Erik Friberg Option Picked Up, Other Options TBD
by Dave Clark on Nov 9, 2011 10:05 PM PST
in Sounders: News
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Swedish midfielder Erik Friberg's option will be picked up by the Seattle Sounders. Earlier reports out of Sweden indicated that Friberg and the team extended the contract, more accurately there is an option that the team holds. Today, during a post-season interview with Adrian Hanauer he said the following about the option;
We like Erik. We think he's happy here, but we'll sit down over the next bit and make certain we're not missing something.
Joshua Mayers learned that the option will be exercised quite soon.
There are other players with options, or who are out of contract, and Hanauer will have to decide which of those to pick up and which to leave open to the Re-Entry Draft. Generally pleased with the talent on the team, Hanauer indicated that there would be tweaks rather than wholesale changes, but they do have some flexibility to create room to add a piece or two beyond the replacement for Kasey Keller or the likely expansion draft loss.
There will be more flexibility than that. Some players are re-entry eligible. Some are at the end of their contracts. Some we could potentially trade. Yes, there is flexibility. We will have more flexibility [than just two players].
Once those options are picked up in December veteran player contracts will be guaranteed for 2012. Younger players could be cut in the early season to provide opportunity to add players during the season, but the current CBA does limit those options.
Hanauer's goal is to win multiple trophies in 2012. He didn't state specifically, but Coach Sigi Schmid on Monday indicated that the four on the table being considered are the CONCACAF Champions League, MLS Cup, Supporters Shield and US Open Cup.
Adrian also notes that consistency is part of what he thinks is key to developing a strong club, but that to get better there are a minor number of moves needed.
We didn't quite get there this year, but we're not that far off. That leads to the conclusion that a lot of the pieces we have in place are pieces that we need to keep in place and just hopefully compliment that core.
Hovering between recognition that the season was both successful and disappointing at the same time, Hanauer made it clear that this is a team that is very close to meeting its goals, and one that intends to hit them in 2012.
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I couldn't even get him to give me the number of players
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
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Did anyone ask him about whether Tetteh counts as a 3rd protected international player for the expansion draft?
by Abbott Smith on Nov 10, 2011 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
why
What is the reason for keeping player contract information from the supporters? Seems like the downside is low. Gives us more info to speculate on and get amped up about.
On Twitter, he is hilarious.
And beautiful.
by The King of Norway on Nov 10, 2011 12:25 PM PST up reply actions
Great news
I like Friberg a lot. While not necessarily a blowout player, he is very high quality and with a little polish I think could be a game-changer.
Add Friberg to your protected lists
I like his game. good news. I wonder how all the travel affected him this year? I don’t believe he had that much travel in Sweden.
Not necessarily
Just because the Sounders exercised his option, doesn’t mean that they will protect him in the expansion draft. Granted he certainly may be, but I wouldn’t read his protection into this announcement.
by Abbott Smith on Nov 10, 2011 8:23 AM PST up reply actions
True, it doesn't automatically lead to him being protected
But I think he’ll be on the protected list. And I’m rooting for him to be on it.
He's good, but his form could improve
If you look at this play you can see a mixture of great instincts but a lack of polish.
A shove that is properly executed is accompanied with a sharp hit as well.
As you can see he gets off to a good running start when he approaches Morales. But he hesitates when he goes into his motion, and that causes him to lose a lot of momentum. Consequently he loses most of the force that could have been delivered. Nevertheless he does show good follow through in getting Morales down. He is also clearly stronger than his frame would indicate.
I give this play a solid B: great instincts in defending his rights on the field, and a good result in getting Morales on the ground. But with the proper technique he could have also left a mark on Morales chest. And leaving a long-lasting mark, over and above getting the guy on the ground, is ultimately what one wants to accomplish when executing the shove.
by Choskasoft on Nov 10, 2011 9:24 AM PST reply actions 5 recs
I would argue that he used the correct amount of force
as so that he would not be booked for that infraction. If he had used more force he probably would have been called for a foul and mostly likely shown a yellow. I feel this play deserves an A-. He could’ve gotten an A+ if he had gestured for Morales to get up as if he’d taken a dive :)
by Colin Johnson on Nov 10, 2011 9:40 AM PST up reply actions
handbags with Rimando
After the Ozzie PK he displayed a more nuanced approach, engaging Rimando in a bit of rough-and-tumble, earning the ’keeper a yellow and providing fans the giddy frisson of a possible comeback. A deft bit of contretemps for which I applaud our “God Swede”.
What song is it you want to hear? FREE BERG!
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