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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
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/
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/
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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)
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)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, July 16, 2010
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
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
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