Sounders face Stabaek in La Manga Cup - Live Blog

two shots of Casi Cielo with an equal part of hot water.

I guess Sounders are really big time now that I’m up on a Sunday morning early to watch…

Leo, Hurtado, Marshall, Riley
Levesque, Alonso, Sturgis, Estrada
Freddyain

That’s the starting back line, starting CM, starting forwards with Keller in goal

It will be interesting to see wide play with Estrada on a wing, and the interplay between Sturgis and Alonso

Getting Alonso into the attack a bit more would be great this season. It would mean that the formation is shifting forward, even if in the same shape. When Alonso is paired with Sturgis, Ianni and Vagenas though this is likely that he is playing the more forward role.

I have a feeling that this season Levesque is going to be the “super-sub” on offense. His tactical awareness and ability to play any offensive role is well suited for it, while his expereince should compliment Estrada, Zakuani, Fucito, Montero.

20 minutes in and a keeper only tested once, and that wasn’t really a test.

Freddie Ljungberg won the ball, slowed play down, eventually passed to Montero.

Goal Montero – 31, assist Ljungberg

With just a week until Roster Day Sturgis takes a knock on the left ankle

Hopefully he doesn’t join Graham, Ianni, Boss, Jaqua, Fucito and Nyassi who are all with troubles

Freddie Ljungberg is as good at placing a corner as anyone in this league.

Goal Levesque – 43 from Ljungberg’s corner.

Levesque with a header near post. He is not a traditional target forward, but on corners those get doubled.

Sounders up 2-0
Montero and Levesque with Goals – Ljungberg assisted on both.
Both Riley and Leo getting mentions on defensive plays.

We should see some heavy turnover in lineups with the lead and several players needing time today – Parke, maybe Fucito.

Will Estrada stay out as he hasn’t gotten a mention yet?

Wahl, Parke, Hurtado, Riley
Levesque, Alonso, Vagenas, Estrada
Freddyain

Keller still in goal

Stabaek didn’t appear to switch

Looks like Sigi is mixing up winning with chemistry and competition

But has stayed on the pitch. Neagle, Wallace and Scott should be able to come on for him.

It would be lame to go a man down in a pre-season Cup

Wahl, Parke, Wallace, Scott
Zakuani, Vagenas, King, Neagle
Predido, Levesque

Keller still in goal though

Looks like Sigi wants a win

Maybe we get to see Ettien, Rayner or Fucito?

Is almost Ianni-esque plying the UpBack role a bit. Getting forward more than expected for a CB.

Sounders finish this one haning on for a 2-0 victory

Next match is a scrimmage Wed, and then 5th Place match on Thursday

I’ll be posting some % playing time data later today, as well as preseason productivity numbers.

hope it didn’t feel like you were talking to yourself. I enjoyed the color commentary.