You write our Reference Card for CCL

by Dave Clark on Sep 20, 2010 6:52 PM PDT

There are so many conflicting signals in this one. From Seattle essentially being out of the hunt, to the team chartering a flight down to Monterrey there are reasons to think that the Sounders could go plenty of directions in the match at Monterrey.

The field there can wind up beat down, as it is shared with an American football team.

But Sigi said Monday,

"Yeah, we have to look at it a little bit differently. We are still going to try and put the team out there that we think is going to win the game, for sure. We are not giving any games away. We are not handing them in or writing them in. But certainly there are some guys on our team that have logged a lot of minutes, been playing game in and game out. Now we have got to manage their minutes a little bit. Those other guys who haven’t logged as many minutes can play a bit more. But we are still going to field a team that is very experienced. We are going to field a team that has got good quality in it. But we have to see how guys feel tomorrow as we get into Monterrey. There’s a couple guys who can’t play in Monterrey, like Leo Gonzalez and Roger [Levesque]; Leo because of the red card and Roger because he has two yellows. [James] Riley we’re going to hold out because of his ankle. We want to give him just a few more days but he will be back for Chicago. But outside of that everybody else is somebody we are thinking about playing."

There is also fact that no MLS team has ever won a competitive match in Mexico.

So we'll ask you to write what lineup YOU WOULD WANT TO SEE against Monterrey.

Here's some resource - Leo Gonzalez and Roger Levesque can't play. Hurtado, Vagenas, Evans, Noonan aren't healthy enough to play. James Riley is still recovering from his ankle injury. So there are 20 possible players for your 18.

Conventional Statistics - Plus/Minus Stats - Most recent Depth Chart

And use some variant on a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 (ie 4-2-3-1), because that's all we're going to see.

I'll post my own preference in a few hours.

FanPosts only represent the opinions of the poster, not of Sounder at Heart.

Tweet Comment 45 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I want the starters on the bench, resting, to make sure we win the Open Cup and make the playoffs.

I’m so helpful.

7500 to Holte--A Football Blog with an Aston Villa Bias

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Sep 20, 2010 6:54 PM PDT reply actions

See Kirsten brings up one of the issues

At least 1 “starter” will have to play, as the Sounders don’t have 11 healthy and available non-starters. That’s not even getting into the issue of Sanna v Alvaro.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 20, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions

And Go

4-4-2

GK Boss

left to right

D: Wahl, Ianni, Marshall, Scott
M: Nyassi, Seamon, Fernandez, Estrada
F: Fucito, Jaqua

by JWAY on Sep 20, 2010 8:11 PM PDT reply actions

Spare parts and projects

I’m throwing in the towel on the CCL this year and using this game to take a look at the young non-starters.

Fucito-Jaqua
Montano-Seamon-Sturgis-Nyassi
Wahl-Graham-Marshall-Scott
Boss

You will hear us on Brougham, you will hear us on Occidental, you will hear us on King. We are all around you, there is no escape.

by 108Ultra on Sep 20, 2010 8:42 PM PDT reply actions

I especially want the team to rest Montero and Alonso

since they’ve been logging lots of minutes

GK Boss

Scott Marshall Graham Wahl

Sturgis Fernandez

Nyassi Fucito Montano

Jaqua

Although, since Fucito might not see regular minutes at striker as long as Montero is healthy, maybe he’d be better on the wing where he could at least reasonably expect to play some.

by Nevtelen on Sep 20, 2010 8:46 PM PDT reply actions

I would like to see the same lineup

Resting Montero and Alonso is key. I am also interested to see Fernandez as a CAM and Fucito as a withdrawn striker.

by Dizzo on Sep 20, 2010 10:48 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

                      Jaqua
          Fucito
Estrada Seamon Montano
               Sturgis
Wahl Graham Marshall Scott
                 Boss

4-1-3-2, able to shift into a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 with Sturgis helping the attack. The midfield would be inexperienced, but very attacking minded and with a lot of pace. Fucito is withdrawn, playing off of Jaqua’s size. The only starter who would still play is Sturgis, who often makes me question Sigi’s judgment anyways…

by AKSupporter on Sep 21, 2010 2:17 AM PDT reply actions

I'd like the lineup to be...

…what most everyone is saying in this post. I’ve given up on the CCL, although I’ll watch the games. Although I’m really into the CCL tourney, the ref’ing is so one sided when out of the states, is it really even possible for MLS teams to win games outside of the US/Canada?

by soundersfcfanboy on Sep 21, 2010 8:20 AM PDT reply actions

Fantasy Lineup

Dave, since all your well-informed readers seem to have all the bases covered, I decided upon the following offensive “wish” list:

Fucito-Nkufo
Zak-Alonso-Fernandez-Fucito

Since it’s “Fantasy”, and I’m wrestling with wanting to see him play FWD vs RW, I had Fucito cloned..

by roadrunner11 on Sep 21, 2010 9:10 AM PDT reply actions

Can somebody clarify why Levesque can't play?

I suspect it’s due to yellow card accumulation in the CCL matches. If it’s not that, is there an injury I haven’t heard about?

It’s too bad, because at this point I’m all for trotting the B team out there.

by The King of Norway on Sep 21, 2010 9:23 AM PDT reply actions

correct

yellow card accumulation. he’s not injured.

by roadrunner11 on Sep 21, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions

My preferred lineup

TF – Nate Jaqua for about 75; Nkufo
WF – Mike Fucito full 90
LW – Sanna Nyassi; RW – David Estrada; Montano to come on for one of those at 60
CM – Alvaro Fernandez; Mike Seamon; with Sturgis to come on if neceessary
Backline – Tyson Wahl, Taylor Graham, Tyrone Marshall, Zach Scott
Keeper – Boss

This would give the a good run to Alvaro in the middle. And would have the young attacking players on the pitch at the same time to most easily judge the differences best enabling us, and coaches, to see who should be starting and in 18. They would all also be playing with each other. Nyassi, Fucito, Estrada and Seamon all have significant practice minutes together.

I was tempted to go Montano over Nyassi, but more than seeing Montano for the first time in ages I would rather see Nyassi and Fucito at the same time.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 21, 2010 10:07 AM PDT reply actions

Seems like several people have waffled on this but

I think I’d rather have Fucito play on the wing since I don’t think there’s a huge chance he’ll get significant minutes in an important game as the WF. If he performs well on the wing, it’s possible that he’d get significant minutes there in an actually important game.

by Nevtelen on Sep 21, 2010 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Everyone is so hot on this guy

would love to see him get a full 90 in.

by m_b on Sep 21, 2010 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm still a skeptic

Hoping to be proven wrong. I just feel like we should have a larger sample size before we crown this guy the golden child.

But given Nyassi’s bad passing and large number of minutes this year, yeah, I think Fucito deserves a chance (so that we can GET past the small sample size issue and see what he can really do).

by Orothar on Sep 21, 2010 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I think there is a relationship

between the length of time you’ve been reading the blog, and how much of a fan of Fucito you are.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 21, 2010 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I am wondering if we will see Montano at all

With the expansion draft coming, I wonder if the team wants to keep him looking like a kid. Do they put him in any games, that might show his ability. If he scores a goal, then he is gone. I think there are alot of players we don’t want to lose, but he is a potential star and transfer. Think, that we have not seen him at all. Even when he was getting standing ovations from the croud at the US Open Cup.

by Camnehem on Sep 21, 2010 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

How about some Noonan!

by m_b on Sep 21, 2010 11:57 AM PDT reply actions

No. Please. No.

by Dizzo on Sep 21, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

My lineup

Jaqua
Fucito
Estrada Flaco Montano
Seamon
Wahl Marshall Graham Scott
Boss

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 12:02 PM PDT reply actions

So what is the deal...

with Flaco not getting MLS starts? Is he still trying to settle into the lineup or is Nyassi just a better option than him right now? Is it a fitness thing?

Lineup looks about right though. What other choice do we really have? We need to rest up for the league and stay as fresh as possible for USOC final.

-Ben R.

by reesebw on Sep 21, 2010 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, four of his seven MLS appearances have been starts

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Four of Seven

This is a guy that started against guana in the knockout stages, of the world cup. I think the more important point is, why does Sigi not see him as better than the other players on the team. He should be on the field at all times. Especially, at CAM.

by Camnehem on Sep 21, 2010 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Believe it or not

Sigi seems to think Flaco still isn’t fit for 90 mins. Maybe it’s the physical nature of MLS as compared to S. America, but Sigi recently said Flaco can’t go 90 still. I’m pretty sure Sigi thinks he’s the best MF, but it’s just that he’s not always available. Keep in mind, I think those first two appearances were both as late game subs. So really, he’s only come off the bench once since being fully integrated into the team.

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Take him out at 60

I don’t think not starting him is the option. Take him out if he is getting tired. Put him in the middle and let him create. I think he is capable of that. Isn’t he supposed to be a CAM. Didn’t he play that possition in the world cup? (Maybe not, but he still should.) We have six games left. I think it is time to throw him in and watch what happens. There are three subs per game to help if a problem.

by Camnehem on Sep 21, 2010 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions

This is the argument for roster expansion next year

One more roster slot would mean we wouldn’t have to play a starter in this game. Worth every penny!

by sidereal on Sep 21, 2010 4:02 PM PDT reply actions

Also, we could have a third keeper so Keller wouldn't have to even make the trip

by sidereal on Sep 21, 2010 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Every healthy player is on this trip

so they can all go to Chicago together.

And add one more roster slot and still someone extra gets injured/disqualified, or two, or three

DC United traveled 17 healthy bodies for a league match. One of which was someone who needs knee surgery.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 21, 2010 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions

In my heart...

…I want the best possible lineup out there. Given that we are so far in the hole in group play, I want the Sounders to be the first MLS team to win in Mexico. Is that a little crazy? Maybe. But you never know what can happen in any given 90 minutes, and I think it would be a great story for the franchise.

Plus, I’m a crazy dreamer. Beat Monterrey and you never know what might happen with two games at home.

Of course, Sigi’s been riding some of the guys pretty hard, and I’d guess that probably Sturgis, Alonso, and Montero all need some rest. Also, given his age, it seems reasonable that Keller could use a breather. Probably to win this game, the team would need to play pretty cynically for the first 70 minutes and hope for Montero to come off the bench and orchestrate a last-minute goal. And without Alonso and Gonzalez out there, I kind of doubt that our defense can hold for 90 minutes, but you never know.

by ubelmann on Sep 21, 2010 7:16 PM PDT reply actions

The one silver lining

You have to imagine Monterrey will use its B team since they have pretty much wrapped up the group.

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I would be more confident of that if this was the 5th or 6th game...

…but yeah, I doubt that Suazo will start, at least. And maybe we can get their backup keeper—as I recall Orozco really had to work to keep his clean sheet in Seattle.

by ubelmann on Sep 21, 2010 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Interesting - according to Mayers

Also I wouldn’t be completely surprised to see Vagenas play in the CCL game Wednesday…

by Nevtelen on Sep 21, 2010 9:26 PM PDT reply actions

yeah, meant to mention this

Vagenas is fully participating in practice these days.

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Why can't our best play?

Monterrey is going to throw out their second team. Most of our team are very young. I don’t want to see Alonso, because of his injury issues. I would possibly sit Montero, because he has played almost every game. The other guys. Ianni and Parke have sat out a number of games and Zakuani was injured, so sat. Fernandez has not played all that much, since coming. Nkufo had an injury and sat out quite a while. Nyassi is young and energized. Why not take this game. We would be the first to win in Mexico and you never know. With two more home games. I just don’t think the players will be so tired, that they will not be able to play later games. If anyone looks at our lineups, then look at how many players have played in the last 15 games.

by Camnehem on Sep 21, 2010 9:44 PM PDT reply actions

also

Is practice that much easier than a game? I know it is in a mental sense, but that much physically?

A sky of blue, a sea of green...(or claret)

by kelliott1527 on Sep 21, 2010 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions

They are

Especially the day after a game, practices can be pretty light. They rarely have to go more than a 15-20 minutes at a time, especially at this point in the season.

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 21, 2010 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe true, but so what?

Practaces might be lighter, however these guys are mostly very young. Unless, they have injury, they are able to go all out. I don’t buy this whole idea that these players cannot play these multiple games. Maybe, they need a rest here and there, but by and large they are as fit as European players. Maybe, not as good but as fit. They are very capable of playing these games. The only thing that takes a toll, is mental and injuries.

by Camnehem on Sep 21, 2010 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions

For the most part, they have been playing every game

This is likely going to be the first game where less than half the starters don’t start. Point being, they are pretty much out of it at this point, so why run the risk?

Kicking k-nowledge at Sounder at Heart and Dreaming of Wigan

by Jeremiah Oshan on Sep 22, 2010 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions

I know its not the same

but NHL guys play a game like every two to three days…and it isnt like Hockey is super easy and relaxing. So why is it that much to play a game every 3-4 days? But I do concede the point of why risk injury.

A sky of blue, a sea of green...(or claret)

by kelliott1527 on Sep 22, 2010 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Hockey has line changes for one

And a much smaller field of play for two

Average soccer players cover between 9-12 kilometers in a match.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 23, 2010 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions

I dont know how reliable it is

but answers.com says they skate about 13 miles in a game. Espn also put out an interesting article http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/sportSkills and it compares the sports. Soccer does require more endurance, but your body is so beat up in hockey every game. Sorry for this crazy tangent comparing hockey, I dont even like hockey I just watch it with friends, but I really don’t see an reason except for injuries or not being match fit. Then again the last time I competitively played was in High School so I don’t have much experience.

A sky of blue, a sea of green...(or claret)

by kelliott1527 on Sep 23, 2010 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions