... if this is a dream I want to stay asleep - update

by Dave Clark on Oct 25, 2009 12:40 PM PDT in Major League Soccer Comment 10 comments

That line is from Sigi Schmid, but I think it relates to so many of us after this first season. I know it personally feels that way. Last night, with all of the pomp, with the win, it was one of my favorite days of my young life that didn't involve family (yes, my wedding was better). The team played that brand of soccer that we have come to love, to expect and finally to see again. There were waves of counters, so many opportunities and it seems fitting that the Off-5 last night were really the ones that got it done on the two goals. Oh, and there of course was that Golden Scarf thing. To be one of 23 in year one is truly flattering, I want to thank all of those who voted for me last year, and I hope that you find me worthy in year two. We are only getting started here, and my goals are not yet complete - there are still empty seats in the stadium, the Greening of the Rave Green has barely starter and creating stronger connections between our local culture through beer/food options at the stadium must improve.

I am fully confident that if the box score at the end of any night ends with the following the Sounders won that match;

FCD SSFC
Shots: 10 18
SoG: 3 8
Saves: 6 2
Fouls: 20 10
Offsides: 3 5
Corners: 6 5

That is the offensive wave that we need to see. Flow from the back to the front, with series of passes going from the centerbacks to the wingbacks to the defensive mid, back to the wingbacks, into the center mid to the wings to a cross to a shot. Plays that we saw so often last night that the 2-1 score felt like it could have been 5-1.

For the Steve Zakuani detractors it was notable to me that every single time he had the ball he was required to break through a two-man bracket. If he was within 30 yards of the net, he is considered dangerous. While last night he didn't wind up in the score books, he was involved in the action that led to victory.

For the Nate Jaqua detractors, he played his game at the right mid and played it fairly well. He is learning that role, and it may wind up suiting him. Nate will never look pretty on the pitch, but I will take 9 goals and 7 assists that are ugly over a pretty 4 and 4. He won first ball headers both defensively and offensively, threatened on several occasions and in his scoring effort did what he does. He read the space and situation and captured the opportunity in a way that only he has been doing with his time on the pitch.

Freddie Ljungberg in this last month went from what could only be described as a mediocre season into being a force of will. It coincided with him playing up top alongside the young Montero, and that move put him as the key to the offense. While not a CAM, his freedom to speed to whichever channel is open has lead to his ball at feet skills to crush the opposition. Ljungberg may be in the mentions for an October player of the month. Seattle earned 9 points in 3 matches, including two huge road wins. Ljungberg had four assists in the final two matches and truly lead the expansion side from borderline making it to as high as a number 3 finish on a single table (pending Chivas/Houston result).

Fredy Montero continues to show his inconsistency, but it is an inconsistency that shows that he is a great MLS talent, and not yet ready for the next level. His focus drifts and he goes long stretches where you think "why would you do that Fredy?" Than moments later he shows the talent that has him finishing 3rd (possibly 4th - GBS to play) in the Golden boot race with names like Donovan, Scheletto, and Angel. That's fine company, but honestly, if Montero leaves now he may wind up like Landon Donovan, failing due to leaving too early.

Last night the FC Dallas season ended because they faced a team that rediscovered cohesive play with the backing of the best keeper in US history. Kasey Keller may win the team MVP, or the nod may go to the Swede. It is only a two horse race. In MLS' individual awards hunt the Sounders should remain strong, but are not likely to have any winners. Schmid likely loses to Arena. Keller likely loses to the winner of the Chivas/Houston match. Montero won't finish higher than 5th in the MVP. Zakuani will get passed in the Rookie of the Year. Defender of the Year will see Hurtado maybe 2nd. Now, the Newcomer of the Year is almost certain to be a Sounder (if you know which you would be the first).

Just remember, the Sounders are not done yet.

Also from Sigi

Everything for us is like a speed bump on the road, nothings going to be detour in terms what we’re trying to achieve and getting to the goal of trying to win MLS Cup.

Stats to be updated tonight or tomorrow, also tiny portions of conversations I had with Claes (Ljungberg's agent) and Adrian. Carlos is likely to share his thoughts from distance.

Here is video from Leo of the Golden Scarf Ceremony. I'm likely to get a lot of photos, and I promise I won't flood you with them. Thank you again. I know the team wanted to find a way to celebrate the fans and I hope that I was part of an adequate way to do that.

Comments

Congrats on the scarf Dave, it was well deserved. Says a lot about the character of the front office. Now I’d like to see the guys from USS Mariner throw out a first pitch… dont’t think that’s going to happen soon though.

by Justin B on Oct 25, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Once again all I can say is “BRILLIANT!”

by A few rows back in the 214 on Oct 25, 2009 5:31 PM PDT reply actions

Dave, nice coments on Jaqua and Zakuani. I think Zakuani has shown a lot of development as the season wore on. He’s worked hard to improve on the defensive side of the ball, and last night he showed a willingness to cut inside sooner than he usually does which created a lot of issues for the Dallas defence (I missed the KC game being out of the country). Jaqua worked his tail off (his finish had a lot of us wincing, but anyway).

Last night’s line up is it, I think. We got Ljungberg where he can wander, be creative, and we still maintain a good shape in attack and have our entire midfield back defending. Evans worked well in central mid (I take him over Vagenas).
Folks switched off and covered for one another nicely, things seemed to flow really well.

I hope Sigi agrees.

FWIW, I thought Gonzalez was awesome last night.

by Peter on Oct 25, 2009 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

I think Leo still has a huge game in him. Like a 1 goal 2 assist night. He’s been so close on several occaissions and he is now looking at the net, not just his ’mates. Imagine having a solid offensive threat that has yet to contribute “officially” on that end yet.

And you are right. Evans earned his starting stripes back yesterday. Vagenas provides cover now.

by Dave Clark on Oct 25, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

For whatever reason I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Nate Jaqua. I do like him at RM better, mostly because it has allowed Freddie to get into the mix much more.

I wanted to call attention to the battle Nate put into the 2nd goal. I was really impressed by the fight he put into winning that ball and then doing exactly what a Midfielder should do – passing in to his Forward (Freddie).

None of the replays I can find online show it but several of the guys around me at the match were shouting their praise.

by jsking on Oct 25, 2009 9:35 PM PDT reply actions

Congrats on the Golden Scarf.

by Mike @ GoSounders on Oct 26, 2009 9:16 AM PDT reply actions

The golden scarf was a wonderful gesture on the part of the Sounders. The dynamics between this front office and the fans — especially compared to other sports and other front offices — is genuine, organic and fun.

I know that I felt proud to have you out on the podium representing us, Dave. Part of the reason is because it doesn’t feel fake or contrived. It feels genuine and honest. And it is about more than just show: the real story is this franchise’s deep commitment to fan participation, appreciation and democratization of the sport. It’s one thing to let a fan throughout the first pitch or get a golden scarf; it is something all together more powerful to let a panel of elected fans have say over important decision for the team.

Thanks for being our representative, Dave.

by Zach on Oct 26, 2009 1:10 PM PDT reply actions

As for the game, I agree with most of what has been said here.

Nate had another good game. He’s not explosive or dangerous — but he is good at being in the right place at the right time and the stats point out how important he is to set plays.

As we’ve all noted, he forces a team to account for him and that changes the flow.

I’m not wild about him, but he does help the team win.

I am on the other hand wild about Leo. I know he has been off form for the last few games, but I think he has the chance to be sensational in the play offs. He’s a good defender but his strength is as an offensive threat. I agree with Dave that he has a break out game coming soon.

by Zach on Oct 26, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions