The embed worked today. A great option for MLS bloggers. I wish MLB and other sports allowed the same type of thing.

Zakuani’s value definitely comes from his footwork, and his ability to turn defenders around and create opportunities that way. He created the first goal in this very way.

I felt at times that he did not get back on defense enough, as often his man was the one making a wide open run down the field. Also, there were a few moments when he held the ball too long, relying on his footwork and flair when he had better options for furthering the play. These issues seem more to do with his maturity as a player than being significant concerns. Presumably (and hopefully), these will fade away as he grows as a player. He’s young and skilled, but he doesn’t need to beat his man on his own every time.

Maybe he’s an assistant professor for now. But he’s on a tenure track.

Very good analysis of the goal there. What do you think Steve will do when defenders get wise?

Good work.Sigi is the real deal.And next to Toronto Seattle may have the best fans.Washington is special too.Like your tactical analysis.I am a coach and love to breakdown games also.

Keep up the good work.
Pep
moltocalcio.com
I will link your site to mine.
Forza TFC

Prost, he goes left.

Cornchops, yes, he’s still learning, but aren’t we all? I expect his passing to improve due to Jaqua converting, that has to help his confidence.

I’m not as concerned with his play in or near the box. It seems like that’s where his flair can really make a big difference, either with an assist or a goal of his own. On his assist, he seemed fully focused on creating an opportunity for someone else, instead of finding an opportunity for himself. That shows some maturity right there. I expect he will hook up with Jaqua on numerous occasions.

I’m more concerned with midfield decisions, where he has a lot of space and options. Where his “confidence” is with his moves, but the smarter play may be otherwise. I agree, he will learn, and he seems to know that he needs to learnl, which is a huge first step.

I think his benefits will far outweigh defensive lapses or no-pass giveaways. And that’s just this season. As he grows, he will be a very dangerous player.

You’ll notice, at least I hope, that I often refer to Zakuani as a Left Wing, because that’s how I think he plays. He doesn’t get back enough yet to be a Left Mid, but if the defense on the club holds that will give those of us in 214 a better view for 1 half.

I think he is a talent. Maybe, he needs some seasoning. He knows how to work the ball and to run at players. He is not affraid. He studied in the Arsenal system and that must have tought him something, however it ultimately comes down to skill. He has it. He is not your typical MLS player. I know he played two years of US college, however he dominated. Imagine he was dismissed from the Arsenal system because of injury. We picked him up. Same thing. The one critique I would have is that he needs to find someone to pass off too when he makes his runs. He is waiting too long and getting tongue tied with the ball.

I see that clip and all I can think is MAGIC. Just thinking of how we get to watch him only get better and better……..awsome pick sounders….talk about stepping right in and making a difference.

After two games (I watched both of them almost in their entirety), I’m most definitely hooked. I need to find the time to delve deeper.

This does not look like an expansion club to me. Even admitting I know squat about football, I can see that they’re very much an attacking team and they really play well together. They look tight and focused as a team, and they’ve got a slew of good players. Certainly Keller, Montero, Zakuani, and Ljundberg are star-quality.

Dave, yesterday I was going to write about some of the thoughts that you wrote about, but I got side tracked, as it was a disapointing day for Cougar fans.

So, I would rather think about the Sounders, as right now all is good. The point that I wanted to make is that in the second half, RSL dominated the the play and especially time of possession up until Freddie made his debut.

But, some of that time of possession is the styles that both team play. RSL dominated the mid field, but their passes for the most part were a slow build up to the attack. Whereas SSFC would get possession and immediately attack the goal.

I liken it to an NFL game where one team that has an average quarterback runs the ball down after down. The other team with a great QB passes downfield a lot. The run team will win the time of possession easily because of the style that they play, but the team with the great QB wins.

When you watch SSFC, there is not a lot of wasted motion. They get the ball and they attack. They get into a good position to get a shot as quickly as they can with our great finishers. RSL on the other hand, was like that run team, possess the ball a lot, but don’t they don’t creat as much danger with the time they have the ball.

However, we still need to play better possession than we did right after the half, because we were lucky that RSL didn’t score. Thanks Kasey.

Dave, as a soccer neophyte I greatly appreciate your analytical attention to tactics and the fine details of the game. Keep it up!

Dave,

Sorry I didn’t give you a shout out as I stood (got to sit a spell second half) in 214 for the Barca game. Loved my first trip to the Q. Hope to visit more, when the Big Zip, Stevie-11 becomes a star.