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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/