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All I want for Christmas - 2009

I did this last year, and have thought about not doing it this year on the network, but decided that it may engage enough readers, so I'm going to give it a go.

1- I want a CAM. I actually didn't see as many problems with converting scoring opportunities, but I certainly saw weaknesses at the team level in beating a defender with ball at feet. It would be ideal if said CAM in this 2-3-3-2 is also a solid MLS talent at the Free Kick. I actually have a former US MNT guy in mind. He's very young, he never plays in Europe, and he's fairly cheap.Steve Davis just wrote why he won't be in South Africa. Adu recently tweeted the following "def Have some decisions to make within the next couple of weeks"

My response was quite simple. "Come back. Find an MLS team with a great coach and passionate fanbase. Someone with National Team coaching experience." You see Players need to Play.  He also needs a coach that can and does work with young guys.  Yes, I have a man crush according to Doug of the 214. He isn't the only CAM I would take, but a CAM is certainly necessary.

2 - I want a full stadium. Sure it was nice to sell-out at whatever number was picked, and they have opened stuff up, but there are still seats available. I rather liked the Barcelona match, and I would love to see that again, in Rave Green. So buy some tickets.  Renewals are really high, and yes they have a waiting list, but there are still seats available.  This is local soccer, and while it might not be Man U or Chelsea, it definitely beats the heck out of watching them early on a Saturday morning.

How are sales going? Very Strong

Renewals are at 93% already
Waiting list is 7000 and they are still taking deposits
Max capacity is currently planned at ~35,500 (Houston Playoff game)
The new loge (300 level ring) has amazing views, and has been made all inclusive for food and non-alcoholic beverages.

If I wasn't already in the 214 I might bump up to the 311, maybe later, when the whole 300 is full.

3 - Get the Damn CBA Done! MLS you just had one of your best season's ever. In a down economy you increased sponsorship deals at the league and club level. In a down economy attendance was only hit 2% (9% without Seattle, since some people think we don't count). Get the deal down NOW. I want to start thinking about the players that can be brought in, the Draft, I want to think about players sold onwards. Get the Deal Done!

I don't care if you use a luxury tax and keep the Cap. I don't care if you eliminate the DP while allowing clubs to buy Allocation Dollars. I don't care if the "guarantee" compromise means that every contract has a buy-out value. There needs to be a deal, and it needs to be signed quickly, so that CCL teams can start getting ready.

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Full Stadium

I actually think they should just get it up to around 40,000 and then keep it there for a season or two. They need to keep the commodity scarce so that people will keep wanting to go see what the Sounders are all about. To many open seats and you have the people who don’t go to all the games decide to just not buy season tickets because it isn’t hard to find.

CBA
Thank god you mentioned this. It seems like when the season is over no one is talking about starting to build the team up again. Also it seems like Garber is gonna stone wall so that he gets his way and keeps the cap low. The longer we keep it low, the more that it hurts the MLS.

by fox3r on Dec 8, 2009 5:37 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I forgot two soccer related things

NASL/USL solve your damn second tier soccer squable. Neither of you are building the game through this. Get me all 14 teams at that level in one league. Get me a 3rd tier semi-pro league and get me a high level amatuer league at 4th tier. I don’t care who runs it. I don’t care what you call it, but dammit get it done.

MLS bring back the Reserve League. Your foolishness is losing good players to places like Norway and Sweden because they aren’t getting playing time here. Sure, it would cost more money, but honestly players don’t want to be called “developmentals” and then be forbidden from developing. Players want to play, they’d also like enough money that they don’t have to have a second job to pay off their college loans.

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 8, 2009 5:37 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

hear, hear!

The ignorance with which the USSF/whatever the Canadian federation is called have addressed the tier situation is pathetic. If “we” are Really serious about “developing the game” in USA/Canada, “we” will really start paying attention to these issues you address. Its a trumpet I’ve been blowing a little bit and we need more people out there aware of it!

...that's MISTER Keller to you!!!

by malcontentjake on Dec 9, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They're going to open up the loge seating all of next season?

Excellent. The seats I had there for the Houston game were fantastic.

by BrianL on Dec 8, 2009 8:02 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Pricing is pretty good

While midfield seems a little pricey, I don’t think there is a better deal than the corners of the loge.

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 8, 2009 8:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I was sitting in that corner section.

I was absolutely thrilled with the view considering what I paid for the tickets.

by BrianL on Dec 8, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

How about Adriano?

I know it is hopeful, but he is on a free transfer from Flamengo since he only signed a one year deal. He would probably cost a whole hell of a lot of money though and I don’t think he would want to play in the US, but I can always dream.

by fox3r on Dec 8, 2009 8:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Adriano's a monster, but ...

At this point, you get more bang for you buck out of midfielders in MLS. In any case, we’d have to get in line behind Milan, Roma, and West Ham, which have all made confirmed offers to him. And that’s not even addressing the possibility that he could sign a new deal with Flamengo. He could make a lot more money in Europe, but he’s very much a Rio boy and he’s been spending all his time since winning the Brazilian title celebrating with this buddies in the favela. It’s very possible he ends up staying in Brazil.

As for Adu, I’d be happy to see him sign with the Sounders. We’d be the top team in MLS for guys named Fredd?(y|ie). I’m with Dave in that I want someone with a lethal free kick. One of the main strategies for playing the Sounders last year was to foul us to death. Someone who can consistently put free kicks on target would be a huge step towards neutralizing that strategy. I’d have loved to see Juninho Pernambucano sign with an MLS club when he was available for free earlier this year.

by CarlosT on Dec 9, 2009 3:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am certainly no expert on the MLS transfer rules

But, last year Seattle was able to get former USMNT member Kasey Keller because, as being an expansion team, they were first in line to be able to sign a USMNT member. As I believe Adu was a former member himself, who would be next in line to acquire him?

by Coug1990 on Dec 9, 2009 10:12 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Allocation Order determines it

I don’t have the current order, but it is generally a reverse of last year’s standings with a few trades and recent claims. SSFC would be ~9-12

But Adu’s rights may be held by RSL.

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 9, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow! If that is correct, the champs would only get stronger

Of course, he wouldn’t come cheap and MLS teams have limited funds (salary cap).

One thing that I like about having Sigi is that one, he is a very good coach and two, he came from college where he was used to developing players.

by Coug1990 on Dec 9, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, RSL would not want him back

They had him and sold him onward.

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 9, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't know he played for RSL

I guess that shows how close I paid attention to MLS before this year. I had thought that he went from DCU to Europe.

That begs the question, if a player is sold for a transfer fee, do they still hold the MLS player rights?

If so, RSL would still get to trade him for something, which is valuable in itself.

by Coug1990 on Dec 9, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Adu

Am I the only complete cynic here that thinks if Adu said I am coming but only willing to play for Seattle some new rule would be made up to make it happen? Or does that only work for LA?

by brokejumper on Dec 9, 2009 10:59 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

No, it worked for other clubs

They have always found a way to get MNT guys on the team they want.

McBride, Reyna, Califf

There would be a trade of course, but likely not equal value.

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 9, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

et tu, Adu?

echoing brokejumper, am I the only cynic here who can’t muster much enthusiasm for Adu being a Sounder to begin with? I guess I’m trying to think who he would replace in our midfield? Are we just talking about increasing our depth/options for forwards and attacking midfielders? I know he’s a talent, but the strict MLS financial structure makes me hesitant to just pursue “name” players willy-nilly…

...that's MISTER Keller to you!!!

by malcontentjake on Dec 9, 2009 11:53 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you

I don’t really like Adu that much. I think he has a lot of talent, but he has been over hyped for far to long. I would rather get a player that will be able to provide immediate assistance to our offense and not just be a possibility of being that player.

by fox3r on Dec 9, 2009 4:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Update to the sales numbers

From today’s chat with GM/Owner Adrian Hanuaer

Deposits at 8,500!

I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Sounder At Heart on Dec 10, 2009 7:38 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

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Sounder at Heart is a blog about the Seattle Sounders FC, with occasional forays into Democracy in Sports, Roster Management, Soccer Statistics and Life in Puget Sound.
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