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Sounders FC: Schedule/Results, Roster, Statistics, Standings, MLS Schedule/Results, MLS Playoffs, US Open Cup Bracket, Club, History
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UPCOMING SOUNDERS FC EVENTS (Seattle times)
Nov 22, 5:30, MLS Cup Championship Match, LA - Chicago or Salt Lake, @ Qwest Field
Nov 25, Philadelphia Union expansion draft
Dec 18-20, Sounders FC invitational tryout, Las Vegas
Jan 9-12, MLS combine (invitational tryouts)
Jan 13, college and Generation adidas SuperDraft
Jan, week 3 or 4, training camp starts (expect time in Spain and either California or Arizona)
Jan-Feb, first preseason match
Mar 25, MLS season opener, Sounders FC - Philadelphia Union, @ Qwest Field
NEWS (scores are linked to match reports)
Nov 21 - One day ahead of the MLS Cup final:
Nov 20 - Two days ahead of the MLS Cup final:
Nov 19 - Today's news:
Nov 18 - MLS published the 2010 Expansion Draft rules for the Philidelphia Union, and they are largely the same as they were for Seattle a year ago. There will be a half-day trade window on Monday, and at noon the team's list of 11 protected players is due at league headquarters. As a Generation adidas player, Steve Zakuani is automatically protected unless the league considers him graduated from the Ga program. On one hand, if he had stayed at U Akron he would would still have his senior year left. On the other hand, he turns 22 in Feb. New this year is a rule that "Home Grown" players are automatically protected. The News Tribune blog has quotes from the GM: Sounders almost ready for expansion draft.
The Sounders FC blog has a schedule of near-term events surrounding the MLS Cup final: Big week ahead.
From Soccer By Ives: SBI's 2009 MLS Rookie Best XI. Steve Zakuani is in there, of course.
From the AP: Starry Galaxy wary of scrappy Salt Lake in MLS Cup.
Nov 17 - From Goal.com: Seattle Sounders: What happened in 2009? With a U.S. Open Cup trophy and a trip to the post-season to their credit, Goal.com's John Zielonka reviews Seattle's inaugural MLS season and what's in store for the future.
The collective bargaining agreement between MLS and the players' union will be a hot topic for the next few months. Garber addressed the issue in his State of the League Address yesterday. USA Today has an update: MLS, players see tough road ahead to avoid work stoppage.
From the News Tribune: MLS week in Seattle starts with praise for pairing: Star-laden Galaxy to meet surprising Real Salt Lake on Sunday at Qwest Field.
From Reuters: U.S. seeing emergence of real fan culture, says Garber.
From the Salt Lake Tribune: Tickets in demand for Cup: With the star-power of the Galaxy, fans are clamoring to get seats to MLS final.
Nov 16 - MLS announced the players voted to the best XI: MLS announces 2009 Best XI. Freddie Ljungberg was included, and there is just one player who will be competing in the MLS Cup final, Landon Donovan from LA.
Soccer By Ives announced Galarcep's picks, and he went three teams deep: SBI's 2009 MLS Best XI. First Team: Colombians Fredy Montero and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. Second Team: Freddie Ljungberg. Third Team: Osvaldo Alonso, Tyrone Marshall, and Kasey Keller.
From the league, the State of the League Address: MLS Commissioner Garber talks MLS.
Nov 14 - Real Salt Lake claimed the other MLS Cup bench after a scoreless 120 minutes in Chicago and a 5-4 win in kicks from the penalty mark. It was a sad end for retiring Seattle native and ex-Sounder Brandon Prideaux, whose kick from the mark was saved and opened the door for Salt Lake's winner. Prideaux returns home now to become an assistant coach for the UW Huskies.
Nov 13 - The Los Angeles Galaxy qualified for the MLS Cup final in Seattle with a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo after no goals in the first 90 minutes. The vaunted Home Depot Center was an embarrassment as the lights went out for 18 minutes once in each 45-minute half.
News:
Nov 12 - Today was the season end meeting between the team and the media. Early reports:
Here is the schedule for the Supporters Summit in conjunction with the MLS Cup match: Supporters Summit Seattle 2009.
Nov 11 - Today's articles:
Nov 10 - Aftermath:
Nov 8 - Playoffs, round 1, leg 2: Houston Dynamo 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (AET). After another 90 minutes with no goals, Houston's Brian Ching scored in extra time to advance the Houston Dynamo to the semifinals.
A PK provided the only goal in the last quarterfinal match of the MLS playoffs, with the Los Angeles Galaxy advancing over Chivas USA. The Galaxy will host the Dynamo in a one-match semifinal (bracket).
Prematch:
Nov 7 - Chicago Fire won 2-0 at home to advance over Sainey Nyassi's New England Revolution 3-2 on aggregate. The Fire will host Real Salt Lake next, with the winner advancing to MLS Cup in Seattle (bracket).
One day ahead of the second leg:
Nov 6 - Two days ahead of the second leg:
Nov 5 - Today's stories:
Nov 4 - From MLSnet: Sounders FC aim to increase speed of play: Seattle faces Houston in second leg of Western semis Sunday.
From MLSnet: 'Green' orange fullbacks face stiff test: Chabala, Hainault short on playoff experience, long on talent.
From the Seattle Times: Long layoff could help Sounders FC.
From the Tacoma News Tribune: Sounders' Keller a 'Godfather' in goal: International experience gives Kasey Keller rare status in Seattle.
From Sounders FC: Budding rivals. Sounders FC and Dynamo, that is.
From MLS Talk: Seattle meet Houston: American soccer, meet both. The writer compares the cities, not the teams.
From USA Today: MLS playoffs offer no comfort for higher seeds.
From ESPN soccernet, a breakdown of the first legs and predictions for the second legs: RSL and Revs take surprising leads. The writer is critical of the performance of one individual from last week's SEA-HOU match, referee Ricardo Salazar.
The Vancouver Columbian (a newspaper that Seattle Pitch's senior editor delivered by bicycle for years beginning at age 10) reports that the Sounders have set up a regional youth training program in Vancouver: Partnership helps develop soccer players.
MLS awards update: MLS today announced Chivas USA's Zach Thornton as Goalkeeper of the Year and New England's Steve Ralston as the winner of the Fair Play Award. Kasey Keller had been in the final three for both. Defender of the Year, with Jhon Kennedy Hurtado a finalist, will be announced tomorrow. Soccer America likes Hurtado: MLS's best defender is ....
Nov 3 - Today's post-practice quotes from the Times: Sigi Schmid quotes, 11-3-09. And from the News Tribune: Sounders react to MLS honors nominations.
From Goal.com: MLS playoffs: Editors' roundtable: Who can upset?
From Kasey's Last Line: Not quite as planned.
You can vote for MLS Goal of the Year and MLS Save of the Year. The candidates include 3 Fredy Montero goals, 3 Nate Jaqua goals, Patrick Ianni's lone goal of the season, and a Steve Zakuani goal. The save candidates include 3 by Kasey Keller and Tyrone Marshall's goal-line clearance.
Nov 2 - Today's notes from practice:
Soccer By Ives has the league's list of finalists for season awards: MLS announces awards finalists. All three finalists for Newcomer of the Year are Sounders: Kasey Keller, Freddie Ljungberg and Fredy Montero. Keller is also a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year and the Fair Play Award. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado is a finalist for Defender of the Year. Sigi Schmid is a finalist for Coach of the Year. The league's news release: 2009 MLS awards finalists & announcement schedule: Goalkeeper of the Year and Fair Play award winners to be unveiled Wednesday.
From Soccer By Ives: MLS playoff rewind: Home teams go unbeaten; and Monday morning centerback: Should the higher MLS seeds be worried?
From Goal.com: MLS playoffs: Goal.com MLS rankings: Narrow distinctions.
From the Sports Business Journal: Winning, rather than profits, drives Carey’s MLS passion.
From the LA Times: MLS needs more drama and passion.
From Freddie Speaks Up: Houston played for a draw as predicted!
Oct 31 - The Seattle Times story has insight from the coach: Sounders FC knows what to expect from physical Dynamo.
From the News Tribune: Waiting becomes hard part for Sounders: After scoreless draw in opener of playoff duel with Houston, Seattle has long layoff.
From the Crosscut: The Sounders play brave and bloody.
Two from the Houston Chronicle: Tie guarantees better effort required: Dynamo know home advantage goes only so far; and After tie, Game 2 looks to be a thriller.
Oct 30 - Today's practice reports:
From the P-I: Sounders 0 - Houston 0: So you want to be a soccer fan!
From MLSnet: Five-a-side: Stellar substitues make the difference: Building quality depth at Qwest.
From Prost Amerika: Heads up Seattle. This is far from over.
Oct 29 - Playoffs, round 1, leg 1: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Houston Dynamo. The regular season's two top defenses met and guess what, no goals. The series will be decided in Houston on Nov 8.
Freddie Ljungberg was voted MLS Player of the Month for October.
Prematch:
Oct 28 - Today's practice update from the Times: Kasey Keller: "I'll live." Montero practiced today, too.
Prematch:
From Soccer365: Top 5 above & beyond MLS field cogs. Osvaldo Alonso is one of the five players recognized.
From Soccer America: Crowds down but they could have been worse.
Oct 27 - Today's practice notes from the News Tribune: Sounders finish work without Keller, Montero. Sore ankle for Keller, and Montero is reported as having a mild fever. Also mentioned in the MLSnet article: Seattle players are vets of playoff scene: Sounders FC roster has 65 games of postseason experience. More in the P-I: Sounders FC's Keller tweaks his ankle.
Predictions from Goal.com: MLS Playoffs: Editors' roundtable: Which teams advance?
From MLSnet: MLSnet.com power rankings: Final.
From the club: Show your spirit and help scarf the sound. The club will hang another 4000 scarves around Seattle.
From the News Tribune: Sounders get few shots, but suffer fouls gladly: Sounders FC finishes first MLS regular season with most fouls drawn, fewest shots on goal.
From the Times: Sounders FC brings some experienced players into MLS playoffs.
From MLSnet: Seattle's Evans has knack for knockout goals: Sounders FC midfielder's offensive punch rare, but timely.
From the UW Daily: UW’s John returns home to rousing support.
From the Times blog: Monday with Sigi.
From the P-I: Checking in with Sounders FC playoff opponent, the Houston Dynamo.
If you want tickets for the second leg in Houston: Seating in Houston for the second leg.
Oct 26 - Today's practice notes from the News Tribune blog: Sounders conclude indoor/outdoor training (scroll down if necessary).
Saturday's goals from Nate Jaqua and Brad Evans are both nominated for MLS Goal of the Week.
The league has posted the playoffs bracket and the complete schedule for the first round: 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule: Conference Semifinal series set to launch on October 29. Seattle Pitch has a playoffs bracket: 2009 MLS Playoffs.
Sounder at Heart with a player interview: Zakuani – 1st year learnings, Playoff preview
Looking forward to the playoffs:
Soccer By Ives has season awards based on reader voting: The 2009 MLS awards: SBI reader selections. Sounders won the vote for Goalkeeper of the Year (Kasey Keller, tied with Donovan Ricketts) and Newcomer of the Year (Fredy Montero). Voted among the MLS Best XI were the Colombians, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Fredy Montero. Later this week Ives will post his personal picks for honors.
Oct 25 - On the final day of the MLS regular season Houston beat Chivas USA to pull ahead of the Sounders into second place in the Western Conference. First-place Los Angeles are tied with Houston in points with 48,and Sounders FC are third with 47 points. The final match saw New England beat Columbus to claim the last playoff berth. Columbus win the Supporters Shield with 49 points, and the Sounders have the 4th best record in the league, just two points from earning the Shield.
Five teams from the West qualified for the playoffs, as Real Salt Lake were the big winners yesterday.
West seeds 2 and 3 play each other in the first round of the playoffs, so that means the opponents are the Houston Dynamo. It will reportedly be in Seattle first, on Thursday at 6:30, televised on ESPN2.
From Sounders FC: Sounders FC shatter MLS attendance records. Ticket demand for the first playoff match is so high that the Sounders have opened up 3000 seats in the upper level. Playoff attendance will exceed regular season attendance, which is opposite the MLS norm.
From the Times: Steve Kelley: Sounders FC star Freddie Ljungberg earning his money.
Oct 24 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 FC Dallas (Jaqua 61, Evans 84; Harris 14). The Sounders end the regular season with a win and an impressive 47 points and will finish second or third in the Western Conference. The result eliminated Dallas from the playoffs. Los Angeles won their final match to claim first place in the West. Chivas and Houston are each two points behind the second-place Sounders and play tomorrow to end the season. The winner passes the Sounders in the standings, but if they draw neither will catch the Sounders.
Prematch:
Seattle Soccer Examiner has posted a fan's leaked photos of the Sounders' dedication to the original season ticket holders: Sounders honor inaugural season ticket members with permanent display at Qwest Field
Oct 23 - Prematch:
Other news:
It seems that more than 1000 people showed up at the Bitterlake Home Depot yesterday for the Freddie Ljungberg and Kasey Keller appearance. Maybe they should have split them up and sent one of them to the Shoreline Home Depot.
And now for something completely different (and refreshing, too): Prost Amerika presents the Big Cup Final Party: FSC's Jeremy St Louis to headline event. Attendance is limited to 150, so check out the announcement for more details if you might be interested. Bravo Prost Amerika for the initiative!
Oct 22 - From Soccer By Ives: Who is your 2009 MLS Newcomer of the Year? "The 2009 version of this award could be contended between just players from Seattle." Another opportunity to vote for a Sounder.
Another poll from Ives: Who is your 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year? Ives considers Steve Zakuani a "fringe contender," with DC's Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius and LA's Omar Gonzalez more likely winners.
Prematch:
From the AP: Sounders buck trend of MLS expansion flops.
Oct 21 - So much news in this, the final week of the MLS regular season:
Oct 20 - From the Times: Sounders happy with season so far, but say there's more work to be done.
From the News Tribune: Qwest packed-out for Sounders' playoffs?: Big crowds expected for postseason. If you want playoff tickets, buy them fast. Season ticket holders can buy now, and it opens up to the general public on Saturday at 10 AM.
From the P-I: Sounders: 'We still have some work ahead'.
From the Washington Youth Soccer newsletter Play On, an interview with Kasey Keller: Emerald City icon.
More on Keller from the AP: Sounders GK Keller thinks 2010 won't be the end.
Oct 19 - Today's practice notes, from the Times: Sounders FC today. and quotes from the coach: Sigi Schmid: "We weren't popping any champagne bottles".
From MLSnet: National Soccer Hall of Fame Builder Ballot announced. Sigi Schmid is on the ballot as a Builder, but the competition includes some well-known names in US soccer.
From MLSnet: Ljungberg wins MLS Player of the Week honors for Week 31: Pair of assists earn Seattle midfielder first MLS weekly top player award. Actually, he set up all three of Seattle's goals, but the first one didn't technically qualify for an assist. Goal.com echoes the sentiment: Goal.com's MLS Player Of Week 31: Seattle's Freddie Ljungberg.
Saturday's match winner, set up by Ljungberg's hard work and finished by Nate Jaqua, is a candidate that you can vote for as MLS Goal of the Week. Competing for the honor is Shoreline rookie George John's first MLS goal.
Ljungberg has started a blog, Freddie Speaks Up, joining Kasey Keller, who started his Kasey's Last Line blog early in the season.
From the club: Sounders FC to Salute Fans as Record-Breaking Inaugural Season Ends. Read it if you want to get a free "I gave my full 90" T-shirt. At 6:30 the owners will reveal something on the outside northwest wall of the stadium that will be dedicated to the original season ticket holders.
Sounders FC with an explanation of the playoff format: The playoff format.
From Seattle Soccer Examiner, on Saturday's Man of the Match: Freddie Ljungberg comes through when Sounders need him most.
From the Seattlest: Weekend sports roundup: Sounders in the playoffs.
From Goal.com, including "The battle for first in the West" and "The almighty fracas for the seventh and eighth playoff spots": Monday MLS breakdown: Stage set for wild final weekend.
If you still want more to read, here is the Sounders' huge weekly press release: Sounders FC news & notes - Oct. 19, 2009.
Oct 18 - From Prost Amerika: Absorbing it all the morning after.
Oct 17 - Kansas City Wizards 2 - 3 Seattle Sounders FC (Hercegfalvi 51, Wolff 53; Marshall 27, Levesque 69, Jaqua 76). The win qualifies the Sounders for the MLS playoffs. The Wizards were eliminated by earlier matches in the day. The final match for the Sounders at home will be a love fest between the club and the fans, with the result affecting playoff positioning.
Prematch:
Oct 16 - Prematch coverage:
From the Seattle Times: Soccer franchises in Europe are noticing Sounders FC.
Oct 15 - From the Times: Win and in: Sounders FC wants to keep qualifying for playoffs simple. And a transcript of an web Q&A for fans with the coach: Exclusive chat with Sounders FC's Sigi Schmid.
From MLSnet: Seattle's Schmid cheers on US national team: Sounders FC head coach joins local fans at fundraiser.
Seattle Soccer Examiner recaps articles on P*rtland's shaky steps towards MLS entry: Portland's road to MLS remains a bumpy one.
Oct 14 - From the News Tribune: Expansion team Sounders near playoffs.
From MLSnet: West notes: Wild finish ahead for MLS: Teams bunched at top of standings mean intrigue down the wire.
Oct 13 - From Sounders FC: A crowded dance card.
From the Times: Sanna Nyassi aims to return stronger for Sounders FC.
From the P-I: Sounders' playoff picture: One win and they're in.
From the News Tribune: Sounders seeking to clinch.From MLOSnet: Playoff race set for wild finish: Nine teams in contention for remaining postseason berths.
From Prost Amerika: "If my country called, I'd go to South Africa" – Kasey Keller interview.
From MLSnet: Jaqua getting time in Seattle midfield: Move in lineup gives Sounders FC another offensive threat.
Oct 12 - Today's practice notes from the Times: Sounders FC back to practice, preparing for clincher.
In with a win: The weekend's league results dropped the Sounders' magic number to three points, so they can clinch a playoff berth with a win in their next match, or if necessary in the season closer. Next week's opponent, the Kansas City Wizards, are all but eliminated from the playoffs, and would in fact be eliminated at kickoff time if the New England Revolution pick up a point when hosting the Chicago Fire earlier in the match day.
Seattle Sounders Offside has an interesting analysis of next year's season ticket prices: Soccer econ 101: Price increases, or: What do teams owe their most loyal fans?.
Oct 10 - From Sounders FC in a bye week: Sounders prepare for final playoff push. And a look at plans for youth development: A different developmental system.
The Seattle Times reports that Kevin Forrest, waived from a developmental spot earlier this year, was given a US Open Cup medal to honor his lone goal in one of the qualifiers: Kevin Forrest gets medal from Sounders FC. Two shortened training matches were held today: Sounders FC practice games, 10-9-09 (the reserves) and Sounders FC training game No. 2: The starters. Follow-up quotes: The importance of today's Sounders FC training games.
Oct 9 - From the Daily Evergreen: Kasey Keller dishes on the Sounders.
Oct 8 - From the Akron Beacon Journal: Former Zips star shines in pro soccer league, and: Q & A with former Zips soccer star Steve Zakuani.
From the Times: Sounders FC backup goalkeeper Terry Boss learns from Kasey Keller during practice.
From Seattle Soccer Examiner: MLS Supporters Summit Calendar of Events released.
Seattle Soccer Examiner posted an interesting report from a meeting of the Sounders Fan Advisory Network: Sounders fans could be in for some changes in 2010, says meeting attendee.
Oct 7 - From the Times: Sounders FC's Jhon Kennedy Hurtado relieved that Columbus penalty kick missed.
From MLSnet: West notes: Levesque an unlikely hero: Seattle forward making most of opportunites in MLS.
Oct 6 - Today's practice report form the Times blog: Sounders FC practice, 10-6-09.
From the club: Sounders FC inch closer to playoffs with historic win.
From the P-I: Sounders' defensive efforts drawing notice.
Both Tyrone Marshall and Kasey Keller are in contention for MLS Save of the Week. Vote for one!
MLSnet has put up a collection of candidates for 2009 individual awards, called MLSnet 2009 Awards Tracker. Nominations were from a panel of expert voters, including some of the top MLSnet journalists. Sounders FC have more players nominated than any other team, with a nomination in every category:
From Soccer America: Rising star: Seattle's Stephen King.
Oct 5 - The big road win on Saturday puts the Sounders' playoff chances at 97.5%, as estimated by the wonderful site Sports Club Stats. MLSnet has good coverage of the weekend's developments regarding the best-ever MLS playoff race: Week 29 sees postseason picture altered: Sounders FC, Chivas USA emerge as biggest winners from telling weekend.
The Crew blog posted a great story, complete with photo evidence, about the missed PK on Saturday. It features Tyrone Marshall: "They broke the floor before the penalty..."
Remember when DC United goalkeeper Josh Wicks stomped on Fredy Montero after he scored in the US Open Cup final? The US Soccer disciplinary committee has given Wicks a 5-match suspension for Open Cup matches, meaning that he is unlikely to appear in an Open Cup match for two or three years. The report from the Washington Post: Wicks suspended 5 games.
Oct 4 - From Sounders FC: Defender Leo Gonzalez called in by Costa Rica. Given that the Sounders have a bye next week, Gonzalez may not miss any Sounders matches.
Oct 3 - Columbus Crew 0 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Levesque 36). The Sounders bagged a big road win, ending the Crew's 22-match unbeaten home streak. Long-time Sounders fans will be pleased that Roger Levesque scored the lone goal. The win greatly improved Seattle's chances of qualifying for the playoffs, and at this point we mean GREATLY. Columbus had been the first to qualify for the playoffs, but were hoping to improve their chances for the Supporters Shield, awarded to the top team in the regular season. With DC United's loss 0-2 at home to Chivas USA today, it appears that the West will send 5 teams to the 8-team playoffs, with either Seattle or Colorado opening with a 2-match series with the top seed in the East, most likely with Columbus.
Unless a highly biased God intervenes, it appears that the playoffs will include the West's LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Chivas USA, Seattle Sounders FC, and Colorado Rapids, and the East's Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, and New England Revolution. The latter team is the most in doubt. DC United choked most in the end, losing multiple matches with the home-field "advantage." It will be a long offseason (a.k.a. vacation) for DC, thanks in no small part to the Sounders.
The Sounders have a 2-week break before the next match, which will be at Kansas City. Time to get healthy, time to get rusty.
Prematch:
Oct 2 - Prematch articles:
Oct 1 - From MLSnet: Seattle veterans point way during stretch run: Keller, Ljungberg remain in top form despite long regular season.
From the Times: When Sounders FC plays at Columbus, it's a reunion for some.From the News Tribune: Gold Cup peak for Brad Evans?: His season has been bumpy after MLS title and earning national team spot.
Sep 30 - From the Times: Sounders FC's Fredy Montero scores goal for deceased friend.
From the News Tribune: Sounders hope to make a point, if not three, at Columbus.
From ESPN soccernet: Playoff chase will go down to the wire.
Sep 26 - New England Revolution 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Joseph 51, 87; Montero 6). The Sounders grabbed an early lead on an amazing shot from distance by Fredy Montero, but they couldn't manage another goal while condeding two.
Prematch:
Sep 25 - Prematch:
The News Tribune article has some details on what to expect for the CONCACAF Champions League next season: Sounders to face expansion Philly in 2010 MLS opener.
Sep 24 - Prematch:
From the league: MLS clubs' 2010 Home Openers unveiled: First Kick March 25 in Seattle featuring Philadelphia Union's inaugural game; All 16 teams in action on opening weekend. From the Sounders: Sounders FC to host Philadelphia Union in 2010 MLS First Kick. It is an honor to host the league's season opener for the second consecutive year.
Sep 23 - The Sounders will again host the MLS season opener next year, when they will host the expansion Philadelphia Union on Mar 25. A full list of teams' openers is due soon from the league.
From the Times: Sounders FC's Brad Evans adjust to new reserve role.
From the News Tribune: Sounders listen to fans' clamor for tickets: Team to add seating for 2010 after setting league attendance records this year.
From USA Today: Drew Carey joins board of US World Cup bid.
Sep 22 - From the News Tribune: Sounders hit road in search of playoff berth: Seattle embarks on three-game trip, hoping it'll return with playoff spot in hand.
Sep 21 - From the Times: Lack of playing time for Sounders FC's Nate Jaqua is due to a concussion.
Sep 19 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Chivas USA. The Sounders failed to score in spite of a Chnivas red card in the 71st minute. Man of the match was Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton with some big saves.
According to the Washington Post, the Sounders will probably host next season's opener, vs. the expansion Philadelphia Union.
Prematch:
Sep 18 - Prematch:
From Taylor Graham: More trivial trivia.
From Soccer Lens: Can Seattle Sounders win a debut double?.
Sep 17 - From Sounders FC, talking about Fredy Montero: Man on fire.
From the News Tribune: Zakuani happy with path to Seattle: Steve Zakuani took an unusual path from England to pro soccer.
From the league: MLS to break during 2010 World Cup group play: MLS clubs to play each opponent twice in balanced 2010 regular season.
From the Times: MLS soccer legend Mauricio Cienfuegos visiting Sounders FC. He is here as a guest of Sigi Schmid to pick up some training as a coach.
MLSnet has a recap of "notable" roster moves since Jun 1: MLS rosters set for stretch run to MLS Cup Playoffs: Notable summer acquisitions include two Designated Players, U.S. national teamer. Meanwhile, Seattle's roster has been remarkably stable. Rosters are now frozen through the championship match, except that players on the disabled list may be activated.
Sep 16 - From the Times: Sounders FC midfielder Steve Zakuani is pleased with MLS rookie season: Former college star says he has learned a lot from Seattle teammate Freddie Ljungberg.
From Elias Sports Bureau, more analysis of the playoff race: Playoff picture clearer when accounting for games played, games remaining.
Sep 15 - Playoff analysis from ESPN: MLS playoff race tighter than ever. From Soccer America: Seattle leads crowded wild-card race. From MLSnet: Clubs jockey for position in stretch run. And statistics master Ken Roberts' amazing Monte Carlo analysis, updated daily: MLS playoff chances. The analysis says that Seattle's playoff chances, currently at 80%, would increase to 93% with a win Saturday, and would drop to 60% with a loss or 74% with a draw.
Sep 14 - Fredy Montero's match winner is a candidate for MLS Goal of the Week. Vote!
This week's informal rankings:
Sep 12 - DC United 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Wallace 54; Zakuani 5, Montero 84). A big win on the road. All of the goals came from 21-year-olds. The kids are alright.
Prematch:
From the Vancouver Sun: Seattle Sounders strike the right note with fans: As Vancouver prepares to enter Major League Soccer, Seattle's team is packing them in
Sep 11 - Prematch:
From MLSnet: Special presale for MLS Cup 2009 tickets.
Sep 10 - Prematch report from MLSnet: United host Seattle in Open Cup final rematch: Ten days after Sounders FC topped United for trophy, clubs meet again.
From the Times: Sounders FC players juggle jobs, bills.
From Sounders FC: Seattle supporting US bid for FIFA World Cup.
Sep 9 - Today's practice notes from the Times: Sounders FC practice, 9-9-09.
From the News Tribune: Sounders focus on playoff race: On the heels of its U.S. Open Cup triumph, Seattle returns to league play with an eye on making postseason. From MLSnet: Sounders FC back to work after break: Seattle begins playoff push after winning club's first trophy.
From Sounders FC, awarded by TheCup.us: Keller is Player of the Tournament.
From the Times: Sounders FC's Ljungberg talks little about plans after season. From the News Tribune: Ljungberg unclear on postseason plans.
Sep 8 - The Times has a report on today's practice: Sounders FC having some fun at practice.
From the News Tribune: Montero shows marks of attack: Sounders go back to practice, and star forward shows off battle scars from their U.S. Open Cup win.
From Sounders FC: US Open Cup win means Champions League berth .
While the fans had a day off, the Sounders practiced on Labor Day. Notes from the Times: Back to action for Sounders FC.
Sep 4 - The Sounders have been invited to next year's CONCACAF Champions League: Seattle claims first berth in 2010-2011 CCL.
Rumors about a loan of Freddie Ljungberg to Arsenal for the winter have shown up in two Swedish papers. From Fotballs Expressen: Ljungberg kan göra comeback i Arsenal (Ljungberg could make a comeback at Arsenal). From Fotballs Bladet: Träffar Wenger i helgen: Ljungberg lĺnas ut i vinter – blir Arsenal eller Chelsea (Meet Wenger in weekend: Ljungberg lent in winter - will be Arsenal or Chelsea). Chelsea is unlikely because FIFA just slapped them with a ban on signing new players for a year and a half. The loan would reportedly start on Jan 1, when the transfer window opens. Ljungberg would reportedly return to the Sounders around Apr 15, which is a week into the MLS season. The Seattle Times have an update: Will Sounders FC star Freddie Ljungberg return to Arsenal after MLS season? Team says Ljungberg is in London, and reports from Sweden say he's talking to his former English Premier League club.
Sep 3 - Aftermath following the Sounders' historic US Open Cup championship:
Sep 2 - US Open Cup Final: DC United 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Simms 89, Montero 67, Levesque 86). Fine play by the Sounders in Washington, DC brings the Dewar Cup to Seattle. Congratulations to the team for winning the cup! The fans are proud of you!
Prematch:
Sep 1 - Prematch:
Aug 31 - Ahead of the US Open Cup final:
The weekly rankings:
Aug 29 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Toronto FC. The Sounders laid another egg at Qwest, but picked up a point as Toronto laid an egg, too.
Prematch:
The Sounders have lauched a web site in Spanish: Sounders FC launch Spanish website to connect with diverse fan base: espanol.soundersfc.com.
Aug 28 - The Times and News Tribune blogs gave an update on trialist midfielder Terry Cooke, recently released from the Colorado Rapids: Terry Cooke practicing with Sounders FC, and Ex-England/Colorado midfielder Cooke training.
Prematch:
Aug 27 - Prematch:
Aug 26 - The Sounders FC reserves, plus a few regular starters, played a 60-minute training match at Qwest against the Seattle Wolves. The Sounders won 3-0 with goals from Patrick Ianni, Sanna Nyassi and Michael Fucito. The Seattle Wolves posted a match report.
From the club: Levesque caps long journey back to MLS.
USOpenCup.com named Sebastien Le Toux the Player of the Round for the semifinals and posted an interview: Sounders' Le Toux lauded as Player of the Round.
From the Times: Qwest Field pulls off quick turnaround between Sounders FC and Seahawks games.
Road woes from the next opponents:
Aug 25 - Nate Jaqua's goal, assisted by Steve Zakuani from a cross by James Riley, is up for MLSnet's Goal of the Week.
From Crosscut, a recap of recent matches: Learning from Barcelona.
Aug 24 - From Goal.com: Monday MLS breakdown: Bright future is now for ambitious Sounders FC.
This week's rankings:
Aug 23 - Houston Dynamo 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Cameron 36; Jaqua 70). Nate Jaqua got the equalizer against his 2008 club. With the draw the Sounders have won the season series with Houston.
Prematch:
From the Seattle Times: Sounders of NASL built the foundation for Sounders FC. And Original Sounders fans' devotion comes full circle.
Aug 20 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 New England Revolution (Joseph 21). The Sounders really laid an egg this match.
Prematch:
No doubt assisted by a lot of votes from Sounders fans, Steve Zakuani won Goal of the Week honors this round.
From US Soccer: USA bid committee announces list of 27 cities still in contention for inclusion in U.S. bid to host FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Seattle is, of course, on the list with both Qwest Field and Husky Stadium.
Aug 19 - Prematch:
Today's updates from the Times blog following practice: Schmid: Ljungberg won't play Thursday, tests negative for migraine, and Sounders FC practice, Aug. 19, 2009. Ljungberg will be rested both matches this week, and goalkeeper Terry Boss is out after suffering a concussion in practice yesterday. Ben Dragavon from the MLS goalkeeper pool will be the backup tomorrow.
Analysis from MLSnet: Murky playoff picture: Breaking down what we know heading into the season's final stretch.
From ESPN soccernet: Seattle stepping up at the right time.
From the Seattle Times:
Aug 18 - An update from the Times: Freddie Ljungberg seems OK. Medical tests are continuing, looking for the cause of the recent memory loss and disorientation.
Aug 17 - Steve Zakuani's goal from a great run and cross by Brad Evans has been nominated for MLS Goal of the Week. The competition is impressive, though.
Andrea Canales from Goal.com wrote a nice one last Friday: The Sounders fans are anything but silent.
The tide has shifted for the Sounders in the weekly rankings:
Aug 15 - Los Angeles Galaxy 0 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Zakuani 22, Montero 54). Steve Zaluani broke the Sounders' scoring drought on an attack, assisted by a perfect Brad Evans cross. There were three red cards in this match, but the Sounders only got the middle one, a second yellow card to Tyrone Marshall for a tactical foul. Surprisingly, the first red went early to David Beckham for a pointless studs-first challenge in the circle on Peter Vagenas. Vagenas later took the corner kick that led to the insurance goal by Fredy Montero, assisted by Nate Jaqua. This was the second road win by Sounders FC, and it pushed them back into second place in the west.
Prematch:
Aug 14 - The LA Times has a good report on Landon Donovan's case of the H1N1 flu: Galaxy's Landon Donovan says he has the H1N1 flu virus. Seems he got it from Galaxy staffers, who got it at their match at the New England Revolution. MLSnet has an update: Donovan's status unclear after flu spell: Galaxy forward recovering from bout of H1N1 virus. US Soccer has now advised that everyone with the national team who was around Donovan should take a course of Tamiflu: U.S. Soccer taking preventative measures in response to diagnosis of player with influenza A virus.
From the News Tribune: Celebrities help raise MLS profile: Two of league's stars to face off when Seattle visits L.A.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC prepare for Galaxy attack: Evolution in LA's tactics force Seattle to adjust strategy.
Aug 13 - Prematch:
From Sounders FC: Scott fighting for starting job. And: Graham removed from disabled list.
From the Times: Freddie Ljungberg speaks his mind about Sounders FC's recent play.
A report out of Colombia says that Deportivo Cali has sold full rights to Fredy Montero to MLS, which would be good for the Sounders. But reporters from the Times and the News Tribune queried GM Adrian Hanauer and the cryptic reply put the Colombian report in question, suggesting that negotiations may be continuing. Playing for Colombia in a friendly this week at Giants Stadium, Montero played the final 23 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Venezuela.
From the Auburn Reporter: Homegrown talent: Neagle earns a chance to play for Sounders.
From the Times: Family ties --- the O'Briens, not TV's Keaton family. Leighton and Ciaran O'Brien are now on the roster together at the Montreal Impact.
Aug 12 - From the News Tribune: Galaxy's 1-2 punch gets Sounders' attention: Scoring of Donovan and Beckham hold key for surging Los Angeles.
From MLSnet: Levesque brings depth, energy to Seattle: USL holdover provides rare attacking option from Sounders bench.
Aug 11 - Today's practice notes from the Times: Sounders FC practice, 8-11-09. Moroccan trialist Reda Doulyazal has left the team and in for a trial is Oregon State sophomore Danny Mwanga, a big forward who was born in the Congo and went to high school in Portland, OR.
From the Times: Sounders FC coach searches for end to team's slump.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC aim to stop skid: Seattle veterans take lead in focusing team to strong finish.
Aug 10 - DC United president and CEO Kevin Payne threw down the gauntlet at the feet of DC sports fans: We win trophies.
This week's rankings:
Aug 8 - Real Salt Lake 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Findley 62). The Sounders were shut out for the third consecutive league match.
Prematch:
Times: Sounders FC's new defender adjusting to life in Seattle, MLS.
Seattle Soccer Examiner has important info regarding season tickets for next year: New or Renew? Sounders FC season tickets for 2010 will likely sell out again.
Longtime USL Sounder Leighton O'Brien has joined the Montreal Impact: Midfielder Leighton O'Brien joins the Impact.
Aug 7 - Prematch:
News Tribune: This year's friendlies may be difficult to top: Team ponders which clubs to invite next year, aims to meet fans' expectations.
Times: Sounders FC's Taylor Graham glad to be back on the pitch.
Aug 6 - From the Times: Sounders FC practice, Aug. 6 - Montero to leave team this weekend. Montero will be joining the Colombia national team for a friendly vs. Venezuela in New York on Aug 12.
From Steve Zakuani, in ESPN soccernet's MLS Rookie Diary: Chelsea game the highlight of the season so far.
From Reuters: Seattle's new team lifts spirits and economy.
From Puget Sound Business Journal: Sounders FC the envy of many. They must mean many in Portland. Heh, heh.
From the Stranger: Why is soccer so popular in Seattle?.
Aug 5 - Friendly: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 4 FC Barcelona (Messi 21, 41, Suarez 75, Rodriguez 89). A humbling experience for Sounders FC.
Prematch:
From the Tmes: Sounders FC's Freddie Ljungberg enjoys the quiet life in America.
From the News Tribune: Red, red wine goes to his head: Freddie Ljungberg traces his All-Star Game migraine to red wine used in a cooking sauce.
Aug 4 - From the Seattle Times: Barcelona star Thierry Henry was never a target of Sounders FC. And today's Sigi quotes: Sigi Schmid quotes, 8-03-09 - Gonzalez to debut vs. FCB.
Aug 3 - From Time: Soccer in Seattle: A new kind of football team woos fans.
The Sounders will fall in the weekly rankings:
Aug 2 - San Jose Earthquakes 4 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Own goal 2, Glen 54, Huckerby 78, Wondolowski 84). The path to Seattle's worst loss of the season started with an Osvaldo Alonso own goal in the second minute and turned south with James Riley's undeserved red card at 33'. The win gives San Jose the inaugural Heritage Cup.
Prematch:
Aug 1 - From the Times: Leonardo Gonzalez joins Sounders FC.
Kasey Keller wrote about his flight with the Blue Angels: Once in a lifetime.
From the San Jose Mercury News: Seattle finds formula for soccer success.
Jul 31 - Prematch, from MLSnet: Sounders FC seek season sweep of Quakes: San Jose hoping to change trend, while hosting Seattle for first time.
From Prost Amerika Soccer: Nou camp brings back old memories for Taylor Graham: Sounders centre half targets Barcelona game for return.
From Puget Sound Business Journal: Seattle Sounders' splash debut spills over. Sounders chocolate bars. Mmmmm.
From the News Tribune: Ljungberg goes home from hospital: All-Star midfielder suffered migraine symptoms after game in Utah. From MLSnet: Ljungberg recovering from migraine: Seattle midfielder spent night in hospital following All-Star Game.
Jul 30 - From the News Tribune: Ljungberg returns to Seattle. The migraine was reportedly mild compared to the earlier one. From the Times: Sounders FC star Freddie Ljungberg expected to make quick recovery.
From the Times: Say hello to Sounders FC trialist Reda Doulyazal, and today's news. The player, also spelled Douliazale, is a midfielder, age 23, born in Casablanca and most recently playing there for Wydad Athletic Club.
Fredy Montero is on the player list for Colombia's friendly with El Salvador on Aug 7 in Houston.
Jul 29 - MLS All-Stars 1 - 1 Everton FC (Davis 26; Saha 12). After the 90 regular minutes kicks from the mark were taken as a tie-breaker, with Everton winning 4-3 thanks to three saves by Tim Howard. Fredy Montero, Freddie Ljungberg (captain) and Kasey Keller started, with Ljungberg going the full match. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado entered in the second half, and Keller re-entered after Zach Thornton injured himself. Ljungberg suffered a migraine onset during the match and was taken to a local hospital immediately after the match. Match reports:
From the New York Times: Q & A With Freddie Ljungberg: M.L.S. All-Star. The first question is, "So what the heck happened in the game on Saturday?"
From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC players Fredy Montero and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado bond.
From USA Today: Sounders bring MLS success in Seattle.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC not following expansion blueprint: Expansion side represented by four players on MLS All-Star team.
From the Seattle Times: Voices of the game: Kevin Calabro was energetic Sonics voice, now he's revving up Sounders fans.
From the Federal Way Mirror a reporter is converted: Sounders soccer: The beginning of a beautiful friendship.
From US Soccer Players: MLS mid-season awards.
FC Barcelona announced their squad for their trip to the USA, including next week's friendly with Sounders FC: The 26 for the US.
All-Stars prematch:
Jul 28 - All-Stars prematch:
From Crosscut: Chelsea, Chicago: Sounders at mid-point.
From Sounders FC: Sounders ready for tough final stretch.
From the Wall Street Journal: Are Americans becoming soccer fans? Parochialism persists, but ticket sales, TV ratings and U.S. team heroics show progress.
Jul 27 - From the News Tribune: Sounders take an All-Star breather: Schmid glad to give players a rest, but doesn’t care for MLS all-star concept.
From MLSnet: MLS All-Stars converging on Utah: League's best looking forward to Wednesday match with Everton FC. The report from the Salt Lake Tribune has Ljungberg and Keller quotes: How do they measure up? Players say MLS stars could form a club team good enough to compete in some of world's top leagues.
The Toronto Sun's article takes a critical look at the teams at the All-Star break: MLS contenders and pretenders.
This week's rankings:
Jul 25 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Chicago Fire. The Sounders had good chances but failed to finish any. Freddie Ljungberg hurt his side by getting his fifth yellow card for a very bad dive (worse than Blanco's many dives) and then immediately getting a yellow/red for dissent. It will probably be a two-match suspension, one for yellow accumulation and one for red.
Prematch:
From MLSnet: Ex-Everton star Gabriel attending training: Former player, coach of NASL Seattle Sounders enjoying time with Toffees.
Jul 24 - Prematch:
From the club: Limited tickets remain for FC Barcelona at Qwest Field. Only about 500 as of early today.
From Sounders FC, with quotes from the GM: A winning culture.
From Sounders FC: Keller to ride with Blue Angels.
Jul 23 - Prematch, from MLSnet: Fire take road form into Seattle: League's best road team faces first trip to Seattle's Qwest Field.
From the TNT: U.S. Open Cup bidding process leaves Sounders GM 'skeptical': U.S. Open Cup final goes to RFK, but Hanauer thinks Seattle's bid would raise game's profile. Hanauer's pointed comments provoked a pointed response from the DC United president, reported in the Washington Post blog: Payne responds to Sounders.
Rumors have been circulating regarding Fulham FC and Fredy Montero. A brief report from London Sky Sports claims some quotes from Montero expressing interest in a Fulham offer: Montero claims Fulham contact: Striker would be interested in agreeing Prem move. However, it would be difficult for Montero to get an English work permit without being a regular on his Colombia national team. Today's TNT article has more on the topic: Will Montero flee for England? Report in London says Seattle's leading scorer could join Fulham FC. A later update in the TNT blog says that Montero claims he is not expecting a quick transfer to Fulham: Montero denies English report. More Montero quotes are in the Times update: Sounders FC's Fredy Montero denies report he talked with English club. In our opinion, it would make most sense for Montero to complete the Sounders season and then seek a large salary increase either in MLS or in Europe. Lately, it seems like Montero is involved with about one controversy per week. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Two of those controversies resulted in critical goals for the Sounders. Professional sports is for entertainment, and Montero's controversies certainly lead to interesting news articles.
Kevin Forrest has signed with the Portland Timbers after being released by the Sounders FC. The announcement: Timbers sign forward Kevin Forrest. He scored a goal for the Timbers in a friendly with Bayern Munich II earlier this month.
Jul 21 - US Open Cup Semifinal: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (AET: Jaqua 89, King 94; Okinbiyi 32). It took perseverance to win this one, but perseverance was rewarded with a deserved win in this semifinal. Nate Jaqua's just-in-time goal against his 2008 team forced extra time, and Stephen King netted the match winner for the second time in two consecutive Open Cup matches. The final will be at DC United.
US Open Cup semifinal, prematch:
Ives Galarcep has an alternative idea for the MLS All-Star match -- pit the USA stars against stars from outside USA: The MLS All-Star Game that could have been.
Jul 20 - Coach Dominic Kinnear named the final six players to the MLS All-Star Team, and Fredy Montero and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado are among the invitees. They join previously announced Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg. Articles:
The MLS All-Star match will feature Everton, and the squad will start by training at Starfire. From the club: Blues depart for Seattle. The All-Star match will be played in Utah.
USOC prematch coverage:
Prost Amerika interviewed the GM after the Chelsea match: Hanauer stays level-headed through (nearly) unbridled joy.
From the P-I's Art Thiel: Chelsea fans show us newbies how it's done.
Jul 19 - From the Seattle Times: For Federal Way's Neagle, a memorable Sounders debut: Former Thomas Jefferson High player sees first action for Seattle against Chelsea.
Jul 18 - Friendly: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 2 Chelsea FC (Sturridge 23, Lampard 35). Chelsea opened their preseason with a win.
Prematch:
Jul 17 - Prematch coverage of the friendly:
Jul 16 - The Sounders FC will provide a live webcast of Tuesday's SEA-HOU Open Cup semifinal at www.soundersfc.com. They report that if Seattle FC win, they will host the final if Rochester win the other semifinal, but not if DC United win.
Today's practice notes from the Times: Sounders FC practice, July 16 - Tyrone Marshall back with club.
Sounders FC have released expansion draft choice Jarrod Smith, as the roster was getting overloaded. Smith had been on the disabled list all season and was never activated. Smith played for Sounders FC in two US Open Cup matches this year, but did not play in any MLS matches.
Chelsea FC announced their travelling squad to the States, and it will not include Joe Cole, who just had minor knee surgery. The travelling squad is listed in the Chelsea news release: Joe Cole misses USA trip.
Sounders FC are giving a free Sounders-Chelsea scarf to the first 500 fans in the door for tomorrow's Chelsea training session at Qwest: adidas to host Chelsea open practice at Qwest Field.
From MLSnet: Ljungberg: European players 'interested' in MLS: Seattle stars see Chelsea friendly as an opportunity for league to impress.
Jul 15 - From the News Tribune: Sounders stars Keller, Ljungberg open to having contracts extended.
From MLSnet: Alonso, Scott back in fold for Seattle: Defensive midfielder, fullback return to health ahead of Chelsea friendly; and All-Stars Keller, Ljungberg make Seattle shine: European soccer veterans turning expansion Sounders FC into contenders.
From the Times blog: Quotes from Freddie Ljungberg and Brian Schmetzer; and Sigi Schmid and Kasey Keller, July 14.
Patrick Ianni's bicycle kick won the vote for MLS Goal of the Week.
From Soccer By Ives: Five players Dom Kinnear should add to the MLS All-Star roster. On Galarcep's list are Osvaldo Alonso and Fredy Montero. Galarcep's mid-season rookie XI include Steve Zakuani: A mid-season look: Sizing up the MLS rookie class.
Jul 14 - Soccer By Ives analyzes the MLS All-Star voting: A closer look at the MLS All-Star First XI.
From Prost Amerika: 15/30 interview – Peter Vagenas.
Patrick Ianni's bicycle kick is up for MLS Goal of the Week.
Jul 13 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 6 - 0 Kitsap Pumas (Levesque 8, Fucito 9, Nyassi 14, Le Toux 36, Nyassi >45, Le Toux >45).
The MLS All-Stars First XI were announced today. If it had been all up to the online fan vote, the First XI would have been nearly all Sounders. But with votes from players, media, and coaches/GMs each having 25% weight, it was just Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg in the First XI. Other deserving Sounders got low votes from players and coaches/GMs. Fredy Montero was first in both the fan vote and the media vote. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado won the fan vote and got respect from the media. Osvaldo Alonso was second behind Ljungberg in the fan vote and got respect from the media. The three amigos are all new to the league and did not win the popularity contest. More All-Stars will be selected later, mostly by coach Dominic Kinnear, with two selections by the MLS commissioners. More:
Visiting the White House and President Barack Obama today were ex-Columbus coach Sigi Schmid, ex-Columbus players Ezra Hendricksen and Brad Evans. Columbus Crew were honored as 2008 MLS Champions and invited the trio from Sounders FC. Details: Crew visit Obama at White House: MLS Cup champions honored by President, take 45-minute tour. And: Crew reunite at White House ceremony: Schmid, Evans, Hendrickson, Noonan all make trip to Washington, DC.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC to bid on U.S. Open Cup title match.
The weekly rankings:
Jul 11 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (Montero 32, Ianni 46; Davis 12). The Sounders pulled to within three points of league-leading Houston Dynamo. The two sides meet again soon, Jul 21, in a US Open Cup Semifinal.
Prematch:
From MLSnet: Five-a-side: Enviable problems to have: Schmid must make tough decision; starters flow into Open Cup.
From MLSnet and a pissed off coach: Onalfo steaming over controversial PK: Wizards head coach vents frustration stemming from late PK against Seattle.
Jul 9 - From Sounders FC and Dale Chihuly: Sounders FC and Dale Chihuly unveil the Emerald Spire. Times: An afternoon at Dale Chihuly's sweet boathouse/glass art studio.
Prost Amerika reported that according to Jarrod Smith's Facebook page, he will undergo season-ending surgery this weekend. More: Jarrod Smith's season over?
Prematch:
Jul 8 - From the Times blog: Quotes from Sounders FC practice, July 8.
Jul 7 - US Open Cup Quarterfinal: Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 0 Kansas City Wizards (Le Toux 89). This match needed a winner and it went to a penalty kick, but just one, earned by Fredy Montero and converted by Seba Le Toux in the 89th minute. The Sounders will host Houston Dynamo at Starfire Stadium on July 21 in the semifinal.
From Sounders FC: Red, white and Brad.
From MLSnet: Young King key as Sounders face KC: Open Cup quarterfinal provides midfielder with opportunity.
USOC prematch:
Jul 6 - USOC prematch:
From the News Tribune: World Cup coming to Seattle someday? Could happen: Lackluster attendance for non-MLS games unlikely to hurt Seattle in competition for possible World Cup bid.
MLS unveiled the MLS Cup 2009 logo: MLS unveils new MLS Cup 2009 logo: New logo reflects Philip F. Anschutz Championship Trophy.
Jul 4 - CONCACAF Gold Cup, first match at Qwest Field: Honduras 1 - 0 Haiti (Costly 76). Match report from CONCACAF: Costly header lifts Honduras over Haiti 1-0.
CONCACAF Gold Cup, second match at Qwest Field: USA 4 - 0 Grenada (Adu 7, Holden 31, Rogers 60, Davies 68). Sounders midfielder Brad Evans earned his first cap for the nats, entering in the 62nd minute as a defender. Match reports:
Gold Cup prematch:
Another new signing for the Sounders: Draft pick Michael Fucito was signed, then immediately placed on the disabled list with foot tendenitis. From the News Tribune: Sounders sign fourth-round pick from Harvard. From the Times: Mike Fucito signs with Sounders FC. From Sounders FC on Fucito and Leonardo Gonzalez: Sounders add two more.
Well, we reluctantly report on another dubious allegation of sexual misconduct by a Sounders FC forward, this time an alleged incident from 2007, when Nate Jaqua was playing for the LA Galaxy: Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million. From the P-I: Sounders' Jaqua target of sexual assault lawsuit. From the Eugene Register-Guard: Jaqua's parents 'stunned' by suit: Eugene attorney Jon Jaqua calls plaintiff a 'troubled young woman'.
Jul 3 - From the Times: Sounders FC's Brad Evans playing for U.S. national team.
From the News Tribune: Sounders get chance for revenge vs. K.C.: Victory over Kansas City Wizards in Open Cup would avenge Seattle's only loss at Qwest Field.
Jul 2 - Sounders FC announce another roster move, an experienced defender from Costa Rica: Sounders FC sign Leonardo Gonzalez. Gonzalez still needs a P-1 visa and a work permit, and he is with the Costa Rican national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
From the Everett Herald: Phil Andruss is 'The Man in the Mohawk'.
Jul 1 - US Open Cup Round 3: Portland Timbers 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Keita 43; Levesque 1, King 27). The Timbers were fired up by a sellout crowd, but couldn't overcome the Sounders' 2-0 lead. Roger Levesque is the Timbers fans' favorite Sounder, and Levesque stunned them with a diving header goal before the match was a minute old. The Sounders will face the Kansas City Wizards at Starfire on Jul 7 in a semifinal match.
From USA Today: 'Special edge' for Cuban defector Alonso.
MLSnet's update on All-Star voting: Sounders FC still strong as voting hits stretch run: Fullback, midfield races remain close; balloting ends July 6.
Prematch from MLSnet: Seattle-Portland rivalry remains intense: Old USL-1 foes now seeing battles move toward MLS landscape. From the Times: Portland vs. Seattle soccer rivalry more friendly back in NASL days, and Portland Timbers fans take rivalry with Sounders FC to another level.
Jun 29 - Time to vote again. Nate Jaqua has a goal from yesterday nominated for MLS Goal of the Week.
Jaqua has been named Player of the Week by both the league (Jaqua wins MLS Player of the Week honors for Week 15 Seattle Sounders FC forward notched two goals, assist against Colorado) and Goal.com (Goal.com's MLS Player Of Week 15: Seattle Sounders FC's Nate Jaqua). Goal.com reports that Fredy Montero was second in their voting.
Today's practice notes from the Times: Sounders FC practice, June 29.
From Soccer 365: Soccer365 Q&A: Sounders' James Riley.
The weekly rankings:
Jun 28 - Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids (Montero 23, Jaqua 48, 68). Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero were part of every goal. The post rejected a Colorado penalty kick to help Kasey Keller earn a shutout.
Prematch:
Jun 27 - From MLSnet: Defensive effort fueling Montero's resurgence: Work on defense creating scoring opportunities for Seattle striker.
From the P-I: Sounders' Evans, Marshall go international in July.
From the News Tribune: Qwest seating increased for hot-selling Sounders: Team increases Qwest seating, which also is selling out quickly. From the Times: Sounders FC opens up about 4,000 more seats.
Jun 26 - The Sounders have added a new player: Sounders FC signs goalkeeper Terry Boss. Boss is 27 and was recently waived by the New York Red Bulls. He played for the USL-2 Charlotte Eagles in 2008. This roster move was probably necessitated by the lengthy recovery of injured Chris Eylander.
Practice report from the News Tribune, with an update on injuries: Zakuani and Le Toux uncertain; keeper signs.
Prematch:
From the Everett Herald, Kevin Forrest on his next plan: Sounders waive Forrest.
From FOX Sports: Newest MLS franchise thriving in first season. Another telling of the success story, but done with great style.
From the News Tribune: Evans gets call to join U.S. team: Seattle midfielder becomes part of the mix for Gold Cup.
Jun 25 - The club today reported that Kevin Forrest has been placed on waivers. Forrest did not suit up for any MLS matches, but he played in the most recent US Open Cup qualifier and scored the lone goal.
Soccer By Ives has the newly announced roster for the USA men in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and it includes Brad Evans: U.S. Gold Cup roster announced (a closer look). Also on the squad is ex-Sounder Brian Ching. Seattle fans will get to see USA play at Qwest on Jul 4.
Important update for fans of the USA men, from Sounders FC: You won't miss a thing. The first half of the Confederations Cup final, featuring USA and Brasil, will be shown live at Qwest on the big screen -- kickoff is at 11:30. At halftime coverage of USA-Brasil will stop and updates will not be announced. The Sounders-Rapids kickoff is scheduled for 1:00. Following the Sounders match the second half of USA-Brasil will be shown on the big screen. In effect, Qwest Field will turn into a soccer bar with room for 30,000!
From the Times: Sounders FC midseason report: Early success, uneven recent play. The News Tribune blog has more quotes from the coach: Sigi gives Sounders mid-season thumbs up.
The News Tribune has comments from a few Sounders about a few topics, including the Confederation Cup, the Gold Cup, and The Price Is Right: U.S. upset stirs big buzz in Seattle: Schmid calls win 'adrenaline rush' for his team, too. And on an unexpected dilemma for the Sounders: Club or country: Sounders ponder Sunday bump.
Injury update from the News Tribune blog: Ljungberg, Scott healthy; others getting healthier.
Jun 24 - From UnitedMania.com, a DC fan contrasts his experiences at away matches in Seattle and Colorado: A tale of two cities.
From MLSnet: Elias Sports Bureau 'Insider's Edge': Looking closely, there is a lot to like about Seattle Sounders FC.
Jun 23 - From the P-I, on the newly opened sections at Qwest: New Sounders tickets almost gone; don't expect more.
From Sounders FC: Marshall called in by Jamaica. He will join his national team on Jul 1 for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
From MLSnet, an update on All-Star voting: Keller leading All-Star 'keeper voting: Sounders FC goalkeeper looks poised to be fans' choice.
Jun 22 - Fredy Montero's Saturday goal was nominated for MLS Goal of the Week. We are surprised that Osvaldo Alonso's Wednesday goal wasn't also nominated.
From the News Tribune: Sounders' debut nearly pitch perfect: Midterm report: While on-field success has raised expectations, MLS has been stunning triumph in Seattle so far. From the Sounders FC blog: First half in review.
From ESPN soccernet, a video interview of Freddie Ljungberg.
The weekly rankings:
Jun 20 - New York Red Bulls 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Angel 40; Montero 45). Both goals came from embarrassing turnovers near goal. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado did not play, flying home to be with his wife and newborn son, Paolo Hurtado, born Jun 19.
More prematch:
Jun 19 - Prematch:
A good read from Soccer America: 80 seconds of silence.
Jun 18 - From the Times: Tyson Wahl finds a spot in Sounders FC starting lineup at new position.
Jun 17 - Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 3 DC United (Alonso 38, DC own goal 45, Montero 57; Pontius 34, Gomez 63, Seattle own goal 87). Seattle had this one all but in the bag when an own goal near the end gifted DC with a road draw.
Prematch:
A great story from Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley: MLS player Cam Weaver scores goals for stricken teammate.
In last night's US Open Cup Round 2, it was Sonomo County Sol 0 - 3 Portland Timbers. The Timbers advance to host Sounders FC at PGE Park at 7:00 on Wed, Jul 1.
Ex-Sounder goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann has signed with the newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers: Keeper signs.
Jun 16 - Match previews:
MLSnet has an update on All-Star voting: MLS All-Star Game voting heats up: Columbus' Schelotto, Hejduk move into fans' First XI. You can vote up to ten times per day at MLSnet.com until Jul 6.
Jun 15 - The Times blog has today's practice notes: Sounders FC practice report, June 15. More from the News Tribune blog: More games ... and more guys to pick from.
From Prost Amerika: Selection problems of the good type: Part 1: Ianni makes life hard for Sigi.
Goal.com named Freddie Ljungberg to their MLS Team of the Week.
The weekly rankings:
Jun 13 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes (Ljungberg 42, Montero 59; Huckerby 68). Freddie One and Fredy Two brought Seattle back to the win column. And no red cards!
Prematch:
Jun 12 - From the News Tribune: Ianni finally gets his shot: Veteran defender came via trade, only to watch from sideline.
From the Honolulu Advertiser: Family support helped Scott's climb to MLS.
From the Everett Herald: Coach wants Sounders to have 'more aggressive attitude' around the goal.
From the Times blog: Sounders FC practice, June 12. And from the News Tribune blog: Alonso unlikely to start vs. Earthquakes.
Jun 11 - US Open Cup third round pairings were announced today by US Soccer: Third Round U.S. Open Cup possible pairings announced. It will be either Portland Timbers (USL-1) hosting Sounders FC or Sounders FC hosting Sonoma County Sol (PDL) at Starfire, on Jun 30 at 7:00 in either case.
From MLSnet, a preview of the next match: Sounders FC, Quakes meet again: Western Conference foes clash for second time in 2009.
From the News Tribune: Former Jefferson High star signs with Sounders FC: Tacoma native Lamar Neagle had played for Seattle during the preseason.
The club posted a report on Jarrod Smith's travels to South Africa with the New Zealand national team: A world away.
From Seattle Soccer Examiner and worth a read: Time for Sounders players to reward the overwhelming support of Seattle's fans.
From the Times: Sounders FC has seen lots of red this season.
From MLSnet: Schmid dismisses chemistry concerns: Sounders FC coach insists cohesion not an issue for expansion club.
From the University of Washington: Prideaux joins men's soccer program as assistant coach: Former UW and current MLS defender to start new position on January 1. From MLSnet: Back to school for Fire's Prideaux: Veteran defender announces decision to coach his alma mater.
Jun 10 - Announced today by Sounders FC: Sounders FC signs local product Lamar Neagle. Neagle is a 5-11, 165 lb. midfielder from Federal Way who just finished his college play at University of Nevada Las Vegas. Neagle spent time in preseason camp and had been training with the team of late. With three players on the disabled list, the Sounders don't have to cut anyone yet.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC seeing flurry of red: Handful of recent red cards have hamstrung Seattle.
From the Seattle Times: FC Barcelona looking forward to Aug. 5 match in Seattle.
From the Times: Let the Heritage Cup competition begin: Earthquakes and Sounders meet in inaugural "Heritage Cup" match June 13 at Qwest Field.
A new Seahawks/Sounders FC shop will open at Pacific Place on Friday, with the Three Amigos (Fredy Montero, Osvaldo Alonso, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado) to appear there Sunday noon to 2 and Kasey Keller from 2 to 3: The Pro Shop: Seattle Sounders FC fans will soon be able to get the latest club gear at Pacific Place.
In last night's US Open Cup competition, the battle to see who will face the Sounders will be fought by the Portland Timbers and the Sonoma County Sol. The results from the west coast were:
Jun 9 - Today's practice notes from the News Tribune: Schmid wants goals -- and goal-scoring attitude. From the Times: Sounders FC practice, June 9, 2009, and Video of fast-paced drill from Sounders FC practice.
Kent native and ex-Sounder Cam Weaver was expected to return home with the San Jose Earthquakes for a match this weekend, but his return has been postponed because he was just traded to the Houston Dynamo: Quakes acquire Wondolowski from Dynamo: San Jose trades forward Weaver for California native, draft pick. That isn't San Jose's only trade: Earthuakes acquire third-round pick from Toronto FC: Garcia, discovery rights to Gerba, sent to Toronto. So the Sounders will face an Earthquakes side in flux this weekend.
Another local native and ex-Sounder, Brandon Prideaux, just announced his retirement from the Chicago Fire: Prideaux to retire following 2009 MLS season: Prideaux to end a 12-year professional playing career after current season.
From the Seattle Times: Michael Fucito returns to Sounders FC with Harvard degree. From the News Tribune: Harvard degree not a bad fall-back for new Sounders midfielder: After graduating last week, rookie midfielder Fucito embarks on career in pro soccer.
The club blog notes that Jarrod Smith played 55 minutes for New Zealand in a 0-0 draw with Botswana last weekend: Jarrod Smith - world traveller.
USOpenCup.com previews the first round, which includes tonight's 7:00 match in Bremerton featuring the new Kitsap Pumas (PDL) hosting the Portland Timbers (USL-1): USOpen Cup.com First Round previews: Capsule looks at all 16 opening round games. The winner will advance to face the winner of Orange County Blue Star (PDL) - Sonoma County Sol (USASA), and the second-round winner will probably be paired with Sounders FC in the third round. From the Kitsap Sun: Kitsap Pumas don't fear the Timbers.
From MLSnet: MLS All-Star voting still has green tint: Seattle Sounders FC hold 10 of top 11 spots in fan balloting.
Jun 8 - The Tacoma News Tribune has a spot-on analysis of what ails the Sounders FC: Fouling and whining taint that fuzzy Sounders start. We would like to see Freddie Ljungberg, Fredy Montero, and James Riley, in particular, play with more enjoyment of the game and more acceptance of the things they cannot control (e.g., referee decisions, actions by opposing players). That would lead to less stress and more success.
Today's practice report from the Times says that draft choice Michael Fucito has joined the practice squad for a tryout after receiving his psych degree from Harvard: Clarity on Nate Jaqua card situation plus practice report, and A selection of Sigi Schmid quotes.
From MLSnet: Calabro finding voice as Sounders FC broadcaster: Former SuperSonics play-by-play announcer perfecting technique.
This week's rankings by the pundits:
Jun 6 - Chivas USA 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Lillingston 38). The Sounders outshot Chivas but couldn't find the net. More suspensions for next week, as Nate Jaqua got a yellow-red at the end of the match and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado got his fifth yellow.
Prematch:
Jun 5 - From the Sounders FC: Making changes.
From WWU's Western Front: Local fans show rapid support for Sounders.
From Goal.com: Video: Seattle Sounders Marshall & Jaqua.
From the Hong Kong Apple Daily (translated): Seattle Sounders shine in MLS.
From MLSnet: Opportunity for big points awaits Chivas: First-place Chivas aim to put distance between themselves and Seattle.
From ESPN soccernet: Sounders versus Chivas USA preview.
Jun 4 - Prematch coverage from MLSnet: West powers meet at The Home Depot Center: Both Chivas and Sounders FC look to get back in win column.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC missing Alonso in midfield: Seattle having trouble on defense without injured midfielder.
From the Times: Sounders FC's Nate Jaqua has found his groove. From the Everett Herald: Jaqua is Sounders' Mister Reliable. Jaqua won this week's Goal of the Week vote.
From the News Tribune: Another red card hangover for Sounders: Defender Tyrone Marshall will miss game this weekend; team is 0-2-4 in red-card games. And from their blog: Alan Hinton on Sounders' four red cards.
From the P-I: Ex-Galaxy veteran says Sounders have something special going on. And: Sounders' Ianni gets his shot against first-place Chivas.
Jun 3 - From the Tacoma News Tribune: Earning points on road, not winning, Sounders FC goal vs. Chivas: MLS soccer: Steady gathering of points key to success, Keller notes.
From the Seattle Times: Why is Sounders FC so good in its first year?
From Prost Amerika: The bizarre story of Taylor Graham's international career.
Jun 2 - Today's notes from the Times blog: MLS Goal of the Week vote, competing with Alejandro Moreno's strike from the 1-1 draw.
From Seattle Times' Steve Kelley: Nothing less than full speed ahead for ageless Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller. From the Times' Jose Romero: No end in sight for Sounders FC lineup shuffling.
From the News Tribune: Sounders worn down by red cards and ties: Fifth consecutive MLS draw and their fourth red card leave coach Sigi Schmid in foul mood.
This week's rankings (Sounders FC are in third place in the west, fourth in the league in points):
May 31 - Jarrod Smith flies out today to join the New Zealand national team for the FIFA Confederations Cup. Smith has not yet played for the Sounders due to injury. Now on the disabled list is Taylor Graham with a broken foot.
From the P-I: Sounders' Marshall explains red-card ejection.
May 30 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 1 Columbus Crew (Jaqua 58; Moreno 12). The Sounders won't feel good about this draw, their fifth in a row in league play. Freddie Ljungberg missed the goal on a penalty kick and Tyrone Marshall drew a red card two minutes into added time.
Prematch:
May 29 - Today's practice notes from the Times blog: Alonso out, Evans day-to-day for Sounders FC.
Taylor Graham is still having problems with his foot, but his humor is intact. He posted an interview of some of his teammates, picking on them at every opportunity: Nine questions.
From the club's blog, an injury update: Injury report and notes.
Match preview from MLSnet: Schmid faces former club in Seattle: Red-hot Crew travel west for first-ever meeting with Sounders FC. Another from ESPN soccernet: Sounders versus Columbus preview. MOR from MLSnet: Familiar faces dot Columbus-Seattle match" Schmid, Evans moved from Crew to Sounders FC in offseason.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid takes aim at former team. From the News Tribune: Schmid's Crew exit no fuel for fire. From an AP writer: Schmid, Evans welcome Columbus to Seattle.
From the P-I: Sounders GM fires back at Colorado coach. Hanauer was responding to comments from Gary Smith: Colorado coach miffed at Sounders' playing facility. Smith in particular complained that the Starfire pitch was too small, but it is 70 by 110 yards according to Hanauer. For international matches FIFA requires 70-80 wide by 110-120 long, so the Starfire pitch meets those requirements. According to Hanauer, Qwest is 74 by 114.
USA Today has an update on MLS All-Star voting: Seattle Sounders fans sound off on All-Stars.
From the fan's perspective, from Seattle Soccer Examiner: Hatred of Sounders helps their legend grow at warp speed.
From Prost Amerika: Meet America's cleanest player! That would be Steve Zakuani, who has not committed any fouls yet in MLS.
May 27 - US Soccer announced the pairings for the first two rounds of the US Open Cup: First and second round pairings for 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup announced. MLS teams will enter in Round 3 scheduled on or about Jun 30 after 32 lower division teams have been reduced to eight. The Sounders might face the winner of the new Kitsap Pumas (PDL) vs. the familiar Portland Timbers (USL-1), but only if that winner beats the winner of Orange County Blue Star (PDL) vs. Sonoma County Sol (USASA). USOpenCup.com has a nice bracket for the tournament.
May 26 - US Open Cup Qualifier: Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (Forrest 61). Kevin Forrest's flying header was the difference as the Sounders FC qualified for the US Open Cup proper with a win over the visiting Rapids in a hard fought match. It was Forrest's first minutes in competition for Sounders FC, so he has to be feeling good to get the lone goal.
The Bremerton Sun reports that the new PCL Kitsap Pumas will host the USL-1 Portland Timbers in an Open Cup match on Jun 9: U.S. Open Cup: Pumas Draw USL Division I Portland Timbers.
Unfortunately, Taylor Graham has broken his right foot. From the club: Injury report.
Injury report from the club: Injury report for Tuesday and Saturday. And from MLSnet: Seattle will be creative for Open Cup match: Sounders FC scramble to fill injury-riddled midfield.
From MLSnet: Ljungberg resumes training with Seattle: Sounders FC designated player recovering from migraine attack.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Freddie Ljungberg says migraine appears to be easing. Mentioned is that Jarrod Smith has been called up to the New Zealand national team and will fly out on Sunday.
ESPN Star reports that Fredy Montero is in a pool of players who could get a call-up to the Colombia national team for some World Cup qualifiers.
Montero's goal is up for MLS Goal of the Week voting. And a Kasey Keller save is up for MLS Save of the Week voting.
James Riley and Fredy Montero were picked for Goal.com's MLS Team of the Week: Round 10.
From Goal.com: You asked? Seattle Sounders' Keller answers, part II.
Good job all you fans. Nine Sounders are now among the top eleven in MLS All-Star voting: Seattle fans sounding out for a familiar First XI. You can vote once per day at the MLS site.
Prematch coverage:
Weekly power rankings:
May 25 - From the News Tribune: Expansion success continues for Sounders: One-third of the way through MLS season, FC Sounders still on pace for best record by an expansion franchise.
May 23 - Colorado Rapids 2 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Clark 25, Casey 47; Montero 17, Jaqua 76). The Sounders came from behind to earn a draw on the road. Fredy Montero returned to form with a nice goal and a nice assist. James Riley's crosses set up both goals. This draw, the Sounders' fourth in a row, is one you can feel good about.
Prematch:
May 22 - From MLSnet, a preview of tomorrow's match: Rapids host Sounders FC in West showdown: Western Conference foes meet for first time at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Update from the Seattle Times blog: Ljungberg, Evans and Scott not making Colo. trip. The News Tribune blog has the travelling squad: Ljungberg, Evans not traveling to Colorado.
Prematch from Colorado Rapids Examiner: Rapids face "tell all" match against the Seattle Sounders. From the opposite perspective, prematch from Seattle Soccer Examiner: Sounders FC look for goals and victory in Colorado Saturday night.
From MLSnet: Evans' versatility helping Sounders FC: Expansion Seattle using midfielder all over the pitch.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Chris Henderson can call Seattle, Colorado home.
From Goal.com: Quick kicks: Seattle Sounders FC forward Nate Jaqua.
From the Denver Post: Owners, players, fans make Seattle a sound organization.
From Bleacher Report: The importance of fan voting in the MLS All-Star Game.
May 21 - From the Times: Riley matches $100 assist from Sounders FC fans.
From MLSnet: Injuries mounting for Sounders FC: Ljungberg, Evans, Scott all likely to miss weekend clash with Colorado.
From Goal.com, a video interview: You asked? Seattle Sounders' Kasey Keller answers.
May 20 - From the Times blog: Sounders FC practice update, May 20 -- injury updates.
From the Times: Sounders FC's Evans still aching from collision.
From the Sounders FC blog: The injury bug bites.
From MLSnet: Sounders FC fans making voice heard in All-Star vote: Goalkeeper Keller takes the overall lead among players. Analysis from Soccer By Ives: Sounders fans making noise in All-Star Game fan voting.
May 19 - From the Times: Sounders FC's Brad Evans will have MRI on knee.
From the News Tribune, on Osvaldo Alonso: Sounder goes from Cuba to Seattle . . . through Wal-Mart.
Today's practice notes from the Times blog: Sounders FC practice video and Sigi Schmid quotes, May 19.
From Soccer By Ives: MLS Week 9: The Best XI, Worst XI and Team of the Week. Just one bright spot for Seattle, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado on Team of the Week.
This week's power rankings:
May 18 - From the Times: Patrick Ianni, Tyson Wahl finally play for Sounders.
From the News Tribune: Sounders improving, not winning: Three draws in a row still have Seattle feeling good heading into Colorado match.
May 16 - FC Dallas 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Rocha 45; Hurtado 18). It seemed like Dallas were ripe for the taking, but after a 1-0 lead the Sounders failed to find a second goal.
Prematch from the News Tribune: Sounders head to Texas in search of needed victory.
From the Everett Herald: Sounders' Dragavon a traveling goalie.The Sounders reported today that Chris Eylander has been placed on the disabled list and will be out six matches.
May 15 - From the Times blog, a report on today's practice and some players who will not travel to Dallas: Off to Dallas, but first, Sounders FC practice report. Nathan Sturgis is out, still recovering from a hamstring problem. Now Chris Eylander is out with an injured left knee and it may be several weeks of recovery. Ben Dragavon will be the backup keeper in Dallas. With Sturgis and suspended James Riley both out, it is likely that Zach Scott will get the start at left back and either Taylor Graham, Patrick Ianni or Tyson Wahl will get their first start. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado might move to right back to let one of the aforementioned three start at center back. It is also possible that rookie right back Evan Brown might see his first minutes for the Sounders in a league match. The P-I blog has their perspective on the roster for Saturday: Sounders doing some roster scrambling. After-practice quotes from the coach: Sigi Schmid quotes from today, 5-15, plus injury report.
From the Times: Sounders FC faces heat, but little atmosphere in Texas.
From MLSnet: Riley, Sturgis to miss Seattle's clash with FCD: Scott likely to reclaim starting role; Ianni, Wahl among other options. From the opposite perspective: Home clash with Seattle critical for FCD: Struggling Dallas side hoping to build confidence against Sounders FC.
Ex-Sounder and Bellevue native Marcus Hahnemann has been released by Reading FC, where he played in 302 matches from 2001 to present.
From the Everett Herald, on flyin' Hawaiian Zach Scott: Sounders FC defender has plenty to smile about.
From Sounders FC, focusing on the back line: Stepping up.
From the Times, on FC Dallas rookie George John: Shoreline native faces Sounders FC this week.
From the News Tribune: Sounders deal with foul issue: Montero, Ljungberg adjusting to physical MLS approach.
From Soccer By Ives: The MLS Quarter Pole: Who is on the MLS Best XI? Ives picked three Sounders, Kasey Keller, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Osvaldo Alonso.
May 14 - Notes from today's practice, courtesy of the Seattle Times blog: Sounders FC practice, May 14, 2009, and Sigi Schmid on Sebastien Le Toux.
This week's Referee Week in Review from US Soccer has been posted, and as expected it covers the SEA-LA melee: 2009 Referee Week in Review - Week 8. They agreed with the cards that were issued, but say that the defender who grabbed the ball to delay the free kick should be been cautioned. They also suggest that the referee should intervene more quickly to help avoid a mass confrontation.
Prematch report from MLSnet: FC Dallas, Sounders FC square off for first time: FCD return home after three-game road swing, Seatte look to extend unbeaten run.
From MLSnet: Le Toux making most of opportunities: Seattle striker has made impact after being removed from starting lineup.
From the News Tribune: Red card, injury could leave Sounders shorthanded on defense: Hamstring may keep Nate Sturgis out of Saturday's game.
May 13 - From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Montero takes a break to go home.
MLS All-Star voting has commenced at the MLS site. If you have an e-mail address, you can vote once per day from now through Jul 6 for one G, three D, five M, and two F. Teams were permitted to nominate 12 player names prior to the start of the season. The fan vote will count 25%, with 25% for coach and GM votes, 25% for player votes, and 25% for media votes. More from MLSnet: Voting open for MLS All-Stars First XI: Fans can cast votes for MLS starting unit on July 29 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Reports after today's practice indicate that Nathan Sturgis is questionable for Saturday with a tightened hamstring. That suggests Zach Scott at left back and, well, see Sigi's comments in the News Tribune blog entry: SSFC may need two new defenders Saturday. More notes from the Times blog: Today's Sounders FC practice. Yet more from the club: Sigi and Schellas ... and notes from training.
May 12 - In what amounts to an admission that Tim Weyland's performance as a referee on Mothers' Day was subpar, an MLS executive VP issued a statement that Weyland's performance is being reviewed by US Soccer. From the Times: Official under fire is now under review.
From the News Tribune: Sounders coach, general manager rip MLS refereeing, and Boling: Pugnacious Schmid bonus for Sounders.
The Sounders are opening up the seats in the South end of the lower bowl that have been covered with tarps for all but the opener. From the P-I: Sounders to open up additional seating at Qwest. From the Times: Sounders FC will make more seats available at Qwest.
We look forward each week to this feature from Soccer By Ives: MLS Week 8: The Best XI, Worst XI and Team of the Week. This week, all we have on the Best XI is "Seattle's Sunday afternoon crowd at Qwest Field." You knew this would be on the Worst XI: "Referee Tim Weyland's less than stellar performance in the LA-Seattle match." Also included was "James Riley's punch." We may be biased, but it didn't look like a punch on the replay. Nobody on Team of the Week, though. Not even an honorable mention.
May 11 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 1 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (Forrest 52; Semenets 34).
Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley lambastes referee Tim Weyland with eloquence: Seeing the ugly side of the beautiful game.
From the P-I, day-after quotes from the skipper: Sigi not sorry about referee remarks.
From the Sounders FC blog: Hanauer on officiating - "Rest assured that we are going to get involved."
From the Times blog: 60,000 tickets sold for Chelsea match.
From the 90th Minute Soccer Blog: Major League Soccer: Attendance down, NY, KC, and Dallas averaging under 10,000.
It's Monday, time to check the rankings from the pundits:
May 10 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (Le Toux 22; Gordon 36). The Sounders hurt their chances with yet another red card, this one to defender James Riley for retaliation.
Prematch:
May 9 - Prematch from MLSnet: Galaxy head to Seattle to face Sounders FC: LA look to extend unbeaten streak in clash at Qwest Field. From the Everett Herald, on Landon Donovan, who married an Edmonds native: Pro soccer star an Edmonds kind of guy. From the News Tribune, an interview with Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who once coached at UPS: Seattle MLS no surprise for Arena. From the P-I: Sounders will be minus Montero on Mother's Day.
On the topic of more seats, from the P-I: Sounders likely to open up more seating at Qwest.
May 8 - B is for Barcelona. Confirming rumors that have been around all year, the Sounders FC today announced that FC Barcelona will play a friendly with the Seattle Sounders FC. The match will take place Wed Aug 5 at Qwest Field. Sounders season ticket holders already have a ticket in their package. The tickets for matches A, B, and C will be for Chelsea, Barcelona, and the MLS Championship Match, respectively. The prospect of both Chelsea and Barcelona is made all the more interesting because of this week's Chelsea-Barcelona semifinal match in the UEFA Champion's League, which Barça won with a short-handed away goal deep into added time. The announcements:
Sounder at Heart interviews ex-Husky and Sounders FC trialist Ely Allen: Galaxy starter, Sounders trialist Ely Allen.
Prost Amerika has a translation of a La Raza del Noroeste interview: Difficult times: Fredy Montero keeps his head up at a time of adversity.
May 7 - From Sounders FC: Smith set for return. But who would be cut to activate Jarrod Smith from the disabled list?
From the News Tribune: Marshall's plan: Pack a lunch, play for whole game. And: No need to spin success: Sigi Schmid soothes the sting of his L.A. Galaxy departure with victories.
From the Seattle Times: Osvaldo Alonso has been a great find for Sounders FC.
From MLSnet: Schmid unhappy with embellishment: Sounders FC head coach disturbed by overdramatization of fouls.
May 6 - From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Fredy Montero is ready to play the role as a fan this week. Good quotes from Montero, telling his side of the red-card story. Apparently Montero has never before been red-carded in his professional career.
From Goal.com: The short list: Most valuable to their team. Kasey Keller is on the list.
From the Kitsap Sun: Montero gets some extra work in. From the News Tribune: Schmid: Too many players get in on act. Seattle P-I blog: Sounders coach: Too much flopping in soccer. Seattle Times: Sounders use reserve game to mull replacement options for suspended Fredy Montero.
Tickets for the May 26 US Open Cup match at Starfire will be on presale for season ticket holders soon (expect an announcement in your e-mail), then they will open up to the general public at 10 AM on May 9. From the P-I: Sounders to host Colorado in Open Cup play-in game.
From MLSnet: Seattle's Marshall moving forward: Veteran defender delivered tying goal against Chicago.
Kasey Keller has a new blog up, courtesy of The End 107.7 FM, where he has made some guest appearances on recent mornings: Kasey's Last Line.
The Sound Wave band is being moved from the south to the north end to solve the audio conflict with the Emerald City Supporters and to surround the pitch with sound. That is freeing up 50 seats in the ECS section, which will be sold as season tickets. Call 1-877-MLS-GOAL if you are interested, and act fast.
From the East London Advertiser: Ljungberg in Hammers injury revelation.
From Sounders sponsor PEMCO: PEMCO reveals Northwest Profile #26: 'I know I am, I'm sure I am Sounders FC Fan'.
May 5 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 4 - 1 Seattle University (Levesque 27, Smith 51, 57, Forrest 63; unidentified 78).
From Soccer By Ives: MLS week 7: The Best XI, Worst XI and Team of the Week. In the Best XI were "Cuauhtemoc Blanco entertaining the crowd with his variety of moves," "Seattle's defense standing firm despite being a man down for 42 minutes," and "The contingent of Sounders fans who made the trip to Toyota Park." In the Worst XI were "Chicago failing to win despite a man advantage for 42 minutes" and "Sparse crowds at Colorado-RSL, Chicago-Seattle and Houston-New England." Team of the Week includes Tyrone Marshall, with honorable mention to Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.
May 4 - This has to be the best Sounders piece we've read all year, from Seattle Sounders Offside: Sigi finally gets the Freds to play together, and here's how it happens.
From the Times: Why Sounders FC finally scored off corner kick.
From the club, posted at MLSnet: Sounders FC news & notes: May 4.
A date has been picked for the second US Open Cup qualifier according to the Seattle Times blog. Seattle Sounders FC will host Colorado Rapids at Starfire Stadium at 7:00 on Tue, May 26. Interestingly, the match will be three days after the same sides play a regular-season match in Denver.
The weekly power rankings:
May 2 - Chicago Fire 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Pappa 68; Marshall 71). The defense earned this road point. Sweeper Tyrone Marshall scored the tying goal from a corner kick while the Sounders were a man short due to a Fredy Montero red card for throwing an elbow at the start of the second half.
Prematch:
From Next Season Sports: Conversation with former NASL Sounders gaffer, Alan Hinton.
May 1 - Prematch from MLSnet: Blanco, Fire face quick turnaround: Chicago fell to Club America in exhibition on Wednesday, face Seattle on Saturday. Prematch from the Olympian: So far, flu scare won't keep Sounders from playing for crowd. From the Times: Sounders face Fire, controversial Mexican star Cuauhtemoc Blanco. From ESPN soccernet: Sounders versus Fire preview. And finally, from MLSnet: Seattle rides hot offense into Chicago: Sounders FC roar back from tepid stretch with six goals in two games. Well, almost finally. We found this from a new source, American Chronicle (from Beverly Hills?): Fire put unbeaten mark on line against Sounders.
The News Tribune blog reports that the Sounders won the coin toss and will host the Rapids at Starfire in the next US Open Cup qualifier, probably in late May: Sounders will host Colorado in U.S. Open Cup. US Soccer has finally posted the 2009 US Open Cup format: 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup structure finalized.
Apr 30 - Sounders FC match preview: Sounders FC faces the Fire. Times preview: Keller, Sounders FC will face high-scoring Brian McBride. MLSnet preview: High-flying Sounders, Fire get together: Pair of early season powerhouses go head-to-head in Chicago. Another from MLSnet: Tough butterfly: Seattle preps for Blanco.
Times reporter Jose Romero was at today's sunny practice: A perfect day for Sounders FC practice.
From Sounder at Heart: Asst Coach Ezra Hendrickson on Tactics in MLS.
From FOX Sports: Top five MLS rookie performers. Steve Zakuani is on that list, of course.
From the Vancouver Province, an update on the Parke saga: Waiting the hardest part: Jeff Parke finally can play after sitting out suspension over supplement.
Apr 29 - USOpenCup.com has a MLS qualifying bracket that ends with two of eight teams qualifying for the Open Cup proper. Those two will join the six teams with the most points from the 2008 MLS regular season, who automatically qualified for the tournament.
From the league: MLS All-Stars to face Everton FC in 2009 MLS All-Star Game: Former MLS standout Howard to lead FA Cup finalists at Rio Tinto Stadium July 29.
From MLSnet: Teen's dream: Brown taking attention in stride: Song from Argentinean fan serves as locker room fodder for Sounders FC.
Apr 28 - US Open Cup Qualifier: Seattle Sounders FC 4 - 1 Real Salt Lake (Le Toux 24, Nyassi 26, King 53, Le Toux 55; Johnson 32). Thanks to an offensive explosion, the Sounders advance to take on the Colorado Rapids in the second qualifier.
Today's prematch coverage:
Apr 27 - Looking to tomorrow's US Open Cup play-in match:
From the Times: Sounders FC's Sebastien Le Toux adjusts to new role off bench.
From Sounder at Heart: Steve Zakuani: "No first team, no second team, just Sounders."
Sports Illustrated: Seattle keeper Kasey Keller chats about coming home, future of MLS.
From the News Tribune blog: Ljungberg bound for Sweden after death in family. He will be attending the funeral of his grandmother.
From Soccer By Ives: MLS week 6: The Best XI, Worst XI and Team of the Week. In the Best XI: "Kasey Keller's clutch save to help him remain unscored upon in MLS," "Steve Zakuani putting on an MLS rookie of the year-caliber performance," and "another sell-out crowd in Seattle". In the Worst XI: "San Jose's awful defending on both Seattle goals." On Team of the Week: Steve Zakuani and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, with honorable mention to Kasey Keller, Tyrone Marshall, and Brad Evans.
Goal.com's Team of the Week includes Hurtado and Zakuani: MLS Team of the Week: Round 6.
The new power rankings:
Apr 25 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (Zakuani 42, Evans 49). The wingers score to return Seattle to winning ways.
Prematch:
Apr 24 - From the News Tribune blog, Sigi quotes after practice: Schmid on the three big issues of Quakes week.
From the Times: Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller glad to be back on field.
From the News Tribune: Sounders, Earthquakes no strangers.
Two from MLSnet: Quakes' stumble begat Seattle's surge: Sounders FC studied, learned from San Jose's expansion struggles, and Quakes primed for breakout game against Sounders: Yallop wants team to focus on teamwork, framework.
From the Everett Herald: Sounders top pick OK with his bench role.
Apr 23 - The Times blog has Sigi quotes following today's practice: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-23-09. Another entry says that Ely Allen has left the team to pursue other options. That suggests that perhaps draft pick Jared Karkas will be offered the remaining developmental spot on the roster. The News Tribune blog discusses the approach to playing the next three matches over eight days: Two games in four days: Saturday comes first.
From the Sounders FC blog: Weaver makes his return to Seattle, and Levesque remembers days with Earthquakes.
From MLSnet: Seattle's 'Freds' struggling to find cohesion: Ljungberg, Montero having difficulty connecting in Sounders FC attack.
From the Times, on Jarrod Smith, who is eligible to come off the disabled list after Saturday's match: Sounders' injured forward finally ready to contribute. However, if Smith is activated someone else will have to come off the roster due to the MLS roster limits. That means traded, released, or put on the disabled list.
From the News Tribune blog: Riley just one of many Sounders-Quakes links.
An MLSnet preview of Saturday's match: Quakes, Sounders FC meet for first time: San Jose travels north to face slumping Seattle at Qwest Field. First time? There is some history between these two sides, if you count the years prior to the Sounders MLS side. There were many meetings in the NASL days, of course. Here are the matches since San Jose entered MLS the first time:
Apr 22 - After today's practice, from the Times blog: Sounders FC practice, 4-22-09. From the News Tribune blog: More players coming ... more adjustments, too? More from the Times blog: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-22-09.
From Sounders FC: Midfield shake down.
Times: Sounders FC reserves just looking for chances to play.
Goal.com: Alan Hinton talks soccer.
Another from Goal.com: Canales daily: First impressions of Freddie.
Another Fred? MLS Talk suggests that Freddy Adu, currently riding the pine with AS Monaco, might fit in with the Sounders FC: The ballad of Freddy Adu.
Apr 21 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 1 - 1 University of Washington (Le Toux 4; unidentified 70). The Sounders' goal was from a penalty kick and the Huskies' goal was from a free kick from just outside the penalty area, both set plays due to handling.
The Times blog has quotes from Sigi Schmid: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-21-09, and Steve Zakuani: Listening in on Steve Zakuani comments from today.
From the News Tribune: Brad Evans talks midfield ... and eye candy. We've been resisting the urge to post on the "eye candy" story, but the quotes Don Ruis got out of Evans are too good.
Apr 20 - From Goal.com: Montero already has eyes abroad.
From the News Tribune: Sounders get double dose of MLS reality. Analysis from the News Tribune blog: Sounders now 0-2 with Fredy & Freddie starting.
From the Times: Sounders FC midfielder Freddie Ljungberg remains media darling.
From SoccerLens: In praise of Seattle Sounders.
From FIFA.com: Schmid's soaraway Sounders.
Seattle falls in the weekly rankings:
Apr 18 - Chivas USA 2 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Own goal 32, Chijindu 84). The Chivas defense shut down the Sounders in LA.
Prematch:
Apr 17 - Match preview from Sounders FC: Sounders FC faces Chivas USA for West supremacy. From MLSnet: Goalkeeper choice awaits Sounders With Keller suspended, two vie for starting nod ahead of key clash. From the Times: Chris Eylander will likely start in goal for Sounders FC on Saturday.
Match preview from MLSnet: Chivas look to take leg up on Sounders FC: Red-and-White can gain space atop Western Conference table.
Ives says "Seattle is NOT a fluke:" Your questions answered (the same day best XI questions).
Apr 16 - From MLSnet: Unheralded Scott earning keep in Seattle: Little-known defender taking advantage of opportunity, sticking in lineup.
From the Times blog: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-16-09.
From the News Tribune: Schmid has two healthy keepers to choose from. From Soccer 365: Eylander ready to toe line.
From the Times: Sounders FC's Freddie Ljungberg is getting closer to full strength.
From the News Tribune: Sounders could cry foul over foul discrepancy.
MLSnet match preview: West's top clubs go head-to-head: Chivas USA, Seattle Sounders FC prepare to meet for first time. From the Times: West's best meet Saturday.
From the Times: Chris Henderson tops list of WIAA Hall of Fame inductees.
Apr 15 - From MLSnet.com: Graham biding time on Seattle bench: Sounders FC defender eager for opportunity to get back in lineup. And: West notes: Chivas only getting better.
From Goal.com: The short list: Impact rookies in Major League Soccer. Steve Zakuani is one of five players on the list.
From the P-I: Go 2 Guy: Ljungberg quietly lives international playboy lifestyle.
Apr 14 - From the Times: Sounders FC goalkeepers battle to start. From MLSnet.com: Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match: Eylander, Vagenas, Graham see action in scrimmage.
Notes from today's practice, from the Times blog: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-14.
The News Tribune blog weighs in with an opinion on kits: Reserves wore blue; Sounders should rave on. The opinion is that the Sounders should wear the rave green whenever possible because no other MLS team wears green and the color instantly identifies the team as Sounders FC.
Soccer By Ives reports that rookie goalkeeper Alec Dufty was cut yesterday by the New York Red Bulls and is on his way to Seattle for a tryout: New York Red Bulls waive Dufty.
The Times reports that Fredy Montero will not be charged: Prosecutor finds insufficient evidence to charge soccer star Montero. We have been anticipating that outcome to the accusations reported originally by the Pee-Eye.
From the Times, late in the day: Kasey Keller still upset for receiving red card. Mostly upset with himself. But put it behind you, Kasey. Sigi has done that. We look forward to seeing you back in goal with renewed vigor on the 25th.
From the club, late in the day: Sounders FC upbeat after loss.
Apr 13 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 2 - 3 Portland Timbers (Forrest 57, Allen 70; Savage, McManus, Keita). The Sounders dug themselves an 0-2 hole in the first half and couldn't climb out of it.
From the P-I: Keller's backup ready to step up for Sounders. From the Times: Sounders FC goalkeeper thrown into the fire. From the News Tribune: Minus Keller at keeper, Sounders face big test. From the club: Eylander feels ready for Chivas.
From Soccer By Ives: MLS Week 4: The best XI, worst XI and team of the week. On the best XI: "Davy Arnaud's game-winning blast vs. Seattle", "Kansas City's defense posting a second straight shutout", "Seattle showing great heart and talent in pushing the Wizards despite being a man down". No Sounders on his team of the week, but honoroable mentions for Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Osvaldo Alonso, and Freddie Ljungberg.
The weekly rankings from the writers:
Apr 12 - From the New York Times: 30 seconds with Kasey Keller: A world traveler comes full circle.
Apr 11 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 Kansas City Wizards (Davy Arnaud 80). A red card to Kasey Keller in the first half put Seattle at a disadvantage, and Kansas City capitalized. The scoreless MLS start for the Sounders lasted 349 minutes.
Prematch:
Apr 10 - Coach comments after today's practice, from the News Tribune blog: Schmid has broken the bad news to someone. Those same quotes and one more from the Times blog: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4-10 practice.
From the club: Sounders FC prepares for Kansas City.From the News Tribune: Are YOU part of the sellout? With their first five games sold out, expansion Sounders are envy of MLS.
From the P-I: Keller: Qwest as World Cup host is 'no brainer'.
Two from MLSnet.com: Wizards won't shy away from hot Sounders FC: Onalfo looking for Kansas City to build off first victory of season; and Sounders prep for speedy Wizards: Sigi Schmid concerned about Kansas City's midfield pace.
Apr 9 - Coach comments after today's practice, posted in the Times blog: Montero, Ljungberg to be in same lineup Saturday.
MLSnet's SEA-KC preview: Sounders, Wizards square off at Qwest Field: Kansas City looks for second-straight win as Seattle tries to remain unbeaten.
An article from the News Tribune, with quotes from the most recent goal scorers: Thrill of scoring never gets old; rookies like it, too. The typical reader on this web site doesn't need this next one, but it has a few interesting facts about a few players: Soccer 101: Everything a new Sounders FC fan needs to know.
From Times columnist Steve Kelley: Soccer, the beautiful game, is hip in Northwest.
From MLSnet.com: First XI: Sound of something big: Unbeaten Sounders FC building experience for MLS Cup run.Apr 8 - Notes from today's practice. From the News Tribune blog: Schmid ponders Fredy and Freddie in same lineup. From the Times blog: Ljungberg improving, and more from today's practice. Prost Amerika has a short interview with Kasey Keller: It would have been my greatest save - if I'd touched it! Goal.com was there for post-training interviews, too: Despite distractions, Sounders go for four in a row.
MLSnet on the Sounders FC defense: Sounders backline yet to allow goal: Seattle has dazzled with offense, dominated with defense.
From the Seattle University Spectator on a new supporters group: City of Rain pours admiration, appreciation on Sounders FC.From the News Tribune, with some comments from the coach: Goal still the same for Sounders: Playoffs. And here is the Times update: Fredy Montero practices for Sounders FC. The Times blog notes that former trialist Lamar Neagle is training with the team while on spring break from college: Practice notes from today.
From MLSnet: West notes: Sounders FC succeed: Looking at news and notes from around the Western Conference.
Goal.com focuses on Kevin Colabro: Seattle basketball broadcasting icon switches to soccer.
Apr 7 - Training notes from the News Tribune blog: Health issues unsettled for Fredy and Freddie. More on those two from MLSnet: Montero, Ljungberg expected to return Saturday.
The News Tribune speculates: Yes, the Sounders could win MLS Cup.
From the Times blog, an update on injuries: A few notes from the team.
This week's team of the week from Goal.com picks Kasey Keller and Brad Evans, with honorable mentions to Sebastien Le Toux, Osvaldo Alonso, and Nate Jaqua: MLS Team of the Week - Round 3.
From Soccer By Ives: MLS week 3: The best XI, worst XI and team of the week. In the best XI were "The Seattle Sounders winning their first road game," "Freddie Ljungberg scoring a goal and playing a great first game," and "Osvaldo Alonso continuing to state his case as a surprise all-star." Picked for team of the week were Kasey Keller (3 for 3), Osvaldo Alonso (3 for 3), and Freddie Ljungberg, with an honorable mention for Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.
From the University of Akron Buchtelite: Former Zip Zakuani finding his way in MLS.
The New York Times blog has interesting details on the Jeff Parke saga: Vancouver does Parke a solid. It seems that when the Vancouver Whitecaps signed Parke, they thought his MLS suspension wouldn't apply to a Canadian team. It apparently does. The Whitecaps announced that they will honor the remaining four matches of the suspension: Parke to miss start of USL-1 season.
Apr 6 - The soccer pundits raised questions about Seattle's defense before the season started. Now they are singing praise. From Goal.com's Kyle McCarthy: Monday MLS breakdown: Sound(ers) defense.
A new blog piece from Taylor Graham: April fools.
A good read from CBC Sports: Ljungberg adapting to life in MLS.
From the Everett Herald: Road to Sounders has been bumpy one for Forrest.
Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney looks at the history of expansion teams: History puts 'expansion' label in perspective.
A Toronto Sun article reports on the outcome of a beer thrown at Drew Carey at Saturday's match: Carver needs to change TFC's system.
From the Seattle Times: Agent defends Sounders FC soccer star Fredy Montero. The article includes a quote from general manager Adrian Hanauer with advice to "have faith in our system of law and to allow due process." As fans, we hope to see Montero back on the pitch in Saturday's match. After all, his picture is on this week's match ticket.
The weekly power rankings are coming out. We'll collect them here:
What? MLSnet didn't nominate Freddie Ljungberg's goal for goal of the week? Probably afraid that Seattle fans would stuff the ballot box. Well, WVHooligan has Ljungberg's fine goal, plus a beauty from Sanna's brother Sainey Nyassi for New England: MLS goal of the week.
Apr 5 - The Seattle Times blog posted a link to a song written and performed by a Seattle fan: A tribute to Evan Brown.
The News Tribune reports on Sanna Nyassi and the Sounders' Nothing But Nets humanitarian program: Sounder wants to beat malaria.
The truth about allegations against Fredy Montero is starting to emerge. The Times blog has a translation of an article from Colombia: Montero fell into a trap, agents says - en espańol. The Colombian article, en espańol: Fredy Montero cayó en una trampa, asegura representante del futbolista colombiano. Our suggestion for Fredy: check with the other Freddie on how to deal with the women. The team captain supports Montero: Sounders FC goalie Kasey Keller says team stands behind Fredy Montero. A News Tribune editor explains the process by which they decided how to handle the situation: A mere accusation doesn’t mean an allegation is true.
Apr 4 - Toronto FC 0 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Ljungberg 15, Zakuani 45). In their first road match, the Seattle Sounders silenced Toronto FC and their fans with goals from designated player Freddie Ljungberg and #1 draft choice Steve Zakuani.
Prematch coverage:
Apr 3 - The Sounders FC say that tickets to the Jul 4 Gold Cup double header will go on sale today to season ticket holders and on Apr 17 to the general public. If you are a season ticket holder you should get an e-mail on this today. We did and for $44 per ticket (after the hated Ticketmaster fees) we got 8 seats in the second row of section 112, excellent.
The P-I has shocking new news on Fredy Montero: Sources: Sounders' Montero subject of police investigation. A woman has complained to police that Montero sexually assaulted her on Mar 22 and in another complaint that he was stalking her on Mar 31. There have been no charges at this time. The article indicates that investigation of the first complaint is continuing, while investigation of the second concluded that no crime was committed. An update shortly before noon explains that the alleged stalking was purely coincidental. Montero had been in the area with his host family to attend a high school soccer match -- the family's son plays on the team. The assault investigation has been sent to the King County prosecutor's office for review. No word yet on whether or not charges will be filed. Details: Montero allegations sent to prosecutors for review. This update from the Seattle Times: Sounders FC star Montero investigated in sexual-assault case. Apparently the family of the woman that filed the complaint took it to the media. Another update from the Times: Sounders FC's Montero under investigation.
From the club: Marshall leads Sounders to Toronto.
Apr 2 - Soccer By Ives has posted the CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule: CONCACAF Gold Cup groups and schedule announced: USA to face Honduras, Haiti and Grenada. On the Fourth of July Qwest Field will host a double header with Honduras vs. Haiti at 4:00 and USA vs. Grenada at 6:00. Here is the CONCACAF news release: Costa Rica to face El Salvador on opening night of Gold Cup.
Match preview from MLSnet.com: Two of league's newest teams meet at BMO: Toronto FC to play host to Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.
The Times has an update on Fredy Montero's bout with the flu: Sounders FC's Fredy Montero could miss game at Toronto. Time for a new hero to step forward.
From MLSnet: Marshall remembers Toronto fondly: Return to BMO Field bittersweet for Seattle defender.
From Next Season Sports: Playing in the shadows of Montero and Keller, Alonso proves his worth .
From the News Tribune: Montero makes it happen for Sounders: Colombian's scoring creates big splash with soccer fans in Seattle. The blog has an added quote from Steve Zakuani: Is Montero too good for MLS?
From the Times: Marshall adds talent, leadership to Sounders FC.
From MLSnet.com: 'Three Amigos' form Seattle's backbone: Montero, Hurtado, Alonso impressive in first two Sounders FC matches.
From Goal.com: Beginner's luck, or can the Seattle Sounders keep it up? And another: Quick kicks: Steve Zakuani, 2008 MLS top rookie pick.
Apr 1 - More kudos for Fredy Montero. MLSnet.com names him player of the month: Forward Montero earns Player of Month: Seattle Sounders FC striker tallies three goals, March honors. They also named Montero's goal the Goal of the Week, with about 70% of the votes against five other candidates.
Oh-oh, the News Tribune blog reports that Montero appears to have come down with the flu: Montero leaves practice early due to illness. Two words for next season, Sigi: flu shots.
From Fanhouse, a Freddie Ljungberg interview: Freddie Ljungberg to Heat Up MLS. This one reads like an April Fools gag, but the Ljungberg answers to ridiculous questions seem realistic.
From the club: Sounders FC readying for first road game.
Goal.com's team of the week includes Kasey Keller, Tyrone Marshall, Osvaldo Alonso, and Fredy Montero: MLS Team of the Week - Round 2. Also from Goal.com: The Kelly Gray Column: The State Of Major League Soccer.
From the New York Times: New soccer team stokes Seattle's passion.
From the News Tribune: Players deal with a quicker Qwest.
Mar 31 - Jeff Parke has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps after the expansion draft choice could not reach an agreement with Sounders FC: Whitecaps acquire MLS defender.
Today's practice notes from the the News Tribune blog: Sounders wet, Keller honored, Zakuani satisfied. And from the Times blog: Sounders FC practice, 3-31-09, Starfire.
Soccer by Ives posted this week's best and worst: MLS week 2: The best XI, worst XI and team of the week. Sounders picked for team of the week were Kasey Keller (repeat), Tyrone Marshall, Osvaldo Alonso (repeat), and Fredy Montero (repeat). Ex-Sounder Cam Weaver was picked up top with Montero. Brad Evans got an honorable mention. Mentioned in the best XI were Montero's goal, the Qwest crowd (repeat), Keller, Freddie Ljungberg's debut, and continued good performance by rookies including Steve Zakuani.
Soccer America looks at attendance woes in the MLS: Expansion shrouds teams in trouble.
From Times NFL writer Danny O'Neil: Converted to the other game of football.
Next Season Sports analysis of match two: Game two analysis.
The pundits rank the league after week 2:
Mar 30 - Kasey Keller has been named MLS Player of the Week at MLSnet: Seattle's Keller is Week 2 Player of Week.
MLSnet has Montero's goal as a candidate for Goal of the Week again. Please view the goals and vote if you have an opportunity.
They spelled his first name wrong, but New Delhi's Merinews has an informative article on the Sounders' leading goalscorer: Freddy Montero and the Seattle Sounders FC. MLS Talk says that Montero is pushing Beckham out of MLS headlines: Major League Soccer's new headliner. Goal.com's Kyle McCarthy has praise for both Montero and the Seattle fans: Monday MLS breakdown: Trend spotting.
Soccer By Ives: Expansion Sounders off to dream start.
From Prost Amerika: 15/30 interview - Steve Zakuani.
From the P-I: Everything's gone right so far for Sounders. From the Times: Sounders FC one of only two perfect teams in MLS.
It appears that Jeff Parke is going to sign with the Vancouver Whitecaps and play for a couple of months until European transfer windows open up again. From the Province: Parke deepens defence: Veteran MLS D-man leaves Seattle, set to sign here.
Mar 29 - Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 2 - 1 Gonzaga University (Chursky 35, Wahl 65; unreported 63). Non-roster players for the Sounders were Peter Marshall (Tyrone's brother), Mandou Bojang, John Fishbaugher, Gabe Sturm, Ely Allen, Mark Lee, Alex Chursky, and Ben Dragavon.
Mar 28 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Real Salt Lake (Jaqua 17, Montero 77). Sounders are real. Nate Jaqua is a real nemesis for Salt Lake, making it six goals in six matches against them. Salt Lake seemed to have the better second half, but only Fredy Montero managed a goal, and a brilliant goal it was.
From the Jamaica Gleaner: 'Call Tyrone': Fledgling MLS teams bank on Jamaica's Marshall.
Prematch coverage from the News Tribune: Seattle lost to Salt Lake once before. From the P-I: Sounders hope second verse as good as the first. Deseret News: RSL looks to dispel opener jinx.The News Tribune blog reports that ex-Sounder Greg Howes, who played in the recent Sounders FC Reserves friendlies, is the new head coach for the PDL Tacoma Tide: World class soccer talent returns home to lead Tacoma Tide.
Mar 27 - Prematch article from the Times: Can Sounders FC keep the good vibes going?
An article from Sounders FC focuses on Freddie Ljungberg and Nate Jaqua: Freddie set to come off the bench; Real success. From the Seattle Times: Ljungberg excited for Seattle debut. From the News Tribune: Ljungberg ready for prime time.
The latest in the Jeff Parke saga is reported by the Times blog: Parke, team part ways. Let's hope the team gets good value for Parke by trading his rights elsewhere in the league. From the News Tribune blog: Saturday tickets gone ... and so is Jeff Parke. Soccer By Ives reports that Parke will train with the Whitecaps now: Parke leaves Seattle, will train with Vancouver as Sounders shop his rights. Ives is guessing that the most likely teams to deal for Parke are LA Galaxy and DC United. After today's practice, the Times blog posted Sigi Schmid's comments regarding Parke: Schmid on Parke.
Mar 26 - The Seattle Times with some quotes from the Player of the Week: Sounders FC star Fredy Montero happy to be playing in Seattle. The article says he has a new goal celebration planned for us fans -- we hope we get to see it on Saturday.
From MLSnet: Cuban defector Alonso turning heads: Sounders FC midfielder impresses coaches against Red Bulls.Match guide from MLSnet: Sounders FC commence hostilities with Real Salt Lake.
Season ticket member presale for the Apr 28 Open Cup match against RSL at Starfire begins tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Holders can check their e-mail for details on how to order. Starfire Stadium can only hold about a tenth of the attendance from the season opener, so get your tickets promptly if you want to attend and see SEA-RSL both Mar 28 and Apr 28.
The Deseret News looks at their RSL ahead of Saturday's match: Real Salt Lake: Morales looking to build on 2008.
Mar 25 - Good job, Seattle fans. Based on an online vote, Fredy Montero's historic first goal for Sounders FC was voted MLS Goal of the Week. While some of the other opening weekend goals were more spectacular, the historic nature of Montero's goal gave it extra significance.
Looking ahead to Saturday's opponents, the Salt Lake Tribune looks at their local team: RSL season opens with better view. A local look from The Beautiful Game in the Emerald City: Season Preview - Real Salt Lake.
A nice article from a local writer who is new to us, from the Crosscut: The Sounders: full of talent and high ambition.
From the Seattle Times, on the Don Garber talk with media: Sounders FC fans' passion bowls over commissioner. From the TNT: Northwest basks in spotlight.
Matt Gaschk focuses on the defense from the first match: Defense off to a strong start.
Another team of the week, from Goal.com: MLS Team Of The Week – Round 1: Goal.com breaks down the league's best performers. Their eleven included Kasey Keller, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, and Fredy Montero.
Mar 24 - The Sounders FC today announced that Kevin Forrest, from Edmonds and the University of Washington, has been signed to a senior developmental roster spot. Forrest played the latter part of last season for the Sounders. His MLS rights were just waived by the Colorado Rapids, and the Sounders picked him up. Forrest could see playing time as a forward or as a midfielder. Forrest has been training with the team since Mar 9.
From MLSnet: Seattle's Montero wins Player of Week: Sounders FC forward brilliant in his, team's MLS debut. And a look at the whole MLS weekend features Sounders FC: Week in Review: Seattle slew: Newest MLS club announces presence with authority in debut match.
From the Times: Jeff Parke finally comes home to Sounders FC. From the club, a video with Matt Gaschk interviewing Jeff Parke and getting comments from the head coach: The new centerback at practice. More on Parke from the NY Daily News: Ex-Red Bull Jeff Parke feels maligned on steroid ban.
Gaschk's blog entry from yesterday afternoon has an update on Freddie Ljungberg. Another blog entry reports that Jarrod Smith, on the Sounders' disabled list, has joined the New Zealand national team for a couple of friendlies: New Zealand bound.
More on Ljungberg from MLSnet: Ljungberg ready for Seattle debut: Sounders Designated Player set to return from hip surgery.
An update from the TNT: Sounders return to work still glowing after their grand debut.
From the Times blog: Quotes from Sigi Schmid, 3-24-09. The coach has instructions for us fans.
Soccer America puts Kasey Keller, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, and Fredy Montero on their first Team of the Week: Hits, misses & the best of week 1. That's all "Three Amigos" named.
More praise of Seattle, from a Bleacher Report writer: Spectacle in Seattle gives hope to US Soccer. Are we getting too full of ourselves in Seattle? Maybe, but let's enjoy the ride as long as there is a goose egg in the L column.
Soccer365's weekly rankings put Seattle in 7th, with an apology for previously listing Seattle last: Soccer365's MLS club ladder. Soccer By Ives is the most generous, ranking Seattle 6th: SBI MLS power rankings: week one.
From Soccer America, on MLS expansion: Don Garber: 'We're a long-term play.'
From the Chicago Tribune blog, The Red Card: Garber: Seattle game 'brought tears of joy to my eyes'.
Mar 23 - Sounders FC posted a video of Thursday's goals with Kevin Colabro's calls.
From Next Season Sports: Montero the next Angel? Soccer America's Paul Gardner features Fredy in his recap of First Kick weekend: Floreat Fredy! Speaking of Montero, there was some concern that he might be called up for Colombia's World Cup Qualifier this Saturday. Not to worry. The announced Colombia roster does not include Montero.
Ives Galarcap, who happens to be a Red Bulls fan, was in Seattle for the opener. His Soccer By Ives entry titled MLS week one: The best XI, worst XI and team of the week includes Fredy Montero, Osvaldo Alonso, and Kasey Keller on team of the week. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Brad Evans, and Sebastien Le Toux got honorable mentions. The best XI include, "The performance of Seattle Sounders' fans, Fredy Montero's deadly finishing and passing, and Osvaldo Alonso's stellar MLS debut." The worst XI includes, "The Red Bulls' entire performance on Thursday." Worth a read is Ives' report after spending four days in Seattle: MMCB: Discovering the Pacific Northwest and why it's perfect for MLS.
Do you like weekly power rankings? Here are three for MLS:
Mar 22 - The News Tribune's John McGrath looks at the three-way local rivalry: Qwest-quake - and surrounding events - shake up MLS.
Seattle Soccer Examiner put together a great story from opening night: Getting Fredy Montero's match-worn jersey latest thrill for Sounders' fan.
Report from a fan, posted at Next Season Sports: A night to remember.
Mar 21 - From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Schmid has another celebration. From the P-I: Sounders got off on right foot at every level.
Mar 20 - Training match: Seattle Sounders FC Reserves 5 - 0 University of Concordia (Smith 30, Zakuani 45, Levesque 50, 56, Wahl 88). In their first matches after recovering from injury were Freddie Ljungberg and Jarrod Smith. Playing after returning from tryouts in Europe was unsigned Jeff Parke.
Ives Galarcap has the scoop on unsigned Sounders expansion draft choice Jeff Parke: Parke speaks out (Part 1), and (Part 2). In our opinion, adding Parke would improve the team.
Sweden's Aftonbladet published a fresh interview of Freddie Ljungberg, translated by a local Swede here.
Tony Ventrella reports on yesterday's prematch march: A whole new ball game.
Portland and Vancouver MLS expansion news, with Portland being announced today:
Mar 19 - MLS season opener: Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 0 New York Red Bulls (Montero 12, Evans 25, Montero 75). The historic first Sounders MLS goal took only about twelve minutes, with Osvaldo Alonso dishing a short pass to the arc for Sebastien Le Toux, who fed an open Fredy Montero for the strike to the lower far corner. Kasey Keller was called on for just two saves, both outstanding, en route to the first Sounders MLS shutout. The team deserve to be proud after giving the fans everything that could be hoped for in match one and then some.
In advance of the opener:
Mar 18 - Today's news:
On MLS expansion to Vancouver BC (announced today) and Portland (will be announced Friday):
Mar 17 - Vancouver Whitecaps chip in: The Vancouver investment team will announce a 2011 MLS expansion franchise tomorrow, according to the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Whitecaps to announce they will join MLS in 2011.
Training report from the Times blog: Almost ready.
Praise from Soccer America: MLS ready for a smash in Seattle.
From Sounders FC: 2009 preview: The players.
From the News Tribune: Keller, Eylander make Sounders solid in the net.
Seattle Soccer Examiner's third of three: Seattle Sounders FC season preview: Act III.
Soccer By Ives reports on some rhetoric from Sounders co-owner Drew Carey: Carey sounds off on Seattle, Galaxy and opening game. Ives' preseason picks for best XI include Kasey Keller in the first XI, Fredy Montero in the second XI, and ex-Sounder Brian Ching in the third XI: SBI MLS Pre-season Best XI.
Mar 16 - The Seattle Times reports on the signing of Zach Scott: Rookie beats odds with Sounders FC. Today's training report from the club: Report from training today. The club finally announces it after league clearance: Sounders FC signs Roger Levesque and Zach Scott. More from the Times on today's practice: Freddie Ljungberg won't play in Sounders FC opener. The latter report says that trialists Tom Taiwo and Mike Randolph are no longer in camp.
Well, well, well. Jeff Parke is headed back to MLS after cutting short his trial in Belgium at RAEC Mons, according to Soccer365: Parke cuts Mons trial short. Although without an MLS contract, Parke's MLS rights are held by Sounders FC. The most likely result is that Parke will end up with another MLS team and Seattle will get compensation.
The News Tribune has an in-depth story on coach Sigi Schmid: An All-American soccer success story.
Soccer By Ives posted their first power rankings of the year, putting Sounders FC ninth out of 15: SBI MLS power rankings.
From the club, a look at all of the coaches: 2009 preview: The coaches.
Sounders preview from MLSnet.com: Preview quick hits: Sounders FC. And a comprehensive update from the team: Sounders FC news & notes -- March 16.
From the Everett Herald: Excitement builds for Sounders soccer.
From the Oregonian: Former Portland stars Keller and Jaqua ready for Sounders' debut.
From Seattle Soccer Examiner: Seattle Sounders FC season preview: Act II.
Mar 15 - The News Tribune has a 2009 MLS preview and a look at Sounders history: Name dates to '74, but Sounders of MLS offer new, faster game.
Seattle Soccer Examiner's Sounders forecast: Seattle Sounders FC season preview: Act I.
The Times blog talks with James Riley (Gabbing with Giggles) and Osvaldo Alonso (A little time with Osvaldo Alonso).
Mar 13 - Preseason: Sounders FC Reserves 4 - 0 Seattle Wolves (Own goal, Forrest, Howes, Howes). The Times blog has a little bit on today's closed match: Audio from today's reserve game (audio interviews of mending Steve Zakuani and trialist Kevin Forrest).
End of the week camp update from the coach, courtesy of the Seattle Times blog: Friday wrapup with Sigi Schmid. Plenty of injury updates. Also reported is that Greg Vanney, a former US National team defender and longtime MLS veteran who played for Sigi Schmid in Los Angeles, will join Kevin Calabro as color analyst on team radio and TV simulcasts.
From FOX Sports: Kasey Keller back home in Seattle to finish career.
We have a flyin' Hawaiian. The Maui News reports the signing of longtime Sounders defender Zach Scott: Maui High grad Scott signs with Sounders.
Soccer By Ives posted a list titled 2009 SBI MLS best XI international newcomers. Ives was generous to Seattle, putting Fredy Montero, Sanna Nyassi, Freddie Ljungberg, Osvaldo Alonso, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado on the list.
The New York Times blog interviews the MLS commish regarding Qwest Field and league expansion: Q & A with M.L.S. commissioner Don Garber.
Mar 12 - Preseason: Sounders FC 0 - 1 Colorado Rapids (Casey 38). The lone goal came from a penalty kick.
Two Sounders FC articles on MLSnet.com: MLS Cup 2009 awarded to Seattle: Qwest Field to Host League's 14th Championship Match on Sunday, Nov. 22, and Schmid lauds fans for helping land Cup: Coach hopes to lead Sounders to title game at Qwest Field.
The Times blog has a short Q&A: Conociendo a Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.
The same blog reports that Kurt Schmid, son of the head coach, has been hired by Sounders FC as a scout and assistant coach: Another Schmid joins coaching staff.
From Soccer By Ives: Where in the world is Fredy Montero?. He is worrying about the fact, reported in the Seattle Times yesterday, that Montero is back home working with his agent on contract details. Or maybe spreading worry, as Ives is a Red Bulls fan. Adrian Hanauer comments in the Times blog: Hanauer addresses Montero's departure (and return).
Portland's chances for an MLS expansion franchise are back up again after the city council voted in favor of funding the stadium work. From the Oregonian: Soccer deal passes council with one major change. Soccer By Ives calls the race between Portland and St. Louis too close to call, with Vancouver highly likely: MLS expansion race reaches final stretch. Both the Vancouver and Portland bids have benefited from the extraordinarily successful launch of the Seattle franchise.
Mar 11 - MLS and Sounders FC now confirm it: Qwest Field to host league's 14th Championship Match on Sunday, November 22. The 21,000 season ticket holders are already holding a ticket (Game C) to the final. For comments from fans across the league, see Soccer By Ives: 2009 MLS Cup awarded to Seattle. From the Seattle Times: Seattle awarded 2009 MLS Cup. The Times article hints that Freddie Ljungberg is likely to be available for the opener as a sub, and Taylor Graham is likely to go on the disabled list with his broken toe, which will open up a roster spot for at least the first six matches.
From the club, on tomorrow's training match: Technical rehearsal.
The Times blog says that two more Seattle neighborhoods will be adorned with scarves on Friday: Another "scarf blast". It was Fremont/Ballard and West Seattle the first time.
Rumors have surfaced that defender Zach Scott has signed with the Sounders, and Ben Dragavon will be in the picture as a #3 keeper, perhaps on the roster or perhaps as part of an MLS goalkeeper reserve pool. We are waiting for confirmation from the team.
Sounders FC focus on Steve Zakuani and Freddie Ljungberg: Gunners United.
From MLSnet.como: Ljungberg joins Seattle training session: Rehabbing designated player impressed with teammates' focus. At the end, Ljungberg speculates on what position he will play.
Don't expect much detail to be reported from the remainder of preseason camp: Closed training is standard practice.
The team recapped a lot in this news release posted at MLSnet.com: Sounders FC news & notes: March 10.
Sounders FC have scheduled some matches between their "reserves" and local teams. First up is this Friday, vs. the Seattle Wolves.
Mar 10 - Camp updates from the Seattle Times: Freddie Ljungberg likely to miss opener and possibly more, and Schmid close to setting starting lineup. On the Open Cup: Making sense of the U.S. Open Cup.
Trialist goalkeepers Ben Dragavon and Jordan Jennings are back in camp. Most MLS teams carry three 'keepers on their roster, and Sounders FC currently have just Kasey Keller and Chris Eylander. Dragavon tried out for USL-1 expansion side Austin Aztex and is listed on their roster page, so his status is unclear.
Mar 9 - Sounders FC posted the happy news that on July 4 Qwest Field will host a doubleheader in the first round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup: Gold Cup Coming to Qwest. Note to US Soccer: We Seattle fans would sure appreciate a World Cup qualifier, too.
Club reports have the latest changes to the camp roster: Sounders FC return to Qwest, and Comings and goings. Gone after the Argentina training are Jeff Clark (F), Ryan Caugherty (M), Mike Fucito (F/M), Jared Karkas (D) and Evan Bush (G). Rejoining camp is 2008 Sounder Kevin Forrest (F). New trialists are Mike Randolph (D, cut by Los Angeles last week) and Tom Taiwo (M, from England). Injured players under contract but in camp for the first time are midfielders Peter Vagenas and Freddie Ljungberg.
The US Open Cup qualifier with Real Salt Lake has been announced. Sounders FC will host at Starfire. Ticket info is in the club's news release: Sounders FC to host Real Salt Lake in Open Cup play-in.
The News Tribune blog looks at Freddie Ljungberg's first training day with the team: Ljungberg works with Sounders for first time.
2008 Sounders Ben Dragavon and Adam West, cut from Sounders camp awhile back, have signed with USL-1 expansion team Austin Aztex.
Mar 8 - The Sounders FC front office has reportedly told a reporter that Seattle will indeed host the MLS Cup final this season. From KING 5: Seattle to host 2009 MLS Cup.
The MLS Players Union has updated their list of player salaries: 2009 MLS player salaries: March 2, 2009: by club. Seattle players range from $34k to $1.3M, the latter for the designated player, of course.
The News Tribune blog has links to articles on the status of Portland and Vancouver bids for MLS franchises: Vancouver bolts ahead of Portland for MLS team. Vancouver is sure to be announced later this month as a 2011 expansion team, while Portland are tied up in public-private stadium funding issues.
Mar 6 - From the club: The Sounders FC and Ljungberg return to Seattle.
From the News Tribune: Sounders gear up for opener.
Sounders broadcasts en Espańol will be on KeBuena 1210 AM (KTBK), the team announced today.
GOAL.com's preview of the Sounders FC: MLS 2009 Team Preview: Seattle Sounders. They promise previews for all MLS teams (most up now).
Mar 5 - Preseason: River Plate 1 - 0 Sounders FC (Lizio 84). Sounders FC shut out for the first time.
Freddie Ljungberg is due back in Seattle tomorrow after rehab following hip surgery: Welcome home Freddie.
Temporarily freeing up a roster spot for another forward, the club announced that expansion draftee Jarrod Smith has been placed on injured reserve due to a hip flexor: Forward Jarrod Smith placed on injured reserve. He will be ineligible for the first six MLS matches, but could be used in an Apr 28 US Open Cup qualifier.
From the Examiner: Watch out for Wexley: Sounders stuff around Seattle. A thousand scarves were distributed around Seattle today!
The club has put up a Scarf Seattle page, where fans are invited to send in Scarf Seattle pictures.
From GOALSeattle: Seattle: sleeping 'soccer giant' reawakens.
Another Jeff Parke update, from Soccer365: Parke on to Mons trial. After failing his tryout at Anderlecht, Parke is beginning a tryout with RAEC Mons in Belgium.
Ives is calling Vancouver the front-runner in the MLS 2011 expansion race: Vancouver on verge of earning MLS expansion bid. It would be great to have them back as an opponent within driving distance. Portland is also in the running, but doubtful unless their stadium is upgraded using public money.
Mar 4 - Sounders FC arranged another training match for today, but again they were rained out in Argentina. They had hoped to play Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata of the Argentine Primera División.
A second report from Argentina by Taylor Graham: A feast from Argentina.
Sounders staffer Frank MacDonald posted an interesting report after accompanying Fredy Montero and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado to an ESPN interview for broadcast in South America: You can't spell Espańol without ESPN.
A local fan posted her Sounders FC season preview at the Offside: MLS 2009 preview: Seattle Sounders FC.
Another local fan is posting a series of MLS team previews at his blog, The Beautiful Game in the Emerald City: Los Angeles Galaxy, Toronto FC, San Jose Earthquakes.
Jeff Parke update from Yanks Abroad: Anderlecht nearing Parke decision. "No decision on him has been made." We suspect that if Parke fails to get a contract with Belgium, he will be interested in returning to MLS, but not to Seattle. In which case Sounders FC could trade his rights.
Mar 3 - Training match: Tristán Suárez 0 - 5 Sounders FC (Fucito 25, Montero 33, Evans 38, Scott 43, Le Toux 89). A 90-minute training match against an Argentine Primera B Metropolitana side.
Goalkeeper Evan Bush, who played the final 30 minutes of today's training match, will probably not be signing with Sounders FC, as today he was announced as signing with the Cleveland City Stars, newly promoted to USL 1st Div: Evan Bush: The family man stays home.
Kevin Sakuda, recently cut from Sounders FC camp, has signed with the Montreal Impact.
From Soccer America: Seattle opener sold out. Good quotes from Joe Roth in this one.
Mar 2 - Camp update from the team, posted by the Times blog: No game vs. Velez Sarsfield.
The New York Times soccer blog features Sebastien Le Toux: New hope in Pacific Northwest.
Ticket update from Sounders FC: Sounders FC sells out home opener. The update says that seating capacity has been opened up to 27.7k for regular season matches and 32.4k for the season opener. Season ticket sales will be capped at 22k, meaning that fewer than 1000 are left. Single match tickets are now on sale and can be ordered from www.SoundersFC.com, 877-MLS-GOAL, the Qwest Field box office, and Ticketmaster outlets.
Today's scheduled training match with Vélez Sársfield was cancelled due to heavy rain and standing water on the pitch. Tomorrow's opponent has been changed from Argentinos Juniors to Tristán Suárez from the Primera B Metropolitana league.
Kyle McCarthy at GOAL.com wonders how the Sounders ticket success will affect the rest of the league: Monday MLS Breakdown: Too Much of a Good Thing? His article also notes that today's roster trimming deadline really only applies to players under contract. Sounders FC currently have only 19 players under contract, plus the two Colombians who are waiting for international clearance and P-1 work visas. So they really aren't obligated to cut anybody today. That has been confirmed by Adrian Hanauer, according to the Times blog: Sounders FC is roster and salary-cap compliant.
From MLSnet.com: Five-a-side: What's hot around MLS: Sounders FC already setting high standard of popularity.
Mar 1 - From Soccer America: Sounders Mania - Back To The Northwest.
From Examiner: 2009 season preview: Seattle Sounders FC. Also: Qwest Field: In search of a soccer identity.
Feb 28 - Training match: CED 1 - 1 Sounders FC (Unidentified 53; Ferreira 43). A 70-minute training match against a team of free agents. Goal by Diego Ferreira, a trialist Argentinean midfielder, 23 years old. Also getting minutes was newcomer Ely Allen, the ex-Husky from Kent who was cut by the LA Galaxy earlier this week.
Feb 27 - Training match: Estudiantes de La Plata 1 - 3 Sounders FC (Own goal 20; Jaqua 46, Montero 54, 58). In this 70-minute training match, Estudiantes played a combination of first team reserves and youth players.
A feature from Sounders FC: The shoe is now on the other foot for Montero.
Bad news from the Times: Sounders FC's Taylor Graham sidelined by broken bone in foot.
From the Puget Sound Business Journal: Soccer's new Seattle Sounders outpace M's in season ticket sales.
Feb 26 - From the Times: Finally, Sounders FC arrives in Argentina: After 14 hours of flying, Sounders FC lands in Buenos Aires, prepares to play five exhibitions.
The club reports on day 2, with focus on the arrival of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado: Argentina day 2. The Times blog says team training staff diagnosed Taylor Graham with a broken foot, so expect him on the disabled list to start the season: Taylor Graham has a broken foot.
Single tickets are on sale now for season ticket holders, and they go on sale to the public on Monday: Sounders FC single game tickets to go on sale Monday. Season ticket sales are now north of 20,500, so there really aren't many available for walkups. The team announced that they will open additional end zone sections for the opener, allowing an attendance of 27 kbutts, but they are sticking with lower bowl only for the rest of the league matches, limiting attendance to 24.5 kbutts. The stadium holds 67 kbutts if the whole upper section is opened, but we're guessing that the team will limit seats and enjoy the "sellout" announcements. Unless the public steps up and buys the rest of the seats in season tickets. Then you might see a capacity expansion. As noted in the Steve Kelley piece linked yesterday, the public reaction has been well beyond anything the team owners could have reasonably expected.
Feb 25 - The Times blog has details from the first day of training in Argentina: Sounders FC's first day in Argentina. Included is a schedule for the matches, maybe five of them, including Argentine Primera División sides Estudiantes de La Plata, Vélez Sársfield, Argentinos Juniors, and River Plate. Taylor Graham, nursing a sore foot, took time to write on the first day in Argentina: Greetings from Argentina!
From columnist Steve Kelley at the Times: Seattle embraces Sounders FC.
From the P-I: Sounders FC beefs up training in Argentina: Club looks to strengthen its developing bond.
Steve Zakuani is planning to write a rookie diary for ESPNsoccernet. The first post is up: Adjusting to the pro lifestyle.
From the Harvard Crimson: Fucito Hopes To Make Noise with Seattle Sounders: Senior striker works toward MLS contract. Draft pick Michael Fucito is joning camp in Argentina after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Rumors are surfacing that for the 2009 US Open Cup, the top six MLS teams will enter in the third round, with the other eight US teams playing two rounds of qualifying for two spots. Sounders FC will apparently play Real Salt Lake on Apr 29, with the winner taking on the winner of the Colorado Rapids - LA Galaxy qualifier. The Sounders are the lowest seed, so Salt Lake probably have rights to host.
Feb 24 - From Sounders FC, re the trip to Argentina: Sounders FC is going international.
The Times blog has the latest camp roster changes. Out are Densill Theobald and 2008 Sounders Ben Dragavon and Kevin Forrest. In is goalkeeper Evan Bush from the University of Akron. Trialist defender Mandou Bojang is apparently not travelling to Argentina with the team, but he isn't mentioned on the cut list, either.
Feb 23 - From the News Tribune: Sounders Argentina-bound after latest training victory.
Feb 22 - Preseason: Sounders FC 4 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (Jaqua 37, 39, Montero 66, 67). Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero have clearly earned starting jobs at forward, and today they got used to scoring at Qwest Field.
From the News Tribune: Chelsea match may put Seattle on soccer map.
Feb 21 - From the Sounders FC: Vancouver Whitecaps Preview.
Feb 20 - Preseason: University of Portland Pilots 1 - 4 Sounders FC (Emory 63; Jaqua 4, Clark 32, Montero 71, Evans 75).
The Seattle Times blog reports that Sounders SuperSearch winner Vini Oliveira has been cut from camp: Oliveira, SuperSearch winner, no longer with team.
A surge of season ticket orders has pushed the total past 20,000. Simply amazing.
From the P-I: Brown signs with Sounders FC: Defender adds depth as Sounders prepare for first NW match.
Feb 19 - The roster evolves: Now signed is second-round draft pick Evan Brown, a defefnder. Joining camp is 2008 Sounder Kevin Forrest (F, MLS rights held by Colorado Rapids). Gone are Lamar Neagle (M, finishing academics) and Kyle Schmid (D).
Today's camp report from the Times: Sounders FC Q&A: Nathan Sturgis. From the Times blog: Spanish and English (Espańol e Ingles) with Fredy Montero.
From the club blog: Training camp notes 2-19, and Keller, Jaqua return to old stomping grounds.
From the Seattle Times: Northwest gets first taste of Sounders FC Friday night.From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC players get first taste of Qwest turf, and Sounders FC Q&A: Tyrone Marshall. From the Seattle P-I: Sounders test home turf: Colombian defender Hurtado latest to join evolving roster. From the Tacoma News Tribune: Qwest Field is pitch perfect for Sounders.
From FOX Sports: The inside scoop with Seattle coach Sigi Schmid.
A few extra seats will be available for the season opener: FC will open sections -- not upper deck -- for opener (from the News Tribune blog). Some end zone sections will be opened up to raise the potential from 24.5 to 27 kilobutts.
2008 Sounders Youssouf Kante and 2009 trialist Quavas Kirk have landed with the USL-1 Minnesota Thunder.
Feb 18 - The Sounders FC have signed 24-year-old defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado from Colombia. Hurtado played in 2008 at Deportivo Cali with Fredy Montero. From the News Tribune blog: Sounders sign Columbian defender Hurtado. From the Times blog: Breaking news: Hurtado signs. From the club: Sounders FC Signs Colombian Defender Hurtado. In the USL years, Sounders fans were pleased to see the club sign players who didn't quite make an MLS roster. Now we get a player who didn't quite make the AC Milan roster.
From Sounders FC, focusing on new defender Tyrone Marshall: Defense not resting for Seattle. From the club blog: Training camp notes 2-18.
From the P-I: Sounders FC to host English power Chelsea. Includes quotes from Adrian Hanauer about the state of the team.
Feb 17 - The Sounders FC announced a friendly against Chelsea: Sounders FC to Host Chelsea on July 18. Also from the club: SSFC Return To Seattle Amidst Buzz.
Released from camp is forward Emerald George. Joining camp is midfielder Densill Theobald from Trinidad & Tobago. From the Times blog: Get to know Densill Theobald.
Feb 16 - Jose Romero at the Seattle Times has a roster analysis: A roster overview.
Feb 15 - From the News Tribune blog: SSFC returns to Northwest for week of training.
Feb 14 - From the News Tribune: Rivalry resumes as Earthquakes defeat Sounders.
Feb 13 - Preseason: San Jose Earthquakes 3 - 2 Sounders FC (Johnson 7, 13, Amarikwa 46; Montero 11, 44). Sounders FC's first taste of defeat. San Jose changed all but one midfielder at the half. Seattle changed all but the goalkeeper at 61'.
From the Times blog: A few moments with Peter Vagenas.
From the News Tribune, in advance of today's preseason match: Earthquakes to test 3-0 Sounders tonight. From Soccer America: Seattle makes its first trade. From the Times blog: Advancing tonight's Central Coast Showcase game.
Feb 12 - The club confirms the rumors: Sounders FC sends Khano Smith to New York. From the Times: Sounders FC trades Khano Smith to New York. From the PI: New York acquires Smith from Seattle. From GOAL.com: Red Bulls Boost Left Flank With Khano Smith. From the Times blog: Adios, Khano. From Bermuda's Royal Gazette: Khano: No hard feelings.
Also from the club: Jaqua at home with the Sounders FC.The Sounders FC blog looks at rekindling the rivalry with the Earthquakes, and it also has the latest cuts from camp: Sounders FC set to rekindle old rivalry. Cut were 2008 Sounders Danny Jackson, Leighton O'Brien, and Adam West, and trialists Kevin Guppy, Quavas Kirk, Ryan Pore, and Fernando Screpis. The Times blog has an analysis of the cuts: Roster trimmed down; Jackson, O'Brien let go.
From a new writer at the P-I: Nyassi making early impact in training with Sounders FC.
Newly signed defender Tyrone Marshall played the full 90 for Jamaica as they played a friendly with Nigeria in London yesterday, ending 0-0.
Feb 11 - Preseason: Ventura County Fusion 1 - 6 Sounders FC (Aghasyan 13; Montero 7, Zakuani 9, 21, Jaqua 43, 44, Levesque 83). This was the Sounders FC's first preseason match open to the public, against a PDL side, and fans got to see a goal fest. The score is linked to a match report from a fan who attended.
From GOAL.com, analysis of the Tyrone Marshall deal and Khano Smith probable deal: McCarthy's musings: Work left for Seattle.
From Soccer America, a recap of recent Sounders FC events: Sounders top Galaxy, sign Marshall.
On the PDL front, the expansion Kitsap Pumas have hired John Wedge as head coach. From the Bremerton Sun: Bainbridge Islander Hired as Kitsap Pumas' First Coach.
Feb 10 - Second preseason training match: Sounders FC 2 - 0 Shandong Luneng (Nyassi 56, 75). Shandong Luneng is the Chinese Super League Champion. Over the two training matches, wing midfielder Sanna Nyassi scored 3 goals in 20 consecutive minutes on the pitch.
The club posted a comprehensive update on the preseason, talking about everything except Khano Smith: News & notes: 2/10/09. Regarding Smith, a report out of Bermuda says that he has flown to New York for a physical with the Red Bulls. Might Seattle package Khano with the rights to Jeff Parke in a deal?
Acquired from Toronto FC for allocation money, 34-year-old defender Tyrone Marshall: Sounders FC acquires Toronto's Marshall. From CBC Sports: Toronto FC trade Tyrone Marshall to Seattle. Analysis by the Times blog: Looking inside the Marshall trade.
Soccer By Ives reports that Khano Smith is probably being traded to New York Red Bulls for allocation money: Seattle set to deal Smith to RBNY after landing Marshall. Ives also reports that Jeff Parke is ready to return from tryouts in Europe to the MLS, but does not want to sign with Seattle. The New York Post backs up the Khano rumor.
More post-match notes, from the club blog: Game One in the books. From the News Tribune: Schmid: 'We got better as the game went on'.
Feb 9 - First preseason training match: Los Angeles Galaxy 1 - 3 Sounders FC (Lewis 3; Montero 28, Levesque 84, Nyassi 90). Fredy Montero will go down in history as scoring the first Sounders FC goal, although it was just a training match. The goal was a penalty kick earned by Steve Zakuani. The entire starting eleven for both sides were replaced at halftime. Post-match notes from the Times blog: One last look at Monday's game.
Advance coverage:
Feb 8 - Camp updates from Matt Gaschk at Sounders FC: Here comes the sun ... Training camp notes, Training Camp Notes Pt. 2, and Observations from Saturday. New in camp for a tryout are Mamadou Danso (defender from Gambia), Emerald George (forward from Saint Vincent and Grenadines), and Fernando Screpis (midfielder from Argentina).
The News Tribune blog posted camp notes from Zac Kaplan of Sounders FC: Three new faces, one departure, at FC camp. Looking forward: Sounders play first training game Monday vs. LA.
Feb 7 - From the Times: Sounders camp highlights, Day 13 (includes Kickin' it with ... Brad Evans).
Feb 6 - Nice camp report in the Sounders FC blog: Training camp notes. From the Times: Fredy Montero, Osvaldo Alonso speak language of soccer. Thanks to the reporters (Matt Gaschk and Jose Romero, respectively) for the very encouraging reports. Great reads for a Friday!
Camp report from the News Tribune blog, echoing what was sent out by the club: Sounders' Montero has seven-goal training day. More from the same blog: Get ready to hate -- or at least dislike -- the Quakes.
Feb 5 - Camp report from the Times: Sounders FC camp highlights, Day 12 (includes Kickin' it with ... Sebastien Le Toux). Report from the News Tribune blog: Two new players join Sounders in California.
From MLSnet.com: First XI: Taking down names: A look at players who could bring excitement in 2009. Included are new Sounder Nate Jaqua and ex-Sounder Maykel Galindo.
From the San Jose 'Quakes, on the ex-Sounder: Earthquakes sign forward Cam Weaver: Washington native spent past two seasons in Norwegian Adeccoligaen.
Feb 4 - Today's camp report from the Times: Sounders FC camp highlights, Day 11 (includes a Q&A with Vini Oliveira). The Times blog has answers to some interesting questions: Answering questions. More from the News Tribune blog: Wednesday report from California.
From the Federal Way Mirror: Eylander making the leap to Major League Soccer.
Soccer365 interview: Evans excited about Sounders move.
Feb 3 - The Seattle Times has good camp reports today: Sounders FC camp highlights, Day 10 (includes "Kickin' it with ... Quavas Kirk"), and Sounders FC gets to work in California. The articles mention several new players in camp for a tryout. More camp news from the News Tribune blog: Sounders FC California roster, reaction.
Sounder At Heart has an interview with draft pick Mike Fucito: Mike Fucito not just a Harvard student. The Everett Herald reports on goalkeeper Ben Dragavon: 'A phenomenal opportunity'.
From the News Tribune: Sounders off to California for phase two of preseason training. From the Ventura County Star: MLS teams arrive in county to train. From the club: California day 1 (No caption on the photo, but it appears to be Fredy Montero and Osvaldo Alonso).
Soccer By Ives reports that the San Jose Earthquakes are bringing ex-Sounder Cam Weaver back from Norway, where he has been playing for Haugesund in the second division: San Jose signs Cam Weaver. A lot of Sounders fans would have liked to see Weaver returning to the Sounders, but at least we will get to see him for two league matches at Qwest. The San Jose Mercury News pick up the story: Quakes close to signing big name, reporting on the imminent addition of Bobby Convey (the bigger name) and Weaver.
Feb 2 - SuperSearch aftermath:
Feb 1 - The Sounders SuperSearch final show aired today, broadcast live from the Starfire indoor pitches. The ten finalists were introduced, then the field was narrowed to four: Dallas Jaussi (by fan vote), Chase Mikkelsen, Vini Oliveira, and Junior Garcia. After some Jaussi and Oliveira vs. Mikkelsen and Garcia action, the judges (Adrian Hanauer, Sigi Schmid, and Chris Henderson) narrowed it down to Oliveira and Garcia. It was a treat to see the pair play 1 v 1, as both have the moves to take people on. The judges chose Brazilian-born Oliveira as the winner, no doubt partly due to his play in the 11 v 11 match the previous day. At 20 years old, Oliveira was the youngest of the ten finalists.
From the Times, in advance of the SuperSearch final show: Schmid's thoughts on Sounders SuperSearch.
Jan 31 - Tryout match: Seattle Wolves 2 - 0 Sounders SuperSearch Finalists (Sturm 5, Rivela 32). Most impressive were the Wolves' Thiago Rivela (goal and assist) and SuperSearch finalist Vini Oliveira, who showed good skill taking on opponents and earning a few shots. The SuperSearch winner will be picked at Starfire, televised live, after the Super Bowl.
From GOAL.com: Seattle Sounders to train in Argentina.
Jan 30 - The Seattle Times has the scoop on the players cut from camp today in advance of travel to California: Sounders FC releases 5 players. Cut were 2008 Sounders Kevin Sakuda (D/M), Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (M), Kenji Treschuk (D/M), Youssouf Kante (M), and John Fishbaugher (D/M). Expected to join camp next week in California are draft pick Jared Karkas (D), Ryan Pore (M, cut by Kansas City), Quavas Kirk (M, cut by DC United), Jeff Clark (F, Concordia University), and the winner of the Sounders SuperSearch (to be announced live on TV after the Super Bowl on Sunday). The Times has a report on the day's training: Sounders FC camp highlights, Day 8. Included is "Kickin' it with ... Zach Scott." New in camp today was a former teammate of Sanna Nyassi, defender Mandou Bojang. Mentioned yesterday as a possibility was Jakob Lensky (M), but he declined the offer to try out.
The cuts leave six 2008 Sounders still in camp in addition to the four that were already announced as having MLS contracts. Still unsigned but trying for a roster spot are Ben Dragavon (G), Danny Jackson (D), Zach Scott (D), Adam West (D), Leighton O'Brien (M), and Roger Levesque (F/M).
From the club: Graham seizing MLS opportunity.
From GOAL.com: McCarthy's musings: Five can't miss MLS games. Kyle McCarthy includes SEA-NY and CBS-SEA in his five picks.
Jan 29 - From the Kokomo Tribune: Hendrickson closes book on playing, takes up coaching.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders camp highlights, Day 7 (includes Kickin' it with ... Tyson Wahl). A new midfielder is due in camp tomorrow, Jakob Lensky, a 20-year-old from Feyenoord in the Dutch league, and a native of Vancouver, BC. Expansion draftee Peter Vagenas had his arthroscopic knee surgery and expects a quick recovery.
From Times columnist Steve Kelley: Sounders FC expecting big things from Steve Zakuani.
From the club, on expansion draftee Nathan Sturgis: Sounders FC using versatile players.
Jan 28 - Schedules, schedules, schedules:
Camp report from the Times: Sounders camp highlights, Day 6 (includes Kickin' it with ... James Riley).
Osvaldo Alonso coverage:
From USA Today: Top pick Zakuani at home with Sounders.
The Seattle Times blog reports that unsigned expansion draftee Jeff Parke is unlikely, heading off to Belgium for tryouts: Stuck in Parke. A similar report from the News Tribune blog: Sounders may have lost gamble on Jeff Parke.
Jan 27 - Coverage of the evolving roster and training camp:
2008 Sounders midfielder Josh Gardner has signed with the USL 1st Div Carolina RailHawks: RailHawks sign former MLS, US Open Cup and USL-1 champion Josh Gardner.
Goalkeeper Tally Hall from Gig Harbor and San Diego State U has signed with the Houston Dynamo after playing in Denmark fro two years: Dynamo sign goalkeeper Tally Hall.
Jan 26 - First trade! Sounders FC acquire central defender Patrick Ianni from the Houston Dynamo. Given up is Sounders FC's 2nd or 3rd round draft pick next year, conditional on whether or not Ianni plays in at least 20 MLS matches this year. Details from the club: Sounders FC acquires Ianni in trade with Houston. Ianni, with a 6-figure salary, became expendable after Houston re-signed Bobby Boswell: Dynamo re-sign Boswell, trade Ianni: 2006 Defender of the Year locked up to multi-year deal. The Houston Chronicle gives more rationale for trading away Ianni: Dynamo sign Boswell to long-term deal: Club trades Ianni to Seattle. With Ianni, Taylor Graham, and Tyson Wahl now on the roster as central defenders, the Sounders no longer have a critical need to sign expansion draft choice Jeff Parke.
Don Ruiz from the News Tribune had a brief chat with Ianni: A few words with -- and about -- new Sounder Ianni. Ianni is "very happy to be here."
From the Times blog: Sounders FC training camp glance, Day 4. Includes "Kickin' it with ... Evan Brown.
The Times blog mentions the first players gone from camp, namely Jason Cascio, Andre Schmid, Craig Tomlinson, and Nik Besagno: FC deals for Ianni.
From the Times: Sounders trade for Patrick Ianni, expect to sign Cuban star. The Cuban star would be midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, USL First Division Rookie of the Year last year with the Charleston Battery.
From the Seattle Times: Kasey Keller setting the standard for Sounders FC.
From MLS Daily: Q&A with Steve Zakuani.
Seattle Wolves FC are behind the new PDL side. They will play at Starfire. Details from the club: Seattle Wolves unveiled as new PDL team: New franchise partners with Washington Crossfire. The Wolves will play in the PDL Northwest Division with Tacoma Tide, Kitsap Pumas (also new), Yakima Reds, Spokane Spiders, Abbotsford Mariners, Vancouver Whitecaps Residency, Victoria Highlanders, Portland Timbers U23, and Cascade Surge.
Jan 25 - From the News Tribune blog, Sigi Schmid previews the upcoming week in camp: Sounders get time off (Schmid takes in UW-UCLA).
From Miami's Sun Sentinel: Whose team is it anyway? Carey lets fans decide.
Jan 24 - Camp news:
Jan 23 - KING-5 has a great set of articles with videos featuring the Sounders SuperSearch finalists:
Day 3 of camp. More coverage:
Fredy Montero coverage:
Jan 22 - Training camp coverage:
Jan 21 - Training camp opens today at the new Virginia Mason Athletic Center, training grounds for the Seahawks. The camp roster in a nutshell:
Camp opening coverage (what a treat to see all of this digital ink!):
Add central defender and 2008 Sounder Taylor Graham to the signed list. This has been expected. From the P-I: Seattle signs defender Graham. From the club: Sounders FC signs defender Taylor Graham.
Jan 20 - Announcement from Sounders FC: Club names Ezra Hendrickson second assistant coach. Hendrickson recently retired from the Columbus Crew: Hendrickson goes out on top: Veteran announces retirement after winning MLS Cup with third team.
Jan 16 - From ESPNsoccernet: Ljungberg ahead of schedule for return.
Continuing draft coverage:
Jan 15 - Sounders SuperDraft picks:
FC Dallas took Shoreline native George John with pick 14, making him a first-rounder. Real Salt Lake took Tacoma native Raphael Cox in the fourth round with pick 54.
MLS SuperDraft results:
From the Seattle Times blog, important non-draft news: Sounders games to air on KIRO 97.3 FM. All home and away league matches will be covered. More details from the club's news release: Sounders FC to air games live on 97.3 KIRO FM.
Even further from the draft, this Art Thiel (P-I) article will be a good read for long-time Seattle soccer fans: McCrath moves on after SPU exit
MLS SuperDraft precoverage:
Jan 14 - End of the Combine, draft day eve:
Jan 13 - MLS Combine update from Soccer America: Combine players have one more day to impress. From MLSnet.com, a guess at what each team will do: How SuperDraft 2009 may unfold: Team-by-team look at where top SuperDraft prospects may wind up.
Jan 12 - A Combine update from GOAL.com, broken down by position: Monday MLS breakdown: Downward trend at Combine?. Midfielder Sam Cronin is emerging as the most impressive player at the combine: Combine notes: Time for Cronin?.
From Sounders FC, re George John and Raphael Cox at the MLS Combine: Familiar faces. 3rd Degree's report on day two: MLS Combine Report Day Two. From Pro Player Pipeline: 2009 MLS Combine Day 2 (Game 1) and 2009 MLS Combine Day 2 (Game 2). From ESPNsoccernet: Top prospects on display at the combine. From Soccer By Ives: MLS Combine: The field takes shape. The GOAL.com report mentions that "Ezra Hendricksen was spotted around the stadium wearing a Seattle Sounders FC top": McCarthy's Musings: Second Day Settling. Hendricksen, who just retired as a player for the Columbus Crew, should be announced as a Sounders FC assistant coach soon. Notes from the Times blog: Combine wrap, Day 2 (plus update). From MLSnet.com: Combine notes: Marosevic standing out.
Jan 11 - Soccer By Ives has a report on the first day of the MLS Combine: MLS Combine: Day one rewind. Another report comes from the Seattle Times blog: Combine wrap, Day 1. A report by 3rd Degree has good detail: MLS Combine Report Day One. Also good detail from Pro Player Pipeline: 2009 MLS Combine Day 1 (Game 1), and 2009 MLS Combine Day 1 (Game 2). From MLSnet.com: Combine notes: First-day jitters.
From MLSnet.com: Zakuani shrugs off top pick talk: Former Akron star getting buzz as potential Number 1.Jan 10 - Sounders FC have a fitness coach: Tenney Named Fitness Coach. Also from the club: Sounders FC ready for the SuperDraft.
Soccer By Ives' v4.0 mock draft still has Sounders FC taking Steve Zakuani with the first pick: SBI MLS mock draft (v. 4.0). Pro Player Pipeline ranks the whole batch of draft candidates: 2009 MLS Draft: Over-all Rankings *Pre-combine*.
Jan 9 - From ESPNsoccernet: Gen adidas crop set to make first-year impact.
From the Seattle Times: Sounders scouting for No. 1 pick in MLS draft. From the News Tribune: Sounders get ready for draft.
Jan 8 - In MLS, combine time means trade time, and Soccer By Ives has an update on trade rumors: MLS Hot Stove: Trade talk galore ahead of draft. These trades are never formally announced until after the league has confirmed and the players have been notified. On the Seattle front, the article says that there is a fair chance that expansion draftee Jeff Parke, currently without a contract, may indeed sign to play for Seattle rather than gain employment overseas. Expansion draftee Khano Smith is rumored to have been shopped around by Seattle.
From Goal.com: MLS Combine special: UW's George John. And another one: MLS Combine Special: UW's Raphael Cox.
The P-I focus on UW's two delegates to this weekend's MLS Combine: Ex-Huskies George John, Raphael Cox prepare for MLS combine.
Comprehensive info on probable number one round draft pick Steve Zakuani, from the University of Akron: Akron's Zakuani will enter 2009 MLS SuperDraft. This article has links to a photo gallery, video highlights, more video, and an interview: Will he or won't he? Steve Zakuani answers MLSDraft.net's questions.
MLS has posted the complete list of Generation adidas players who will enter next week's SuperDraft: 2009 Generation adidas class unveiled: Nine young prospects to compete at Jan. 9-13 combine in Ft. Lauderdale. The article includes a full list of players to be at the MLS Combine Jan 9-13. The players are split into four teams which will play three matches each.
From MLSnet.com: Washington-bred Eylander joins Sounders: Goalkeeper led USL First Division in saves over last two years.
Jan 6 - From Sounders FC: 10 Questions with Sanna Nyassi.
From GOALSeattle.com, two pieces worth a read. The first is serious: Ask Adrian: A busy January for Sounders FC. The second is not: Mostly-true confessions of a Seattle soccer mom.
From the P-I: Sounders sign Eylander as backup. From Soccer America: Eylander joins Seattle's local contingent.
Jan 5 - Sounders FC are now adding to their roster again, after naming a head coach and two assistants. First of 2009 is a fan favorite from the recent Sounders seasons: Sounders FC signs keeper Chris Eylander.
Seattle Soccer Examiner has an update on rumors about players for Sounders FC, including a report from Norway's Rosenborg that Costa Rican defender Roy Miller may be acquired for the season on a loan: Player rumors swirl for Sounders as training camp approaches.
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