Sounders' CCL draw coming into focus

although now that I think about, USOC games at Starfire were assigned sections…I dunno

I’ve watched virtually every CCL game available to me since they went to the current format. This was partially because DC United was in the tournament, and partially because I am a hopeless addict.

Monterrey: In terms of ability, I think they’re the toughest Mexican team you could have drawn. However, the plus side for Seattle is that you’re not playing at severe altitude (Pachuca and Toluca both are at around 8000 feet, if memory serves) or in Mexico City (pollution and 7300+ feet). If last year’s United team could get a draw at Toluca, you guys could get something out of your visit to Monterrey. On the other hand, if Los Rayados come in really focused and on their game, it could get ugly.

Saprissa: Last season’s version was a shadow of the team that DC played twice in 2008. Gone were guys like Celso Borges, who was a fantastic defensive midfielder, and in were oafs like Douglas Sequeira (if you followed MLS before the Sounders entered the league, you saw Sequeira fouling everyone and giving the ball away on the terrible early Chivas and RSL sides). They’re still a decent enough team, and playing on the low-quality turf at Estadio Saprissa is pretty unpleasant.

Tauro/Marathon: This will probably end up Marathon, as Cornchops says. Tauro did, however, knock off Chivas USA in 2008’s qualifying round. Tauro had some skillful players with experience for the Panama national team (left back Luis Moreno is still there…great engine, but a red card magnet), but they struck me as woefully short of fitness every time I saw them. That was awhile ago, but I can’t imagine they’re a radically different bunch now. The fields in Panama have been soggy messes every time I’ve seen a game there, so prepare for that.

If it’s Marathon, they’re your most dangerous competitor for a spot in the 2nd round (being honest, Monterrey should waltz through in 1st place). Marathon was in United’s group in both 2008 and 2009, so I know them really well. They have very fast players, especially on the wings, and they love to force outside backs into 1v1 battles. They also have no problem playing over the top, so your center backs will be dealing with a lot of footraces. Marathon also successfully baits referees, so be prepared to be angry as clearly incorrect calls are given. Walter Martinez (on the Honduras WC squad) is their most dangerous player, and lines up all over the place. Mario Berrios (left midfield) and Erick Norales (center back) are also really good. Marathon, if placed in MLS, would be a playoff team.

All in all, this is a very tough draw. I know the feeling; United drew Marathon twice, Toluca and Cruz Azul (who went on to lose that season’s final) once apiece, and Saprissa once. In two groups, the only weak team we ever got was San Juan Jabloteh of T&T. The real key is to win your home games. Sounds simple, but United’s inability to beat Toluca at home is what cost us a knockout round spot (despite taking 4 points in the 3 road games). Especially since your group won’t have a whipping boy, it’s crucial to take 7-9 points at Qwest if you want to advance.

How did they have a -5 GD and still go 4-0-2? Those 2 must’ve been really hard losses…

they would assign a team from another region…

I think Group A is potentially tougher. Cruz Azul, RSL, and either Motagua or Toronto…that’s tough. Don’t underestimate Arabe Unido; they knocked Houston out of last year’s tournament.

Curse my lack of Preview skills.