Seattle Sounders v Philadelphia Union - Gamethread
by Dave Clark on Oct 8, 2011 5:30 PM PDT
in Sounders: MLS Regular Season
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PrintThe Philadelphia Union's good-to-bad defensive fluctuations have forced them to become an Eastern Conference contender after an early season when they seemed to dominated the weaker side of the bracket. With Faryd Mondragon maybe making a return the Seattle Sounders will get to discover if it was his lack of experience or one of the most baffling trades in MLS this season that is the fault for their weaknesses defensively.
Seattle has a distinct advantage on set-plays and though they lack their best service man still have three capable in Erik Friberg, Mike Fucito and Tyson Wahl. The Sounders have proven that set-play success does not require height as much as proper tactics both on defense and offense. There will be a challenge because of the injury and card situations dropping the top three offensive players from the lineup, but Sigi still will have four players with 6 or more goals in all competitions.
The game is on KONG and 97.3FM with Arlo White on the call at 7:00 PM
Pre Match Build-up: Projected Lineup | Three Questions | Scouting Report
Tactical Keys
- Defend and Counter
- Technical on Right, Speed on Left
- Set-play Magic
- Use Physical Challenges on Le Toux
Player Matchups
- Osvaldo Alonso v Justin Mapp
- Nate Jaqua (or other big Forward) v Danny Califf
- Jhon Kennedy Hurtado v Sebastian Le Toux
Beverage: Brougham Bitter at Temple Billiards
Scarf: Nos Audietis
Kit: #ChurchOfFucito v2.0
Where I'm Watching: Sec: 214 Row C
Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep
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Was going to go but I'm unfortunately coming down with a cold
So I’ll be hanging out with all you game threaders
How about the USMNT today?
Finally got the win for Jurgen.
I met a possum.
by s0merand0mdude on Oct 8, 2011 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I havn't been able to keep up with them.
Is it still basically in the “move everyone around like crazy to figure out who fits into my system” still with Jurgen?
Now with more pessimism!
Dempsey's goal was awesome
The video of the goal is on the front page now at U.S. soccer – http://www.ussoccer.com/ It’s worth looking at the goal if you haven’t seen it.
by Roger Sounder on Oct 8, 2011 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Beverage: Buliet Whiskey
Scarf: Left it at home
Kit: Wingman Brewers shirt
Where I’m Watching: Leavenworth – Oktoberfest
Recessionproof since 2009.
by 253Sounder on Oct 8, 2011 5:42 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Quick question:
Why is Adu not starting with the Union?
Is it because:
1) He’s not ready for 90 minutes
2) He’s not good enough to be a starter
3) Something else?
Well, he's starting tonight...
I met a possum.
by s0merand0mdude on Oct 8, 2011 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm like 99.9999% sure that MLS would not allow that during play
If that’s what you mean by “sticking around”.
I met a possum.
by s0merand0mdude on Oct 8, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
So instead of the tall / short pairing up front
we’re going with the fast /slow.
by central_scrutinizer on Oct 8, 2011 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
neither of them can find the net
but it does seem like jaqua is completely in his own head after all those close calls…
Sounders Starting Lineup
via @PhilaUnion: Keller; Wahl, Riley, Parke, Hurtado; Evans, Alonso, Friberg, Neagle; Fucito, Noonan
I met a possum.
Also, Fernandez is on the 18
Soooo… 2nd half sub maybe?
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Philadelphia Starting Lineup
via @PhilaUnion: MacMath; G. Farfan, Califf, Valdes, Williams; M. Farfan, Carroll, Paunovic, Mapp; Adu, Le Toux
I met a possum.
Looks like Adu is the 2nd/WF forward rather than the CAM
I don’t know if the Adu/Le Toux pairing up front is going to work for Nowak. We’ll see I guess.
Just to expand on that thought..
Le Toux plays better behind the line with space to work. His holdup play isn’t his strong suit. Adu is better as a facilitator than a striker. I see the two of them tripping all over each other to start this match.
I saw an ad for this game on Al Jazeera Sports
I was watching the USMNT game on a stream from Al Jazeera HD1. They were advertising the Sounders v Union game on one of the commercial breaks. The ad was in Arabic, but I gussing they are going to broadcast the game live.
That's really cool to get that kind of exposure.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The announcers also mentioned the Sounders v San Jose game
And specifically mentioned the 50,000 tickets sold. One of the announcers said he was going to that game. I’m assuming these were FSC announcers.
It's actually 55,000 tickets sold
It was Kyle Martino that mentioned he was going for FSC, Arlo mentioned the 55 sold on KJR on Thursday and said the FO had informed him.
Ehh..
Where would he start? He plays in what is essentially Fredy’s position.
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, of course.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. Let’s slip Hanauer some roofies and get it done.
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think most teams would trade for a designated player like Montero.
As a DP, Montero costs a lot. Sure, not all of his salary applies to the cap, but he’s still very expensive for any team to acquire.
We’ll lose Montero in a year or two, but to Europe.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Fredy can't play
every match in 3 competitions.
Which is why we have Fucito.
I met a possum.
by s0merand0mdude on Oct 8, 2011 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
If Fredy was to leave for Europe (which I as a fan wish that he doesnt go, but me as a person wishes that he takes the best opportunity for his career, which would be in Europe), then I wouldnt mind bringing Le Toux back.
However, I have no idea why Philly would want to trade their best player, so I doubt we would get him.
Looks like suite level.
As opposed to a suite behind the club seats, above section 235.
I asked because I thought maybe you would see a player in the club section, but I’m sure that suite is catered, so why would a player mix with fans in the club area, unless they wanted to.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounders clearly miss Montero's drop backs.
Never really noticed until this game but I’m seeing a lot of balls played to spots that I know Montero would be at to recieve, but he’s not.
Now with more pessimism!
not to impressive....
pretty sloppy passing game so far
by Kevin Higginbottom on Oct 8, 2011 7:20 PM PDT reply actions
i know fredy is suspended tonight but
what other alternatives are/were there besides Noonan? I just don’t get it unless there are no better options…..i suppose noonan is better than jaqua in this line-up (or most)……noonan just doesn’t produce as a forward (decent passing at times) and we’d kinda like to take 3pts tonight I would imagine
Life's what happens while you're making other plans
Uhh you are kidding right?
Union wouldn’t let him go, and if they did then putting him in as a back up to Fredy is a waste of resources. Because he’d be expensive.
Now with more pessimism!
I'd almost rather have Lamar up front and bring in Carrasco in the mid
Life's what happens while you're making other plans
Ochoa might get the start
If he were match fit for a full 90. But he isn’t. He is available for later in the match, and has looked dangerous in CONCACAF action.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions
When I think of DQ...
…I think of chicken with Texas Toast and gravy. Or at least I do now thanks to Arlo!
Yeah, a lack of Fredy will do that.
To be fair though, Philly has a legitimately solid defense.
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
It seems to be slowly re-emerging.
Sounders 'til I die
by SounderJunkie on Oct 8, 2011 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow that was a decent volley by Noonan
I expected him to whiff or send it wide, but it was on target, not with a ton of punch but put it on target and who knows.
I think the dude in the red jersey
is playing for Philly
To be fair, I haven't seen him impact the game to badly
…yet.
Sounders 'til I die
by SounderJunkie on Oct 8, 2011 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
He had to have seen that handball..
..and the elbow-to-head move deserves a little “blah blah” talking to?
Luckily they're not doing much with their possession.
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
So since it's quiet here..
what’s the scoop with Ngassa. Back to Tanzania, but will we see him again in the preseason?
I imagine so
The Sounders have committed themselves to bringing in Tanzanian players for trials as part of their partnership with the Tanzanian government.
Okay
where is the midfield? I never seen that many throw-ins in the attacking 3rd by the same team in a single half.
Noonan is just the anti-offense.
I want someone to ask Sigi what exactly it is that Noonan brings to this attack. His touch is poor, his speed is poor, his finishing in poor. It’s not like Evans where when you watch him off the ball his value becomes apparent. For the life of me I can’t identify what it is that Pat Noonan brings to this team.
true
but i don’t know if Jaqua would be any better given how we looked so far in today’s game.
He has the only legit shot on goal
He isn’t the problem
by m_b on Oct 8, 2011 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
He beat a pretty spot on cross into the ground.
I think he’s certainly a part of the problem at least.
His touch and passing ability is pretty good.
I think that’s the value Sigi sees in him, even if his speed and shooting ability are pretty poor.
Now with more pessimism!
Noonan had 37 goals in 5 years with New England.
Unfortunately, in his four years spent in Columbus, Colorado, and Seattle, he has had only 4. Hopefully, he can find that New England form again. It would be great if it happened tonight.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
What're you guys thinking so far?
Seems like the Union have had a ton of possession, without that final third “kill” mentality needed to score. Sounders seem very timid thus far.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
Agreed.
Union need Mwanga on for Adu or Paunovic to have a chance at three points.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Oct 8, 2011 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Where did the Union find Paunovic?
That guy has not looked very good. I have a hard time imagining he’s a better option than Mwanga. Is he having a bad game or something?
He didn't play after retiring in 2008/9 until this season.
At 33, he’s played too much so far.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Oct 8, 2011 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Surprisingly in favor of the Union.
That’s unusual.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Oct 8, 2011 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Philly with possession in the midfield, Sounders seem content to counter but haven't been able to link up very well.
1 goal will probably decide the match.
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like most Union games.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Oct 8, 2011 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
so i just got home from a night out in england! and the game is on :)
i think ill watch part of the second half before going to bed..
its good to be back in a live thread again
Hopefully the second half will be more entertaining than the first :)
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions
i hope so too! this is the first game I've watched since coming here..
i missed the open cup final due to early lectures
Are you over there for a quarter/semester, or longer?
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Holy crap.
Well, enjoy your (extended) stay!
by wyte_lightning on Oct 8, 2011 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Tactical?
Can’t afford to lose Parke for any length of time.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
They'll all be wearing
Petr Cech helmets pretty soon.
Better than
seeing all these guys get their eggs scrambled.
How well could a player execute a header wearing a helmet?
Petr Cech is the only player that I know of that regularly wears one, and I don’t think I’ve seen him make very many headers. Of course, not being a Chelsea fan, I haven’t seen him play very much. I would think that the helmets would take headers out of the game.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
More relevant is Inter fullback Christian Chivu
He seems fine on headers
by Graham MacAree on Oct 8, 2011 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Headers would be fine
A properly executed header should be with the forehead. Concussions usually come from getting walloped on some other part of the head, which would theoretically be covered by the helmet.
by sammysounder on Oct 9, 2011 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Seattle's passing really needs to be better.
Not having Montero is no excuse.
Now with more pessimism!
Via @soundersfc:
INJURY UPDATE: Jeff Parke left the game at halftime with a head injury. http://sndrs.com/11g23
Flaco
Flacco is a condition you can get pills for.
by Kohflot on Oct 8, 2011 8:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
It might just be the medical staff being more cautious
In light of Boss’s season ending concussions.
This is probably it
it’s really true for all US sports right now.
Sounders 'til I die
by SounderJunkie on Oct 8, 2011 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that what m_b stands for?
Sounders 'til I die
by SounderJunkie on Oct 8, 2011 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
so
you don’t get card for taking shirt off in a non celebration?
Fucito for Jaqua.
Game over, man, game over.
by Son of Mecha Mummy on Oct 8, 2011 8:32 PM PDT reply actions
Two big guys
up top now.. big change, but maybe that’s what we need right now.
yea
stupid move with how the midfield is looking.
if
seattle was playing a little bit more clearer midfield and getting the ball more into the attacking 3rd our forwards would be a little bit more effective. I was hoping flaco come in for friberg or neagle not jaqua for fucito.
Too
be honest supporter shield was kinda of a long shot imo.
yep
hopefully we see our team playing better than they have vs union
I sure hope our skill players
are back for the playoffs…especially Rosales
by Kevin Higginbottom on Oct 8, 2011 8:38 PM PDT reply actions
Agreed
This second half would be very different if Parke were still in the match, even if the goals weren’t Ianni’s fault.
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
It wasn't
I said “the goals weren’t Ianni’s fault.”
by Derek Markgraf on Oct 8, 2011 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions
So
no montero no rosales and falco on bench make that much of a difference?
I'm inclined to say
it’s more of a leadership thing than skill. No one’s stepped up to say “Follow me!” Evans has a bit, but hasn’t had the inspired play tonight to go along with it.
Yeah, they're 3 of our top attacking players
Arguably our top 3, the only others that could be in the conversation are Evans, Fucito, and Neagle.
We're down 0-2
Give us some hope ref!!!!
Referee is letting Philly get away with murder.
This is bullshit.
by Son of Mecha Mummy on Oct 8, 2011 8:48 PM PDT reply actions
Don't
blame the ref for seattle not playing well.
He didn't,
he blamed the ref for letting Philly get away with murder. Which is true whether or not it would have changed the outcome of the game.
Sounders 'til I die
by SounderJunkie on Oct 8, 2011 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Except I'm not doing that.
We’re losing on our own merits/lack thereof tonight. That doesn’t mean the referee isn’t doing a poor job.
by Son of Mecha Mummy on Oct 8, 2011 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Well..
1) We’re missing guys.
2) They’re a good team.
Like
Jaqua would been better to start instead of noonan?
Jaqua has demonstrated in the past that he has the ability to score goals.
He at least has a recognizable soccer skill (rampage + some foot skill). Noonan is just a complete nullity on the field.
I agree
with ya on that regarding jaqua. I was kinda not expecting Noonan to start up top though.
I’m amazed how far union came compared to them last year.
Jaqua has at the very least contributed to goals scored lately.
Even if he hasn’t scored them himself. He would have been a much better option than Noonan.
by Son of Mecha Mummy on Oct 8, 2011 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not going to fret over this one
The Union needed this a lot more than we did. And they played like it. Hopefully they’ll step it up against Monterry.
yea
i’m moving on. Not happy but i’m not gonna be bothered by this. Interesting note first time i watch a rather bad game (i would use ugly but i don’t think it was that bad of a game.)
The Sounders have lost 4 games at home this season.
That’s really not that bad.
by Aaron Campeau on Oct 8, 2011 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea
wasn’t this also the first time we lost at home by more than 1 goal?
Look on the bright side
If this was a proper league table, our season would have just ended
by Aasenb on Oct 8, 2011 9:00 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Sorry
but a proper league table will never happen for MLS.
Why sorry?
He never mentioned wanting one, only that it would have made us all really depressed if one existed.
oh i agree it would i just
think a proper league table would hurt US soccer more than help.
How
much longer until Ochoa is full 90 match fit?
Doesn't really matter this season
If Ochoa sees any playoff minutes, we’re already in trouble
Nos Audietis
The strategy to beat us is clear
(1) play us as physically hard as the ref will allow from the start of the game;
(2) neutralize Montero, Rosales, and Fernandez and cut our offense in half and force us into Jaqnoonvesque.
The sky is not falling with this loss by far, but you can see the MLS is going to go with the RSL game plan against us.
We have one game left now—Monty. Win group in CCL. While SJ is important to say goodbye to Keller, we can play Jaqnoonvesque, and the entire back bench for all I care.
And I am sick of the “well, SS doesn’t matter anyway” now that we lost it. Even Sigi just piped that crap. We did lose it, it meant something, so lets not lose again to the CCL group or MLS Cup.
by Brougham Hooligan on Oct 8, 2011 10:07 PM PDT reply actions
I don't
get #2 since none of them actually played today.
That is kinda the point
they all happened to be out due to injury and yellow card accumulation today and see the results. Pound the crap out of them per point#1 when they play and we can’t do much from the bench so they be injured or shut down. Sad commentary on MLS really that a game plan like that would be effective.
by Brougham Hooligan on Oct 8, 2011 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't
buy that one bit. Injuries and suspensions happen.
Yes, if teams manage to effectively neutralize all three of those players the Sounders will have a tough time winning.
Teams have been trying to do it all season long. More often than not they haven’t been successful.
by Aaron Campeau on Oct 8, 2011 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed, but we are heading to playoffs
Rosales #4, Montero #9 in MLS fouls suffered so far this year. Coincidence? When the ploy works, it works, and when it doesn’t… For me the jury is out on Friberg, Evans, Neagle. I think if we force the fight at midfield, we are in great shape. Up front is our weakness absent Fucito and Montero. Today, we started in the hole, but our midfield still made a game of it. We were not blown out by any stretch.
by Brougham Hooligan on Oct 8, 2011 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Short of the playoff losses this is the most disappointed I've been about a match
Say what you will about the noticeable injuries/suspensions… this is the very first time I’ve felt like the boys “mailed it in.” Bleh.
Definitely not the most disappointing, IMHO
That honor goes to the DC United away game. We gave that one away.
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