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Gamethread: Sounders Host Glasgow Celtic

Tiny_dave_with_scarf_tiny by Dave Clark on in Sounders: Friendlies

This is a match that doesn't count, and doesn't matter. The number one goal is don't get injured. The number two goal is learning how to play with Nkufo. The number three goal is don't get injured.

Its that simple.

There are no keys to the game. There is not a match card. This is a friendly. There will be a recap because we will see players that we have not seen much of lately.

This is a primarily a marketing opportunity for both organizations. It is an opportunity for the Scottish and Irish in the greater Puget Sound to see the Sounders go up against one of their favorites, just maybe a few of them will decide they shouldn't ignore the club right down on Royal Brougham.

Today's game is on ESPN and ESPN3.com at Noon

I will end with one simple phrase for next year

We want trophies not friendlies

Here is the SoundersFC.com "Who is Celtic"

Lineups shortly

For Seattle Sounders FC with Vagenas starting I expect a kind of 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2

Nkufo
Montero
Nyassi Montano
Alonso Vagenas
Wahl Scott
Marshall Graham
Boss

Glasgow Celtic FS's lineu in an assumed 4-4-2

McCourt Rasmussen
Caddis Samaras
Ferry Ke Sung Yeung
Hinkel Nisun
Sheridan Hooiveld
Cervi

 

Who do you want to see for more than 45 minutes?

Comment 220 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Read More: glasgow celtic, old firm, Seattle Sounders

Comments

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That backline looks like one that could all play 60

As I don’t expect the team wants to play its starting backline for even a half, particularly Ianni who has been an iron man lately.

I’m trying to find the fully available bench as well.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 11:40 AM PDT reply actions  

Sounders Substitutes

Jordan Jennings, Leo Gonzalez, Patrick Ianni, Jeff Parke, James Riley, Nathan Sturgis, David Estrada, Steve Zakuani, Pat Noonan, Roger Levesque

Jennings is the former Seattle U, U of Washington and Stadium High School keeper

For Celtic
Subs: Lukasz Zaluska, Paul McGowan, Marc Fortune, Mark Wilson, Shaun Maloney, Marc Crosas, Charles Mulgrew, Benjamin Hutchison, Darren Odea, James Forrest.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:00 PM PDT reply actions  

This year with the Tide he has a 1.20 GAA in 5 starts

The NW division of the PDL has 2 pro teams (Kitsap and Victoria) and two Academy teams associated with Pro teams (Portland and Vancouver).

2 NW PDL opponents are in the top 10 for the entire PDL for Points (2*G + A). Same for assists

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Am I the only one interested in seeing Montano after the red card?

Yes this match doesn’t matter, but I still think there are some questions that will be asked.

I love how the announcers think of us as beginning in 2007, contrary to the USL banners they just displayed.

by magistermilitum on Jul 18, 2010 12:08 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah I hope he's not tentative at all

That was such a stupid play last week.

Karma police, arrest this man.

by wyte_lightning on Jul 18, 2010 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Keller in the booth

I hope he doesn’t decide to do that in 2012. I think he can offer more in other roles.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Not if they can get Hahnemann

btw – Eylander is now coaching with the Sounders Academy

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hurtado may be ready to come back during the season?

That would be a stunningly quick recovery.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:17 PM PDT reply actions  

I like my keys to game better

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:19 PM PDT reply actions  

My wife likes hearing American voices

Rather than the Brits that we normally get, even Arlo

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:21 PM PDT reply actions  

Fair enough.

I would love Kasey to eventually be in the booth, but I agree with you that we can use him elsewhere.

by magistermilitum on Jul 18, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

I am sitting here wondering if Keller would actually be good in the booth or not

He is pretty matter-of-fact, which I like, but I could do with a bit more expansiveness.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Keller rips the Jabulani

Which is kind of funny, because he hasn’t complained early in the season.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:23 PM PDT reply actions  

No, because oddly no one complained about it

until the World Cup

It was just a ball

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Was MLS the first to use it?

Or did any of the Euro – leagues give it a try late in their seasons?

by magistermilitum on Jul 18, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Bundes

used it

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

In Frank Costanza's voice:

“It’s a conspiracy I tell ya”

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good high pressure there to win the ball

and then retreat…

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:29 PM PDT reply actions  

Speaking of target forwards

Ching got named to the All-Star Game

the list of target men in MLS better than Jaqua is small.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Jaqua

I just don’t think of him as a target forward at all. The guy plays like a 6’4" wing. I have been up and down on him over the past two seasons, but we certainly missed him when he has been out. Some of that though is just that without him we had a very small forwards and midfielders.

This really hurt when our passing inevitably broke down and we sent in long balls to no one.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

I love the positioning of Nkufo and Montero

I think that should work well for the team in the upcoming matches. I can’t wait to see how it looks when Zak and Jaqua get in there with them.

Karma police, arrest this man.

by wyte_lightning on Jul 18, 2010 12:35 PM PDT reply actions  

BLOCK IT!!!!!

Karma police, arrest this man.

by wyte_lightning on Jul 18, 2010 12:42 PM PDT reply actions  

I agree with the announcers

I cannot see that the coach of Celtic is happy with this. He is trying to get his team for the season. This doesn’t help them

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 12:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Why take off Montero?

Isn’t one of the keys to this match seeing he and Nkufo work together?

Dump Vagenas

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Removing Vagenas

has the option of playing 4-1-3-1 with Montero has the CAM

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

Its a friendly

There really are no rules

CougCenter

by Brian Floyd on Jul 18, 2010 12:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

i have seen that at the youth level, but never heard of it here

…. and I think a televised game makes it all the more unlikely. We know it is a friendly, but I bet ESPN would not be happy about it.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

ESPN annoucers are begging for it

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

General audience

If it happens, then the announcers would have to explain that the game simply does not matter and a percentage of the general audience would turn the game off.

The announcers know what a friendly means, we know it, a part of the general audience tuning in in post-World Cup world don’t, and to be told that the integrity of the game can be bent like that would not work well i think.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

As Dave said, the announcers are lobbying for it, so I think we are past that argument

Besides, Americans that are new to soccer would think replacing a kicked out player is normal, as it occurs in football, baseball and basketball. So, I don’t see that as a problem.

Those watching that understand soccer know this is a friendly and are watching because they want to see an international friendly.

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's is a friendly, I do not see why it can't happen

They have unlimited substitutions, which could not happen in a real match

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

In that case, I sure hope they come to an agreement.

I would think that Celtic would want to face 11 men instead of 10.

Karma police, arrest this man.

by wyte_lightning on Jul 18, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Its a friendly

They could probably do it

Its not like they play with sub limits, or even guys needing to be on the actual roster

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Celtic is using this for preseason

I think they’d rather play against 11 men than 10 to get a more game like scenario

by majora999 on Jul 18, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

One of the things that I like about Nkufo is that he is calm

Too often in MLS, you see players rush their play/shots and end up turning the ball over or missing an easy shot. I remember when earlier in the year, Evans was about a yard away with an open net and instead of just tapping the ball into the net, tried to kick the ball to China and kicked it straight up and over the crossbar.

Nkufo on the other-hand, just takes his time and and so far has looked very good.

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 12:57 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

At least our friendly made television

Philly v Celtic did not. Not even locally

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:04 PM PDT reply actions  

Its far more than that

Bottom bowl is full, hawks nest is full, and there’s fans on the top deck.

CougCenter

by Brian Floyd on Jul 18, 2010 1:11 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

I am so happy for Seba

But, it makes me pissed off that he is doing all that for philadelphia

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Performing well for a bad team

Would he have been starting for a healthy Seattle? No

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

I have been impressed with how much his technique has improved

It seems that he is just that much more comfortable at forward.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

He's another WF in this league

Seattle had two better (the Freddyain) and it was a risky move for Philly to look at Seba and think that his 100k contract was worthwhile after his 2009

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

And I love his relationship with fans

And said as much at his going away party

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

It is possible that he would have replaced Jaqua up top

He is better than Pat Noonan. But, he was never a favorite of Sigi

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh, he would have been great for depth

He would have been starting rather than Noonan and Levesque

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

And if started scoring goals like he is doing for the Union

it would be hard to remove him. Of course, we will never know.

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

I don't disagree

I am not sure that I would have left him unprotected, but I don’t think it was a bad decision in relation to the salary cap as you mentioned.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Marshall was the one I did not understand

A high priced 35 year old. There was no way that the Union would have picked him

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Stiill at 10

No changes for Seattle I think.

CougCenter

by Brian Floyd on Jul 18, 2010 1:15 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

It is still stupid

I understand a red if there was a dangerous play. But, for that in an exhibition was ridiculous.

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Interesting that Seattle makes no changes to the lineup

For some reason I think we could see Leo and Riley in midfield roles again today

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:18 PM PDT reply actions  

I would like to get another look at Riley in the midfield

Not sure I am thrilled with Scott at RB, but it is worth another look

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

So close...

Everything but the goal.

Karma police, arrest this man.

by wyte_lightning on Jul 18, 2010 1:18 PM PDT reply actions  

We seem unlikely to ever see that

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm 90% certain he'll be gone

but almost certainly not to another MLS side

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good.

His spot here is on the RW and Seattle has plenty of those. Let’s get a holding mid or center back for his salary.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Jul 18, 2010 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Throw in Seamon and I am in

He really has been our best CAM all year

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

Seattle midfield

Yes our midfield has looked good, it also helps that we are playing a team in pre-season that is coming off of what, 4 games in 10 days? Let’s not get too cocky.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Let's also remember that Seattle is playing

a bunch of guys who never play

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Still able to play in Open Cup and CCL

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

But its not like Sigi will use him then

considering how rarely he’s been used when “healthy”

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

I have to say I think Estrada really just held the ball too much when used early in the season

I think he has all the skills to be really good, but he needs to get more in sync with the speed of play.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

Seattle has been using high pressure pretty much the whole game

And doing it well.

I like this change.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:42 PM PDT reply actions  

Well done Jennings

He is not showing much range or leap, but solid within his wingspan.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions  

Not so solid anymore...

Has had real trouble catching the ball clean in the last 20 mins.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Marshall off Ianni on

Excellent

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions  

Noonan on for Vagenas

And I find myself with a giant MEH

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:46 PM PDT reply actions  

Sloppy passing in the final third

That doesn’t feel like a friendly. That reminds me of the current season.

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:53 PM PDT reply actions  

Well I'm talking about Noonan

Sturgis, Levesque

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

by Dave Clark on Jul 18, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Gotcha

Then it is just like the regulars season for them

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Call me shallow

But I am getting a kick out of the Scottish accents on the field… maybe that says something about the state of the game.

by brokejumper on Jul 18, 2010 1:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Couldve been bad

At least he’s already on the IR.

CougCenter

by Brian Floyd on Jul 18, 2010 1:55 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

That is the genious of the front office

They anticipated the injury before it even happened

by Coug1990 on Jul 18, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

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