Colorado squad who dominated the second half of the match.

What's on tap? A new podcast tonight, a trip to San Jose and a big bunch of rumors about our Swede. And if that's not enough, we travel to El Salvador for the second leg of the CCL qualifier.

But you know all this already, right? What you may not know is things are in the works for next season...many, many things. All of which will be revealed here as things fall into place. One thing I can announce (I wouldn't want to be accused of stringing EVERYTHING along indefinitely) is a Prediction League for Tribe 131 in mfls.com. This will allow all the members of the Tribe (and whoever else wishes to join us) compete head to head for predicting the results of not only the Sounders, but each and every MLS match. While Troy and I are remaining fairly close in the league here, Troy is delivering quite the beat down to me in the mfls Prediction League currently.

The standings as they are:

Troy: 23 (correct result and scoreline)
Jon: 22 (correct result and one goal scorer)
KP: 17

More news to come as details become solid...stay tuned.

We won! Told ya so.

No, I wasn't expecting the Stache to score (or even play for that matter), but neither did I expect Baby Giraffe to once again be broken. Nor did I expect the Spanish Inquisition. Neither here nor there.

Did we deserve the win? Not so much. Am I thrilled we got it? To my toes.

Some solid defending (although as soon as Marshall returned to the fold, I noted several long balls to no one in particular -- I can't be the ONLY one who notices this can I, Sigi?), great goalkeeping and Montero making Nyassi's bad pass into a thing of beauty.

Goal of the Week nomination, anyone?

Prediction League standings:

Troy: 21
Jonathon: 20
KP: 17

Another tie that burns like a loss

Not much to say this time. If consistency is something which is appreciated at the professional level, then let's simply ask USSF to demand the officials read from the same playbook. As a USSF official, I know it is emphasized (consistency across officials, that is), but I am also aware of the large disparity between officials at the same level.

Do I have a point? I do. The players need to adapt to the style of a particular referee and the referee needs to use his common sense to apply the Laws of the Game fairly to the players. Am I suggesting the ejection of Montano was inconsistent? To the way in which the game was being played, a bit. Does the two footed tackle by Shea on Riley later demand a second yellow? More than likely. Did the game NEED the ejection? Sure didn't seem like it. Again, from my interpretation of the match to that point.

Am I biased as a Sounders fan? Yes, but I try to be objective and saved this post until I watched the replay of the match. The reaction from Montano was not appropriate yet neither was the initial tackle from Shea. Miguel did not get up and throw a punch, a shove, etc. If the blow did, in fact, hit Shea in the head, then a red is required. If it didn't and Shea was embellishing (which we all know players are apt to do), then a caution would've sufficed. The fact that the incident took place in front of the bench didn't help matters (for Montano).

Prediction league update:

Troy and I both picked up points this week, (2 a piece, Troy for result and score, me for two goal scorers).

Troy: 21
Jonathon: 19
KP: 17

Maybe Estrada will travel to D.C. and make us proud?

Keeping the momentum

Looks like we'll be without F10 this Sunday.  I personally think that will be helpful to the team.. He has not been all that effective if you ask me.

I am hoping the boys keep the swagger they had against LA in the Open Cup.  I think we should see some different starters on the pitch (of course since F10 is out).  I am hoping to see Seamon, Montano, and someone besides Park in the back (Ianni).  Here is what I am hoping to see out there

Keller

Riley   Ianni   Marshal   Gonzalez

Zak   Seamon   Sturgis   Montano
Jaqua   Montero

The midfield was hard to pick, do you go with a Sturgis or a Vagenas?  I can't wait for Alonso to get back, and even B-Rad cause we just don't have the midfield to win games.

Now with all that said, I am going to pick the boys to keep the winning ways going.  This is because I think Keller will be back on his game and Jaqua being back will help plenty.  Sounders 2 - 1 over Dallas with goals coming from Zak and Jaqua for the home team and Harris for Dallas.

Interested in others lineup ideas...

Away in Portland

I have come to really like the US Open Cup, maybe even more than the regular season, far more than friendlies. It has quirks like limiting the number of international players and keeping me up too late on school nights, but I like the notion of it being open to teams of any level. Last week the Sounders headed down I-5 to take on the Timbers in Portland and I was lucky enough to go.

Before I left I did a lot of reading from online forums, both pro-Seattle and pro-Portland, and let me tell you there is a LOT of hate transmitted. Pretty much all I read was "Shittle" this and "Portscum" that. The funny thing was the Portland(scum) fans wrote for the benefit of their brethren rather than pointing their venom at Seattle fans the reverse was also true. Kinda like a tree preaching to an empty forest, if you follow me. No matter, it was entertaining. I did learn that the Emerald City Supporters were sponsoring a number of rooter-buses, which seemed like a good way to get there. Especially since they promised to have kegs aboard. In the end I opted not to take the bus since I didn't want to immerse myself in too much drunken angst.

No one from the tribe could make it, so I asked my buddy Niki to come along in the dual role of chauffeur and body guard. She isn't the world's biggest soccer fan but likes Portland and had the day free. We piled into the car and aimed ourselves at the I-5 corridor. It's a long drive but Niki and I are two jabber-jaws so the time passed quickly. My goal was to get down there as early as possible and make a day of it, rather than just getting there in time for the game then turning around and heading right back.

Even with Grandma Ragsdale driving we made great time and reached Portland around 2:00. We both had a couple of places we wanted to visit but agreed to stop for game tickets first. We found parking in a building a couple of blocks from PGE park. It can't really be called a parking garage, the best way to describe it would be to call it a basement. I was a bit leery of leaving the car because I was afraid they would lock the place before the game was over and we'd be stuck. But Niki called the posted number and was assured that we wouldn't be trapped and that we only had to pay the evening rate, a mere four bucks. We just had to leave it in the drop box. But there were no envelopes with which to pay. Luckily, the basement was a mess so we scavenged some string from a rubbish heap and tied the cash in a folded sheet of paper to stuff in the pay slot.

Our first stop was the back door of PGE park. I had called their ticket office the day before and found out that away-supporters would have a segregated entrance in the back, for us riff-raff, so we headed that way to buy the tickets. I'm glad we did. We took a stroll around the stadium and I spotted an open door up a stairway. Through the door I could see autographed baseballs on the wall and some other sports memorabilia. For some reason I stepped completely out of character and became bold enough to climb the stairs and poke my head in to have a look. It turned out to be the Timbers business office and the woman there was fantastic. Niki followed me up and the three of us began chatting. Mostly about the Sounders-Timbers rivalry, but also about Timber Joey (the new lumberjack) and stadium renovation and how the Beavers minor league baseball team is being sold down the river in favor of the Timbers' promotion to MLS. She let me take photos of the room then gave us a behind the scenes tour, including admission to a luxury suite. So I will go on the record here saying Timber fans can be assholes (can be, not always are) but their employees are great. For the life of me, I can't see me ever getting a spontaneous tour of Qwest Field.

We rode the Max toward the river to peek around and ended up rinsing our hot feet in the Bill Niato Legacy Fountain. The fountain is located just outside a sewage treatment plant which seemed odd. It (the fountain not the sewage plant) is dedicated to the native people of the Portland area and is meant as a play area for children. Neither of us are Native American nor very young but we were both born in the country so we figured we could use it. Not far from there, during our search for dinner, we spotted some friendly people (Sounders fans) and asked advice for a place to eat. They didn't have any information about real food but let us know Voodoo Donuts was just around the block.

I am not a fan of waiting in line to eat. If I have any say in the matter I won't do it. Sadly, life's choices are not always mine alone. Voodoo Donuts is somewhat famous and it had a line - for donuts! I could neither eat a donut nor wait to do so on an empty stomach so we crossed the street in search of refreshment. We immediately found cheap pizza and a beer served by a bartender who was so friendly he kicked us out. He said it was too nice for anyone to eat inside so we took our dinner to the sidewalk tables. It was truly a beautiful day. Beer, food, sun, plus famous donuts and a rivalry soccer game on the horizon. As we ate we chatted with three gals at the next table and fed scraps to their three-legged dog. I'm a sucker for dogs so would have fed him even if he cut his begging in half, and I didn't notice the missing leg until he stood. He was determined to eat my pizza, but I told him he'd have to wait until his owner wasn't looking. She didn't like him begging but didn't care if we fed him, so he got most of our crusts.

Bellies full, we hopped the train back toward the stadium. We made a quick stop at the car for my do-it-yourself Sounders/CHiPs shirt and made for the stadium's service entrance. I didn't want to look like a Sounders fan so as to avoid a tussle, thus we paraded around town as innocent tourists. I didn't really expect trouble, but I know you can count on at least one idiot who wants to pretend he's a real European football hooligan. Especially after he's had a few.

They turned out in droves. Inside the stadium there was much taunting, some of it good natured. But from what we could tell it was not safe for out-of-towners in the smoking area. Those people seemed downright violent. Of course they may have just been going through nicotine withdrawal. Seattle fans were put in a couple of sections well away from the Timbers Army, but just across an open stairway from other home fans. When I visited DC we were segregated way upstairs, well away from everyone. PGE Park isn't big enough for that, and it really isn't necessary. Strangely though, after the section was filled some security people came and kicked everyone out of the first twelve rows. It was supposed to be general admission seating, but the tickets had seat numbers. Mine was well down in the roped-off area. I asked why we had to move but wasn't given much of an answer. I can only guess it was because they wanted us further from the field to make it harder to throw things. It didn't seem the best way to treat out-of-town guests, that's all I'm saying. But I didn't mind, we just moved up a section to be behind and above the drums and flags. Away from the lunacy and with an unobstructed view.

We also had a good view of the drunks. My guess is the average age of the rooter-bus riders was somewhere around twenty-two. Prime drinking age, and still young enough to get silly. By silly I mean stupid. Many a "fuck you" was traded across the aisle, and one memorable twerp in a Seattle jersey all but begged his friends to hold him back before he would have to cross the non-existent barrier to kick some butt. Alcohol, it would appear, acts as open tap for testosterone. But there were only two actual scuffles that I saw. The better of them was after the game when a Portland backer punched a woman from Seattle. I don't know if she actually deserved to be assaulted. She may have said something, was certainly wearing the wrong color or most likely had just been too near an asshole. I'm not sure what the Portland statutes are for justifiable public beatings.

All in all, a fantastic trip and I can't wait for next season to do it again. Next time, though, it will be a league game so hopefully it will take place on a weekend. We didn't get home 'til 4:00 am, and luckily Niki did most of the driving north. Though I never fell asleep, had I been in the drivers seat we would have crashed. I am happy to say I both survived the trip and made a convert of Niki.

What coulda been good...

All right,

I'm not sure how many of the Tribe is going to agree with me on this, but we played better the second half. So much so, we probably deserved a point. And I'd like to say I believe Riley's own goal is Keller's fault. The cross came in through the six, passed two players. Unless Kasey was screened by these two bodies and was caught completely off-guard, he SHOULD'VE called Riley off. That is his goal area and simply the fact he collided with Riley, proves he was close enough to at least make the attempt to collect the ball. Yes, Donovan was behind Riley so Riley should've screened Landon away while Keller controlled his area. This would make the third soft goal Kasey has given up this season.

Am I suggesting Kasey be benched? No. Certainly not. He is an excellent keeper but I fear his leadership and confidence is suffering this year. Perhaps the loss of Alonso cuts deeper than the rest of the defense is able to fathom.

The addition of Seamon into our line-up last night, I thought, should've taken place at half-time. Had it, would LA have scored their second goal? Who knows? Though you can ask my wife, whether I suggested that exact change at half-time (I did, as well as Jaqua for Noonan -- Sigi only half heard my plea).

Prediction league standings:

Troy: 19
KP: 17
Jonathon: 17
Bocasounders: 6
Jason: 2

One last nugget of joy; I will suspend listing results for those who do not submit predictions prior to matches. Not to be poopy, just so I can keep record simpler.

No need to continue the moaning

KP has said what's on all our minds so I will not rehash his statements. I admit I forgot the Sounders were playing on Sunday and didn't catch the first 30 minutes, or several of the second half. I did, however, see all four goals. And that was plenty.

I've said my peace already, but in case Sigi is listening, try this:

Nkufo -- Baby Giraffe
Zak -- FL10 -- Seamon -- Estrada
Wahl -- Ianni -- Scott -- Riley
Boss

Substitutes: 60 min -- Montano for Baby Giraffe, 65 min -- Nyassi for FL10, 70 min -- The Stache for Nkufo.

That's my game plan and I'm sticking to it. Not like we could lose harder, could we?

Prediction league standings (none of us got the loss to Philly right):

Troy: 17
Jonathon: 15
KP: 14
Bocasounders: 6
Jason: 2

I weep for this season.

Here's to hoping for better

With all the world cup watching I have been doing, going back to watching MLS quality was a little hard.  I kept hoping for some quality runs, through balls, possession, anything...instead we got an almost lifeless effort by the boys wearing rave green.  There was no real hustle, heart, or creativity put into the game in my opinion.

The boys should have been ready to go after a few weeks off.  It looked like they might have spent the time at a pool side bar.  I find it  hard to point out a player I feel gave it their full 90, Kasey played well but seemed a bit off at times.  The back line was shredded (did they take lessons from the National team...cue the boos).  I don;t think we had a midfield out there, and the front line was disorganized (how do you kick a PK to the goalie...now I know).  Why did we not protect Le Toux?  He played harder than any two of our players combined...man I love that effort.

Here's to hoping for better things the rest of this season.  How fast can we get Alonso back?  When is Blaise getting here?

Of note, most of the teams I wanted to win this weekend lost;  USA, Mexico (cause like to see the boys from the continent win), Sounders, and my team.  That might be fueling a little of my displeasure this morning.

When is two goals, too little, too late? Last night, apparently.

Oh, the misery. Oh, the embarrassment. Oh, the change in my prediction.

Can the Sounders truly expect ANY opponent, at this point, to play any way OTHER than bunker down and watch Seattle struggle?

Is Keller looking to take himself out of contention for protection in the Expansion Draft?

Will someone please explain the rationale behind taking off not only Zakuani but also Ianni in like for like swaps? Were we not two goals down, facing a nine man shell around the goal? Why were all of our defenders STILL on when the game concluded?

If someone can offer valid answers, I'd be much obliged.

Troy: 16
Jonathon 15
KP: 13
Bocasounders: 6
Jason: 2

Dammit.

p.s. Troy, when the Sounders can't beat the dredge of the league, it must be your sons (or Rich) that should be kept home in the future.

Give a poor man a break.

Fine then. Apparently my taunting of the Sounders finally worked and they managed to find the net (Montero proving my point by putting the ball under the keeper instead of trying to be cute by hitting the corners).

Seeing as I again declared my thought of a loss tonight against DC on the podcast, I am hereby changing my prediction to reflect my belief that the boys won't ugly it up quite as terribly as I'd originally imagined.

I am now stating that the Sounders shall get all three points from the match, however, they will give up a goal to the pesky DC kid (still). But Zak will score as well as Llungberg, for a 2-1 final.

Results--

Troy: 15
Jonathon: 15
KP: 12
Bocasounders: 6
Jason: 2

And where are the rest of the predictions people? Do you really want either Troy or myself to win this thing? Imagine the endless gloating.

Sounders win - World Cup info

First, that was a fun game.  The boys looked good, not sure if it was the fact the Revs are not a top tier team or we just decided to play better and harder.  Either way it's 3 points.  If you look at my comments in the The sayer of neigh! posting you'll see I pointed out a few things we needed to improve on.  Well, most were done.  The Parke thing, well he played much better so that helps there.  He still has a way to go in my book to get the start over Ianni once Ozzy comes back but we'll see.  Should pick up 3 more points on Thur and be right back in the pack hunting for the playoffs.  


I am wondering if I should use the haircut again, I already got one from Boca result but come on, free stuff.  Wish the boys could get 3 goals once a month.


I have always been time zone challenged so I found a listing of the world cup games posted in Pacific time.  So here it is for all


So let's go SOUNDERS and lets go USA...

The Sayer of Yea!

What a perfect evening. I saw a police chase on the way to The T. Broke out the new CHiPs shirt which was widely praised for its obvious, but well-thought tribute to David/Erik Estrada. Oh, and the Sounders won a game.

Not just a win though, a three-nothing shellacking that left poor Bobby Shuttleworth shell-shocked. Leo Gonzalez opened the scoring just five minutes in with a sweet left footed blast past the baby-faced keeper. It proved to be the game-winner and set off an emotional outpouring from the home faithful. Just that quickly a months-long funk turned into a euphoric celebration. Amidst the dancing, hugs and high-fives was a stadium-wide sigh of relief. One akin to a family's emotional upturn at the news of a loved-one's unexpected recovery.

The buzzards, or at least the bloggers, had been circling over the Sounders ready to pronounce them dead. Freddie Ljungberg was a particular target, some suggesting he be benched others ready to sell him to the first bidder. No more. He played like he cared, and what a difference. He made a number of fantastic runs, in at least one case catching the speedy Steve Zakuani to put himself in position to take a cross. Such effort was a welcome sight, you could see how hard he was running and it's nice to know he has plenty left in the tank. He furthered surprised by keeping his mouth shut, not once did he stop playing to jaw with the ref.

The offense, especially in the first half, was firing on all cylinders. Zakuani supplied the second goal putting a right-footed volley past Shuttleworth. Fredy Montero got the last goal by freezing a defender with a fake volley then scooting to his right for a low shot. It probably should have been stopped, but in his defense Shuttleworth didn't get much help from his backs.

Seattle's defense, on the other hand, played very well. Kasey Keller was only forced to make a single save. But apparently it was one too many. He was visibly upset with the backs on that occasion and verbally slapped them upside the head. Patrick Ianni filled in beautifully for Osvaldo Alonso shutting down Shalrie Joseph my monitoring his movement closer than an ankle-bracelet.

All in all a fantastic evening. So I will say it again - Yea!

The sayer of neigh!

The day after hasn't brought a glowing shimmer of love to my opinion of yesterday's disappointment in Colorado.

Certainly I could whine about our finishing, but talk about a dead horse (fell to the ground last season, rotting in the rain of Washington's extended winter).

I could add to the babble concerning our depth at midfield having reared its ugly head due to a rash of injuries. (Am I the only one who is calling for a SERIOUS look at the training staff of the Sounders at this point?)

Nope, I'll join the small group (could be just me) demanding Freddie be benched. Let's take a look at the numbers shall we? Two assists from eleven matches. Assuming any number I've read is accurate (let's not, okay), FL10 is making $600,000+ per year on his two year contract. That would make his rate of pay per match, approximately 20k. We would then have shelled out, to date, $110k per assist from our Swede.

Is this too much for everything else he brings to the table? I say yes. Will benching him for one match make financial sense (upping his rate per assist to $120k)? Not really. But at this point, who cares?

But Jonathon, you may argue, he brings other things to the table. Yes, he does. He pulls three defenders to him and doesn't get rid of the ball soon enough to make the opposition's positioning pay for the triple team, he mostly loses the ball. He also whines at the referees. Manages to hit free kicks into a one man wall (two times, so far) or not on frame. Hasn't produced a corner kick that resulted in a goal (out of 55 attempts). These things he has done.

Thankfully I haven't been keeping track of unforced turnovers this season as I thought the practice was overkill last year (the whole one game I did it), but I am guessing (from the non-clinical data I have...my memory), the numbers would be unfavorable. Not solely from Mr. Llungberg, either. This problem has been plaguing Tyrone Marshall the entirety of this season, long balls from the back, straight to the other team.

I've said this on the podcast and for the three of you who don't listen, I say call this season a wash, bring on the young lads (ya know, the ones who ran around against Boca and looked like they were enjoying themselves), get them experience for next year so we can at least field decent teams against Portland and Vancouver.

In other news, there was some movement in our Prediction League, not much, as we all expected some sort of showing from the boys in Green.

Jonathon: 15
Troy: 13
KP: 11
Bocasounders: 4
Jason: 2

I'm going on record right now and saying we will lose to New England 1-0 in a sleeper of a match at Qwest. I don't know if any of the Revolution will actually be able to produce a goal all by themselves, so I am forced to predict an own goal by Parke. Most likely off the head.

Kiddie Day at The T

As a season-ticket holder for the Sounders I have to ditch the family fifteen to twenty times a year to immerse myself in the rave-green, soccer-loving raucous stadium. At least when they're winning. When they play like crap the atmosphere is more sedate. But win or lose, good mood or dour I'm still ditching the family. As much fun at that is, and it is, occasionally I'm dumb enough to try to include my children.

Maybe I am crazy, but society made me what I am. Or not, but I firmly believe we are the product of the decisions we make and you have no one to blame but yourself for whichever predicament you're in. So it was my own fault that I had to try to corral two small children in a crowd of 30,000 people last season. The important thing is that I learned from that decision. I learned I'd never do that again. Instead I decided to take them both to a game this season - but only one at a time. Divide and conquer, that's my motto.

I exaggerate at times, Jack was a dream both times he went to games. He slept through both games. That does make him easy to manage but doesn't give him much of a chance to enjoy the outing, which is a good part of the reason I took him. Lucas presented a different problem. He doesn't want to sit through an entire game. I know that, but I take him anyway - time together, bonding, all that crap. So instead of a trip to Seattle for me to watch a game somewhat free of child-ditching guilt I tried to make this last occasion more enjoyable for him. I arranged for Jon to bring Xander along but didn't tell Lucas ahead of time. As much as Lucas said he was excited to go to the game, finding out the Xander was coming along was an actual thrill for him. But it wasn't the only surprise. As luck would have it, the Sounder commuter train was running this day (it only matches the soccer schedule a couple of times a year) so Jon and I chose to treat the boys to a train ride. What could be better?

A win would be nice, but the home team disappointed the faithful on this sunny Saturday. Oh well, Lucas found diversion in the stands. Tops on his list was the confetti. Jon and I have seats on the aisle so Lucas was able to scamper out on the steps to pick up the mylar flecks whenever he wanted. Which was far more often than a reasonable person would suspect. He also seemed to enjoy climbing up and down from his seat. Keep in mind that our section stands for the entire game, so a person of Lucas' size isn't able to see. Standing on the seat helps. Also, keep in mind his ticket was for another part of the stadium. Our section is sold out, but luckily contains some very considerate people. They "scooched" down again to make room for the kids.

This latest home loss leaves the Sounders winless in front of my boys, maybe they’re bad luck. Xander, for his part, watched the game and taught the rest of us some hand wavy magic-inducing nonsense. I only say that because the Sounders never did score so his magic isn't worth a shit.

Here there be predictions

In case you weren't aware, I went on vacation last week and didn't update the prediction table either before or after, so here I am including the last three games into the totals and my, what a silly mess we have here.

Jonathon: 15 (on a staggering 8 point gain from the SJ loss)
Troy: 13 (three each from LA and SJ)
KP: 10 (three from LA)
Jason: 2 (one from LA)

All other competitors, unchanged as predictions not received.

Perhaps next season, we'll give up on this here prediction league and try to get the entire Tribe into MFLS for their Prediction League, so we can all match heads on every MLS games and I won't have to keep this here running tally (cuz they do it automatically...and that's gooder).

Did we really get 3 road points?

A little stats for you, we have 12 points total.  That currently has us in the last playoff spot.  We have 7 home points  in 5 games and 5 away points in 4 games.  Last road win was Oct 24th 2009 against KC, so not too terribly long ago and over all we seem to play OK away from the T (that one is for you Troy).  This site has an interesting look at the playoffs, I always like to see which games affect the numbers weekly.  One last thing I dug up was this Strength of Schedule site, not that I put anything into it but we have played the toughest to date.

Now with all that said, and yes it is early to talk playoff, but if we can stay in the "hunt" till Blaise gets into town (and not just for media sessions) then I think we have a real chance to make it again this year.  I think overall the team played with much more energy this past weekend against the Red Bulls.  There were still areas of concern, CLEAR THE BALL defenders no need for extra touches.  Our midfield still needs some help (come back Ozzie) but it was much better, not sure that was so much Ianni as it was the V man playing better.  While I would say the attacking overall was better, we still need to SHOOT!!!  And I think Montero should come off the bench all the time, he at least ran a little for the 15 minutes he was in.

On to this week where we play San Jose.  SJ hasn't played the toughest of folks, but last year they did lay it on us (the other 4 to nil loss for the Sounders).  I am thinking we keep the wheels on the bus, Sounders win 2 - 1 with goals from Zak, Evans, and Opara for SJ.  This is a conference game at home, we need the 3 points.

My observations

First, Debra and I got some friends to watch Kasen and we were ready to watch some quality footy.  Well that, as you all know, couldn't be farther from the truth.  The boys by far had their worst game ever, there was no effort, no teamwork, no shooting (OK maybe there was one), I think my Co-Rec team could have beaten the Sounders on Sat.  The boys are having a sophomore slump and need to get some points such that when Blaise shows up and we have a real forward we might still have a chance to make the playoffs.  Anybody question how important Ozzy is to the team after yesterday?  I disagree with Sigi and think he could have made a difference in this game.


The Boys need to start playing as a team and SHOOTING THE BALL.  Can't win if you don't shoot right.  I find the fact that Sigi stated:

 We compete for spots every week. I’ve given some guys a longer leash than others. That leash just tore today.

really interesting and it makes me wonder what is in store for the lineup against Red Bulls (who also lost 4 - 0 this past weekend).  

The positive of the weekend, we get some money back for the crap we had to sit through - http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2010/05-May/Sounders-to-issue-refund.aspx

Last - Sounders are in last in the West solo, that is right bottom of the table (well not quite but you get the point)

Fingers crossed for some points this coming weekend, but I don't see that happening.  Sounders lose 2 - 0 with goals coming from Angel and Ibrahim.

-KP

Well, well, well...

Last week saw an impressive Seattle offense sputter and eventually shrivel under its own weight (or was that Nyassi's foul). But among us there were predictions, so let's get to 'em.

KP: 7
Troy: 7
Jonathon: 7
Bocasounders: 3 (no prediction received)
Christina: 2 (exact score)
Rick: 2
Marty: 1
Dave: 1
Jason: 1
Debbie: 1

I feel as though I am leaving someone out here. Let me know if you have proof of my idiocy (in regards to the scores).

What say you about the upcoming Landycakes/Buddle train heading through Seattle on Saturday?

Points, points everywhere

It's enough to make me hang my head and weep into my oatmeal, however, we played BETTER! Much better. Well, for most of the match anyway.

Sigi, please let the back four know, they do not need to play like junior varsity high school girls and kick the ball to the forwards and hope for the best.

Preki, curse you.

Bad weather, curse you.

Poor selection of shoes, curse you.

Thanks to hitting both goal scorers in the Dallas match, KP picked up four, Boca two, Jonathon two and Troy three, with the correct result. Only Jonathon picked up points from the disappointment at BMO with two points for both the result and exact score.

The current standings:

KP: 7
Troy: 6
Jonathon: 6
Bocasounders: 3

and several people still at one, as they didn't submit predictions this week.

Auf Wiedersehen Herr Schmid

Thursday's draw at Dallas felt like a loss. The club may have been cheated out of full points by a poor call in extra time. Maybe, maybe not. Personally, I think so. I don't think the referee should have determined the outcome of the match with that call at that point of the game. That call aside though, the team didn't play very well. Again.

In fact, I don't think they've played very well all season. The offense hasn't been able to hold possession nor take many shots, let alone shots on goal. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado had a brain fart that led to the first Dallas pk, but otherwise the defense has been stellar. At least when it comes to preventing the opponent from scoring. They have been horrible about keeping the ball, however. Tyrone Marshall has been especially egregious about just kicking it as far as he can, and usually giving it right back.

The team seems to have the talent to provide consistent, if not dominating, offense but have yet to show any semblance to teamwork this season. It seems as if they are "flat" or "just missing" week in and week out. I'm now tired of it. They've played five games (plus pre-season) and have a respectable record, but they should have gelled by now. Nate Jaqua has been injured, but I don't believe for one minute that his absence is the root of the problem. I don't know what is, but Sigi Schmid should.

The fact that Schmid hasn't hammered the team into a cohesive group is the reason I'm putting him on notice. I'm giving him two more games to show marked improvement or I'm calling for him to be fired. I don't think many people will agree with me on this, and I can't blame anyone. But I see a few things that have me concerned. First and foremost is the lack of offense. Second is the tinkering with the lineup. Michael Fucito and Sanna Nyassi have both shown well in brief stints but neither got the call to start, or even as a sub, in Dallas. This, despite an altered lineup that featured Roger Levesque and forward and David/Erik Estrada playing midfield. I'm really surprised Estrada played instead of Fucito. That's hardly a reason to fire the coach, I know. But he juggled the lineup last week against KC, giving Peter Vagenas a start over Brad Evans. We'll see who he throws out against Toronto.

They have two games this week in short order, so resting some players is to be expected. The short time between Dallas and Toronto matches doesn't provide much time to make improvement, that's why I'm giving him one more game - at home against Columbus, to show me something. I'm not asking for much, but I want them to play better and I suspect he can get a better performance out of his team. If not, then I'm calling for Brian Schmetzer to come on down!

What were they thinking - Prediction?

OK, the new kits are just fugly...nothing more to say. If you want to bike or run at dawn or dusk then here is your jersey...

http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2010/04-April/Sounders-FC-Reveal-Electricity-Kit.aspx

or

http://gosounders.com/2010/04/20/3rd-jersey/

What does everyone think, anyone going to by one? (Debra mentioned she liked it, in fact the quote is "Ohhh...that's cool.  Maybe Kasen can get one")

As for my prediction this Thur Seattle 2 - 0 Dallas.  Goals by Zak and Montero.

I'm sure you saw that one coming

Well, it's like this...

Not a one of us put forth Fucito's goal to steal the win at home on Saturday afternoon and really, who can blame us?

But there have been changes in the overall stats:

KP: 3
Troy: 3
Jonathon: 2
Bocasounders: 1
and several others tied at 1

Two games this week kiddies, get your predictions in NOW.

Prediction for the Wiz

I am going to try posting on the main blog page as the other methods seem to net me zero points for the first 3 games.  I know I am late on the 24 hour prior to kickoff rule but really as long as it is before the game does it matter (besides maybe the podcast)?

So here goes, Sounders 2 - Wiz 1. Goals by Montero and Noonan for Sounders and Wolff for the Wiz.

I am hoping for 3 goals as Kasen could use a free hair cut, she has a lot of hair on that little head.

GO SOUNDERS!!

Gads!!!

So call me a sayer of nay if you must, but heavens, I say, HEAVENS! I hope Sigi works with Brad Evans this week and reminds him, thoroughly, how to mark players. Both RSL's goals were Evans' mark.

Happy about our finishing (sure, from a defender), still weepy concerning our defenders giving the ball away unnecessarily, but all and all a decent showing for the boys in green.

KP, Troy and I were all wrong about the outcome and goalscorers, and since we were the only ones predicting this week, the scores remain the same.

Remember all, bring your gifts for our newest on Saturday, and how about some tailgating you Tribe?

Current Standings Prediction League

After the miserable lack of finishing (or realizing which jersey we were wearing), Jonathon managed to call the only scorer of the evening so there were only two points handed out.

Troy: 2
Jonathon: 2
KP: 0
Jason: 0
Debbie: 0

As you can tell, you still have an excellent chance of taking over the lead if you join in the fun.

Great Minds Think Alike. So Do Ours.

The picks all agree, 2-1 Sounders
Karl has Sounders goals by Montero and Zak, Angel for the Bulls.
Troy thinks Montero will score two and Angel will get one for NY.
Jon saw the futility of not copying Troy's picks and also swears Montero will get the brace. Either that, or it was a coincidence. It's practically the same thing anyway. He sees Kanji getting the NY goal, with a laser of a shot.

Current Prediction League Standings and more

Ok folks, after minutes of discussion we've decided to amend the scoring system, nothing too peculiar, just an additional way to gain points.

There will also be a point awarded if the score is correctly predicted, regardless of goal scorers.

The standings are now thus:

Troy: 2
KP: 0
Jonathon: 0

Way to kick butt Sounders (and Troy too, I guess).

First Kick Pick

The big predictions are in:
Jonathon 1:1 draw, goals by Fatty the Flopper and El Presidente
Troy 2:0 Seattle, goals by El Presidente and Ljungberg.

Prediction League

Assuming we get a game next Thursday, Troy and I will begin posting our results for the Prediction League we've formed on our podcast, right here.

Those of you interested in getting in on the ground level, here's how it works:

Prior to a Sounders FC match each participant must declare their final outcome of the match, including goal-scorers.

Let's take the home opener, I will predict a 3-2 win by the Sounders, goal scorers being Montero, Zakuani and Evans for Seattle and two by Le Toux (this is currently hypothetical, BTW).

I will receive 1 point for the correct result (a win by Seattle).
I will receive 2 points for each correct goal scorer (if Montero scores two, only 2 points for me).
I will receive 5 points for all predictions being correct (scoreline and scorers, this includes 0-0 draws).

This would be a 16 point match for me and I would surely taunt the Tribe for years to come should it come to pass.

Anyone who would like to join in the Prediction League is welcome to participate. Predictions must be received at the email address of the podcast no less than 24 hours prior to kick-off. The winner of the Prediction League will receive a prize package valued at over $150.

Let the games begin (dammit).

I'm In

The players have voted to strike if a new CBA can't be reached by March 23rd. I'm on the record of saying that is a mistake. I can see a work stoppage killing the league. I'm not alone, Sounders owner Joe Roth has said the same thing. Of course, coming from him, such a statement could be a bargaining chip.

Whatever.

The MLS fan base isn't so large the league can survive a strike. For the most part the fans are fervent in their love of their team, but there aren't enough fans that the league can afford to alienate very many. In short, most people wouldn't notice. The vast majority of the American sports-watching public could give a good God damn about soccer and that is just the way it is. As such, if the MLS were to lose any of its core it wouldn't be able to survive. Currently only a couple of clubs claim to turn a profit, imagine where the rest would be if the few fans they have turned their collective backs.

That won't be me. I've thought long and hard about waving both middle fingers in the general direction of Seattle should the players walk out, but I've decided not to do it. For two reasons. First, I think they're right to be demanding free agency. But more importantly, to me, I want to have pro soccer to watch. I've had a ball going to The T to watch the games and I want to have that opportunity in the future. I'm not a big enough fan to drive to Tukwilla very often for division 2 games, I will admit that, but give me the top league in the country a couple of miles closer and I'll be there cheering my head off in some crazy get-up or another.

So lock-'em-out, grab a picket sign or call in with a vague illness, if they stop the games I'm going to be very pissed-off, but I'll be back. I think the MLS is the best chance the US has had at a top-flight league and I'd like to see it continue to grow. Yes, I'll be annoyed, but I'd rather buy a ticket to help the league survive than ignore it and have it die of apathy.

March 6th?

Sure, you could go to the Charity Event at Qwest on March 11th, but what about heading up to Canada on a Saturday and seeing the Sounders take on the Whitecaps instead?

Perhaps some mountain biking on Sunday?

What say you silly Tribe?

Reflective sunglasses now required

Leave it to Sigi to draft someone who was completely off the radar. Here I was all disappointed that we didn't end up getting Jack McInerny. Then Rob Stone mentions that Sigi was hoping to pick up Blair Gaven (taken by Chivas just ahead of us). Honestly, having seen Corben Bone play a bit, I figured since he was still available, the Sounders would grab him, if for no other reason, to screw with whoever might want him after us and really, he seemed to hold the ball well in midfield and might even see some playing time during the Open Cup 2010.

And who do we pick instead? Erik Estrada from Chips fame! Not what I would consider practical, but he is of Latino decent so perhaps he has mad skills he didn't display either on Chips or whatever that reality show he was on.

Viva la Sounders!