You Have Sounders Questions, We Have Sounders Answers
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 7:58 PM PST
in Sounders: MLS Regular Season
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PrintLive Q&A now open.
The Sounder at Heart crew has been spending the last few weeks poring over preseason reports, attending practices and trying to figure out the intricacies of MLS roster building. For the most part, we've been sharing our findings with you. But there are surely questions that you have that we haven't directly addressed, or not addressed in the exact way you wanted.
Now is your chance to ask us directly. Dave, Sidereal, Brian Floyd (yes, he's now considered part of the crew) and whoever else stops by will be here to answer whatever questions you may have about the Sounders. We anticipate that most of that will focus on the upcoming season, but we're perfectly willing to get into other areas. Curious about Dave's take on the situation in the Middle East? Want to know what Sidereal thinks of the current state of statistical data? Curious why Brian would choose to go to school in Pullman? Wondering why Jeremiah is writing this post but not planning to be available for the Q&A? We'd like it to focus on soccer, but we're willing to go outside the box.
In any case, the fun should start around 8 p.m. (that's Pacific because that's where we live and suspect that's where you live, too). We'll probably keep it going until the questions stop coming in.
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no your not crazy
im pretty sure at least 95 percent of fans are wondering the same thing
I hate to beat a dead horse but cutting a guy while he's injured would be poor form
Let him get healthy, and then rate him. Its the only just thing to do.
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I just hope that means they put him on IR
Because wasting a non IR slot on someone who’s not proven anything in camp because of injury seems, well, wasteful.
It is a possibility
they do have 1 too many Senior roster players. So someone has to wind up on the Injured List
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There is past form to rate him on
and I think such things as age and injuries factor into these decisions, in addition to role on the team and future plans.
by PeterJH on Feb 21, 2011 2:55 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Brian Bosworth was
cut from the Seahawks while he was still on IR.
by WestcoastBrian on Feb 21, 2011 7:55 AM PST up reply actions
if salary cap becomes an issue
is it fair to the person who was cut that someone else was kept because they had an injury and not because of on field play?
I really don’t think this is as cut and dried a moral issue as you argue it is.
Not sure if I'll be around at 8, so I thought I'd post this now, if that's ok.
Most of my questions are regarding finances. I would appreciate some links to information about this sort of thing, if they exist.
A lot of my questions are around the issue of the salary cap. I’m aware there is a salary cap, but do most teams spend all the way up to their limit? When you factor in DP’s and GA contracts, where do the Sounders rank in the league in terms of their payroll?
Thanks for providing the forum!
This year's cap data isn't out
but last year most teams were not up against the cap.
Sounders were in the top 3rd for overall roster spend, but you wouldn’t want to count GA contracts because not only are they not on the cap, they aren’t paid by the team, but by Adidas
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Don't have numbers handy
But Sounders payroll was about $4.5m which I think was fourth or fifth behind lag nyrb chi and maybe tor
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:10 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Sounders have been bumping very close to the cap this offseason
which is why they traded out of the first round to get allocation money from Portland (and ended up getting all of their players anyway)
Nos Audietis
And Sigi keeps bringing it up
When discussing roster moves and cuts, he keeps bringing up allocation money and cap room as justification for keeping younger guys.
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by Brian Floyd on Feb 20, 2011 8:13 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'll ask it-
I’m wondering why Jeremiah is writing this post but not planning to be available for the Q&A?
He wrote it earlier for me
But is out about town for a while. He may pop in later.
The idea was intiated as a solo event but others will be popping in
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I'm watching uw play tennis
Will try to pop in when I can
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
A more serious question-
Which of the rookies/new guys will make the team/play/do good and which one should I get irrationally attached to?
Michael Tetteh for young guys
I’m running a feature on him this week, and talked to him last. I think you guys will like him. Good kid.
Ill also be popping in and out like Jeremiah.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
by Brian Floyd on Feb 20, 2011 8:09 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I've got a thing for Josh Ford
Not because of the interview, but for all the reasons I picked him the mock draft. Plus he doesn’t look like a keeper, but he can explode in reaction
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Sounder At Heart
I like both young keepers
But you shouldn’t get irrationally attached to them, because we’re almost certainly going to lose one.
Nos Audietis
They will lose one, but I believe they will still hold his rights unless he signs overseas.
Heck, I read a few weeks ago the Sounders still hold Evan Browns’ rights.
A drafted player that passes through waivers
Has their rights held for the next two full seasons.
On the roster link at top of page, all players whose rights are held by Sounders are “inactive”
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If that is the case, I do not think Ford would be claimed if waived
He was drafted very late and if another team wanted him, they had ample opportunity to draft him before the Sounders did. I believe the real long-term decision between the two will not happen this season.
Not positive who's nominated
But my favorite monie this year was inception
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:06 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Black Swan
which I haven’t seen, but it has Natalie Portman in it…
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I stopped reading at Natalie Portman
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Aronofsky is directing next wolverine movie :)
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think I liked The Fountain more than most people did.
And when you realize that it was made with little or no CG it’s just more impressive.
Which of our New Acquisitions do you think will make the biggest impact...
a) This season?
b) Down the road in the long term?
This season first
Tetteh, White and Friberg
Long term? has to be Tetteh
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Do I count Levesque and Estrada?
If so…
Jaqua, Fucito, White, Levesque, Noonan, Estrada, Neagle
Yeah, that’s 9, but several play other roles
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Blaise bring anything this year?
Projections if he will be a Major contributor this year? I am not sold help me believe…..
I think he will
And there’s enough depth to keep him fresh or step in if he can’t.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
by Brian Floyd on Feb 20, 2011 8:10 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Totally agree
Funny, but his success won’t be measured by goals, but by the space he provides for Montero, Zakuani and Alvaro
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He'll be very good if healthy
Not sure what’s not to like. Scored 5 goals in what? 12-13 matches. I’ll take that prorated over a year
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:13 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Backup Keeper
I don’t think that Keller can play 40+ matches, so the Open Cup and CCL (or worse Supporters Shield) will be determined by the #2 keeper.
Can Terry Boss win in Mexico?
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Keller
do you have any worries he can go 34 games?
I don't expect him to start every game in regular season
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Keeper?
Not so much about Keller but if he gets hurt I’m not real confident in any of backups
Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, North American soccer editor SB Nation and of course follow me on Twitter
by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 20, 2011 8:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Withdrawn Forward
Montero as a starter
Fucito as second
Neagle or Estrada as third
Stacked.
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Sounder At Heart
I like center mid
Evans, Friberg, Alvaro (if he wants) are all starter-worthy. Seamon’s a decent backup at 4th on the depth chart.
Nos Audietis
Way too early projections...
Which players lead the team in goals, assists, yellow cards & red cards in all competitions?
by wyte_lightning on Feb 20, 2011 8:13 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Montero, Zak, Alonso and Leo because, well, he just seems to get sent off.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
by Brian Floyd on Feb 20, 2011 8:15 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Not too early
We actually have a composite look at some projections for the season coming out soon.
Goals – the battle here will be between Montero, Zakuani and since you said all competitions maybe Fucito. I’ll go Montero.
Assists – Zakuani, I’m seeing a 10 and 10
Yellow Cards – Hurtado
Red Cards – Riley?
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Sounder At Heart
Riley red cards = more Levesque on the field
We will respect the ’stache
Nos Audietis
by sidereal on Feb 20, 2011 8:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Any rumors in dark alleys or on wire taps about MLS Payoffs
And will it somehow bring importance in Supports shied.???
I expect top 3 from each conference
and a 4 team wild card round
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Sounder At Heart
better to have wild cards
than have it just be top 5
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True
If only Garber could let conferences not matter, even just for this one year…
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 10:09 PM PST up reply actions
It is very hard to have a history
when you ignore it
It would be like being Portland
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by Dave Clark on Feb 20, 2011 10:16 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Best player can mean so much
best overall career? do i count only MLS?
Landon Donovan if only MLS, or what I expect for 2011.
best overall in all leagues? Thierry Henry
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Donovan for offense
Joseph if he isn’t high.
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Martinez in camp makes it much less likely
I was constructing scenarios that kept them both last week, but I’m pretty sure Sigi would rather have Martinez than 4 keepers.
Nos Audietis
Doesn't sound like it
I wasn’t super high on Boss’ performance in the CCL last year, but he dominated at times in USL and keeper’s a position where experience counts as much as ability. Holding two college guys would be hard.
Nos Audietis
Sidereal has a way to do it
and I kind of like it.
It would involve loaning one down to a lower division side so they can play more than just in reserves
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Sounder At Heart
I think this team is built for prolonged success
the depth seems to be built for Open Cup, CCL and Shield, more than MLS Cup Playoffs
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Sounder At Heart
This roster is deep enough to go anywhere it wants
I’d take Fucito/Estrada/Tetteh/Ianni/Jaqua/etc against any non-Mexican side in the group stage.
On-field leadership will be a key, I think
Nos Audietis
Question for readers
Have you retweeted or liked a story here?
Why not?
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Sounder At Heart
retweeted
I am using my sb login not Facebook login… Don’t think I can like with SB login can I? never tried.
You can connect your facebook to your sbn account
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Can't say I have.
I tend to not share news at all on either network, sports or otherwise. The only time I recall sharing anything from SBN was right after Niehaus’ passing.
by zeeehjee on Feb 20, 2011 8:26 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm familiar with that
as I try not to talk politics on my twitter, and was thrilled when the facebook page split off my personal account
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Sounder At Heart
The other reason...
and I’m sorry to say it, but the Sounders just really aren’t all that important to me yet. I’m trying, though. But when a story shows up here, even if I like it, I don’t think to myself, “Wow. I’ve gotta let my friends know about this.”
I'm a soccer evangelist
so this confuses me…
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Sounder At Heart
I have not,
but I don’t have a twitter and just got facebook this weekend so I don’t really know what I’m doing there.
Yes and Yes
Multiple times, a week… though I hesitate to retweet because I’m not sure I have more than 3 followers who don’t follow you.
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 10:05 PM PST up reply actions
Ditto
But I do put links to in my GMail status for my friends. One friend thanked me for linking to the Alonso resigning story because he hadn’t heard yet.
Fan of: Cardinals, Blues, Sounders, Yellow Jackets, Wolverines, Rams, and Blazers.
by ColinMacLeod on Feb 21, 2011 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
A lot of Levesque has shown up in this thread.
What am I missing with this guy? I don’t get why he sticks around.
His moustache doesn't count against the salary cap
Also: great work rate, he makes good decisions, he can play anywhere on the field (except maybe keeper) without embarrassing himself, and he does it without taking much salary.
Nos Audietis
Much of his fascination comes from his USL History
While not a glory man like Le Toux he was solid goal scorer that hung out with fans. He works his ass off just as much as anyone.
This year he’ll be a great super-sub
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Sounder At Heart
When Levesque shows up he's clutch.
He always seems to show up when the Sounders have really needed him. Two instances I remember are game winning goals in 2009 US Open Cup, and the game last year in DC. He’s not super impressive overall but seems to come in when it really counts. He’s got experience, is cheap, is versatile, and he is also a really hard worker.
Does Pandora count as a band?
Currently it seems to be playing a lot of Bon Iver and Tool for me.
Nos Audietis
311
which is why the depth chart is called 3 XIs
Also have a weakness for PUSA, PJ, Soundgarden, Beastie Boys
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Sounder At Heart
Hmmm...
There is a lyric from “Down” that has always bothered me. I just looked it up. It said Funky, and thankfully not what I thought.
They are a peace love unity band
besides their enjoyment of the herb they are about as non-threatening as can be
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Sounder At Heart
Supports Groups and Council
do any of you belong or play a role in supports groups…. and are any of you on the council thingy
follow up
and one more… .how do you see the democracy in sports playing out?
Democracy in Sports within the American sports franchise system is tough
we’re working really hard at it, but its going to take a lot of time. It will also be a partnership between owners that have spent millions.
We hope to have an announcement soon
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Drew was the only insider pushing for democracy
And he hasn’t been publicly campaigning for it in a long time. At this point, it’s up to the fans/STH to force the issue or the FO will happily let it die.
Nos Audietis
I don't think that's quite true
it is a significant part of their brand, to include being on the authentic jerseys for the next two years
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Sounder At Heart
Putting it on a jersey is cheap
Actually making a change that execs don’t want but fans do is hard. Has there been one yet? CCL games in Qwest was probably forced by CONCACAF. Away Cascadia allocation was like pulling teeth and was still small.
Nos Audietis
I am not, nor do I plan on being in a Supporter Group
I am on the Council, and proud to be there.
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Sounder At Heart
I might join Gorilla this year
but I’m not sitting in the section and getting down to Fado is a hassle, so I’d be peripheral
Nos Audietis
Influence
Would you say the Council or the supports Groups have more influence on FO? From the outside, not being part of either, I hear ECS Complain and Council… not sure what they do?
Well, in 2009 Council lead the Supporters Summit
to include creating the logo and slogan that will be used from that day forward.
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See him going anywhere?
Is Levesque actually getting better or just fitting in nicely given our need for a super-sub?
At 30, he's probably not getting better
He is what he is, and that’s a great person to fill out an MLS roster
Nos Audietis
by sidereal on Feb 20, 2011 8:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Levesque isn't getting better
He’s just able to be of most use in this role. He effectively adds a spot to the bench
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Sounder At Heart
Questions
a) Is there a DVD set or library of past games (2009, 2010)
b) Is Richard Martinez an imternational?
c) Given that IR players count against the cap, and I expect Jaqua
On the IR to begin the season, who else may end up there in the
Off chance we look to trade them (Noonan, Seamon??)? How many can
We have on the IR?
d) Home grown players do not count against the cap unless they are 1-20.
What is the sense in signing/paying all of these home growns (Dallas)
If we own the rights to them anyway?
e) What is Seamon’s injury?
f) Was Joseph sent home from Revs for drugs
In order
a – not yet, but it has been suggested to club
b – I don’t think PR nationals count as internationals as they have that odd psuedo citizenship
c – IL can hold 4 players. Hard to trade an injured player
d – if an HGP isn’t going to get playing time, and is going to a good college it makes more sense to have them go to school.
e – all I’ve heard is minor
f – probably, it wouldn’t surprise
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Sounder At Heart
Favorite club outside of the Sounders?
by wyte_lightning on Feb 20, 2011 8:44 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I try to follow al-Sadd in Qatari Stars League
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Sounder At Heart
How many hipsters have been to Qatar?
Nos Audietis
by sidereal on Feb 20, 2011 8:50 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
No, I just have a fascination with the MidEast
Purely unhip
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Sounder At Heart
Timbers
Heh. But seriously, I try to have a club in every league that I keep track of, just to make looking at the scoreboard more interesting and as a gateway to understanding the league. But I wouldn’t call any of them favorites. I like both Arsenal and Tottenham, which I’m sure confuses Londoners.
Nos Audietis
I like both Arsenal and Tottenham
hahahahah
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
I guess… lol
Over the years I have developed genuine distaste…
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
For which?
You can’t not like Bale, Van der Vaart, and Crouch. You can’t not like Fabregas, Nasri, and Sagna.
On the other hand, you can not like Arshavin, Bendtner, Lennon, and Hilarious Gomes.
Nos Audietis
Oh, I am a Gooner through and through.
The players themselves? eh, not too many I hate this batch. Bale is the only one I like…well envy Spurs for having him.
The team as a whole dislike.
Fans? Hate… Especially after being in London for derby day a few years back..Not at the Emirates but still, that just exacerbated everything.
Oh, and I don’t like Redknapp either…didnt like him at Portsmouth, don’t like him now.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
Redknapp's an ex-Sounder!
http://www.goalseattle.com/museum/1978updatesDec03/seattle_sounders_reserves_.htm
Though I admit that’s the only thing keeping me from not hating him
Nos Audietis
Arsenal
And Eintracht Frankfurt. Boca Jrs time permitting.
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 9:57 PM PST up reply actions
Hannemann
What are the chances of signing Marcus at the mid-season break?
I dont think the chances are great
it would mean that Hahnemann is unemployed for at least 6 months
but Keeper 2012 is a huge issue
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Sounder At Heart
if Hahnemann to seattle is unlikely to happe
would Seattle try to find another American keeper or would they be looking for an international goalkeeper on a free?
I don't think the organization cares about the nationality of the keeper
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Sounder At Heart
Expect KeeperWatch 2012 to be a regular feature this year
We’ll probably make an effort to highlight some keepers that are coming up on frees. But the most likely outcome is probably that we pick up someone experienced who’s already in the league.
Nos Audietis
If Everton is relegated
maybe we could grab Howard? Not likely, just a dream…
by chrisperry1983 on Feb 21, 2011 8:16 AM PST up reply actions
Probably close to 0?
Would have to clear a bunch of cap room for him. More likely is that he spins his wheels for half a season and comes in during the MLS offseason. But I don’t think that’s likely either.
Nos Audietis
any chances
that graham makes the team over Cruz if Martinez were to make the final roster and give us extra depth at RB?
That would imply that Martinez is battling Graham
I don’t think that’s the case.
I think the Graham v Cruz decision has no bearing on Martinez.. Taylor will be on the team if healthy.
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Cruz
Your odds of him making the roster?
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 9:55 PM PST up reply actions
I like Cruz
I hope he makes the team.
Every year I find a younger player or two that I think can be something. Zakuani and Fucito in 09. Wallace in ’10. Cruz and Ford in ’11
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Question
Why don’t our sites visit one another more? It seems like it’s only about Le Toux or when someone makes fun of the Union’s goalkeeping situation.
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
I read every MLS site on the network, just don't comment much
But I have something to add when it comes to Seba.
And your keeper situation is funny.
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Sounder At Heart
Two words:
“No” and “u”
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 Feb 20, 2011 9:10 PM PST up reply actions
That sums it up
But I certainly like and follow your twitter feed
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 9:44 PM PST up reply actions
If we make fun of the Ruiz situation, does that count?
We should do more integration, though. Especially leading up to games where the other team has an SBN blog (which at this point is almost all of them)
Nos Audietis
We did 3 questions last year
and all the sites helped Jer with the quick reference cards
just this week www.bigdsoccer.com talked to the SMU coach about Juan Cruz
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Sounder At Heart
I was doing “firechats” with fellow blogs. GChat wins.
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 Feb 20, 2011 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
I read Brotherly Game more than most other MLS blogs on SBN.
But I’m still too much of a soccer neophyte to intelligently comment on other teams moves.
Comments like this one make me happy with what I do. Thanks.
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 Feb 21, 2011 8:28 AM PST up reply actions
Same here
Brotherly game, RSL Soapbox, and B&R United are the three I read regularly, and I kinda jump around randomly otherwise. I rarely comment on other blogs other than RSL Soapbox mainly because I don’t know enough about the teams to have a constructive opinion. I used to read Cartilage Free Captain but got tired of the way it was written, which is a shame because I love Tottenham.
by chrisperry1983 on Feb 21, 2011 12:21 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks For QA
Favorite Sounders website… Favorite on computer, phone, and ipad. From not knowing anything about soccer 2 years ago you have helped me learn quickly. Read it all? Thanks again.
a couple questions
who do you think will be the star of the reserve league for the sounders??
also right now if you had to pick four to get cut or traded who do you think it will be???
Miguel Montano for Reserve League
I expect two the IL – Jaqua and Noonan
One of Meredith/Ford to be cut
and one of Prieto and Martinez
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Sounder At Heart
I wish Montano would do something to impress me
other than drop an elbow on the Brek, which admittedly impressed me a lot.
Everyone else seems to love him.
Nos Audietis
well he hasnt been given much chance
apparently he had a really good goal in training today.
also he came in late during the preseason last year, didnt speak english and was put in a host family at 18 so a lot of the stuff last year could have been him adjusting to a completely different life.
All true
but none of it’s impressive. . it’s just good reasons he hasn’t been impressive yet, and he may never. Plus he takes up an international slot. Obviously Sigi sees something there.
Nos Audietis
Is Montano
gone at the next off season if he fails to impress this season?
Probably
but he couldn’t have a worse regular season.
He’s also the youngest player on the roster right now, so the expectations are pretty low
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Sounder At Heart
do you really think we need to carry 13 defenders???
i think a defender or two are in trouble
I wouldn't see it as 13 defenders
Tetteh is called a defender, but plays in the midfield
Leo, Hurtado, Parke, Riley
Earls, Wahl, Ianni, Scott
Graham and Cruz or Martinez
Think of it more like Offense and Defense and Keeper (3) so even if 13 defenders why is that an issue?
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Sounder At Heart
If so
Scott’s on the watchlist. Depends on how the team wants to value experience versus upside. I’m an upside guy, so I’d tend to prefer newer guys to guys we know whose upside is limited. I think Sigi tends to be an experience guy.
Nos Audietis
who is it likely to be
of the academy players (u-18) to be the first home grown player signing for seattle?
I kind of expect Troy Peterson right now
because everyone else on the short list is going to a highly rated college soccer program
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i hear prieto is a super talent
sigi has said nothing but good about him. why isn’t he a confirmed player for next season? you wrote up something about him being a true attacking mid. that’s what our team needs. someone to throw wall passes with montero and flaco. i did some research online and read lots of good reviews about him. can’t wait to see the kid play, wish we had games here and not in az and florida for preseason
There are 3 preseason games here in Seattle this year
v Portland, Vancouver and Colorado
As for Prieto, there isn’t really a CAM in Sigi’s system, and he’s slight of build. Those are the two strikes against him.
The team doesn’t need a CAM. Plenty of teams around the world don’t use a CAM. Some really good ones.
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same goes for tettah....
seems like a draft day steal. young, african left back who has quality and can attack like dani alves. We need more of this. Why is he at left mid instead of left back?
He played left mid more often in college than left back
conventional wisdom said that he wasn’t good enough to be an attacking player in MLS. Sigi and co. obviously see him as having more value as Zakuani’s backup than Leo’s (who is an attacking left back, certainly not a flat back).
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That’s a slight misconception based upon the role he was given to undertake in college. He was asked to cover the entire left side of the field because of the way that UCSB attacked opposing defenses.
He’s an attacking wing back, from what I’ve learned through reading and watching his play. Not the best at defending but more than capable and is fast enough to make up for exposing the flank in an attack.
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 Feb 20, 2011 9:47 PM PST up reply actions
he had someone playing behind him on the left
that isn’t a defender
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no he didnt
ucsb played 4 in the back (tettah on left) 4 in midfield (a right mid and 3 center mids) and 2 forwards. he covered the entire left side with nobody behind him.
He spent so much time forward that a CB shifted left
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another question
why hasnt gonzalez gotten a green card yet??
everyone else seems to have theirs rushed through but he hasnt gotten his yet.
is there any reason? or is his just taking longer then most players
I think the only player to get their card faster than Leo
is Nkufo, who likely had a long head start with his family situation.
Zakuani and Montero were both in the USA long before Leo
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Sounder At Heart
Another one for the readers
assuming any are still around. . . Beyond the Sounders, how’d you rank your interest in these topics being covered on S@H?
USMNT, USWNT, USYNT (youth teams), world soccer games that have nothing to do with the US, Huskies soccer, local PDL (Kitsap/Crossfire/Everett), Sounders Women, microbrews, cheesemaking
Nos Audietis
PDL/ Microbrews/ USMNT
= Awesome topic expansion
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 9:41 PM PST up reply actions
USMNT (well, microbrews is probably about the same, but I tend not to go here to indulge that craving)... big drop off...
local PDL and Huskies/NCAA soccer in general
Topics of interest to me ...
USMNT for sure.
USWNT, especially with the Women’s World Cup in Germany later this year.
I’d like to find out more about the Sounders Women — been thinking it might be fun to take my young daughter to some of the games to provide her some role modeling beyond Abby Wambach (her on-field namesake).
by The King of Norway on Feb 21, 2011 7:27 AM PST up reply actions
Same here
Sounders Women need more press. A woman I work with knows several of the Sounders Women and plays on an indoor team with some of them, I guess they are phenomenal.
by chrisperry1983 on Feb 21, 2011 12:23 PM PST up reply actions
slight of build? if that’s a true reason why he isn’t under consideration then there’s a problem. xavi and iniesta wouldn’t crack our lineup then? not fitting our system? systems are made to adapt to player personnel. i’d like to see a line-up of players that can touch the ball well and have technique. not a bunch of runners with limitations like zakuani, fucito, ect. jmo
i’ve seen tettah on FSC during college season numerous times. he would be perfect attacking left back in the big picture!
Xavi brings qualities that make up for his stature
Rebuilding your system around a squad makes sense when you have players good enough to redefine the system. Prieto isn’t that player. That said, I think we need a CM that’s pushed up much higher than Sturgis was last season. Whether that’s a CAM or a CM and whether they can avoid occupying the same space as Montero is something for the coaches to sort out.
Nos Audietis
As further follow up
Some coaches find players that fit systems, others change their systems to fit players
Since Sigi has used this system to be one of the top two coaches in the history of the league, he’s in that first category.
MLS is a more physical league than La Liga and so players with different talents are needed.
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Sounder At Heart
Zakuani and Fucito are runners with limitations?
I can see describing Nyassi like that, but Zak and Fucito? Those guys have skills.
CAn't wait for first kick and....
yeah i can’t wait for the 3 cascadia games! thanks for reply’s dave
Husky Soccer-Yeh
US NTs would be great. On the women’s side, with the WPS having financial/survivor problems, what chance is there that we could get a pro team here and piggy back on the Sounders weekend games?
WPS is a mess
But if they’re not looking into expanding into Cascadia (potentially by ‘promoting’ the Sounders Women out of W-League), they deserve to fold. There was some talk about this last year, but nothing happened. It all depends on finding investors. Personally, I wish the Sounders org would pitch up for it, even at a (reasonable) loss, just to grow the game.
Nos Audietis
Late to the party, I know.
Do you see Fernandez as a starter this year?
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
If he isn't the starter at right wing for a majority of the MLS season
I’d be worried. You don’t pay DPs to be subs.
Nos Audietis
by sidereal on Feb 20, 2011 9:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Figured as much.
I guess what seemed as limited playing time he got last year threw me off.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
I would
be questioning why did seattle protect him over nyassi if he wasn’t going to start.
Yea, I am totally expecting him to start as many games as possible. I was more fishing for any insider information on clashes with Sigi/ the system ect.
I guess his fitness did limit him last year, but for some reason I thought it might have been more then that.
I am excited to see what he will bring over the course of a full season.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
Last year
it was as much the fact that the Sounders were winning every week without him and Sigi didn’t want to shake things up too much. I’d guess it was about 50/50 between that and fitness.
Nos Audietis
Stats Posts
I may be a nerd, but I certainly like the posts that run a little stats heavy. This leads to two questions:
1. What are the current rumblings about better statistical data being made public?
2. What are you planning on looking at w/ the data on S@H?
Opta will put more data publically
and we will mine the crap out of it.
Early it will be to show that while almost every team in MLS is listed as playing a 4-4-2, they are doing different things that notation indicates
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Sounder At Heart
Apparently MLSSoccer is hiring Opta to track players this year
Remains to be seen how much of it they release. If they do something like the Guardian chalkboards, we’ll be able to extract a lot of data from it. On the other hand, they might just post an occasional article about which player ran the most miles that week.
We’ll be tracking as many stats as we can get data for and we believe are significant. There should be a page eventually that has sortable stats for the stuff we currently care about (Net SOGs, PPM, etc) for the whole roster.
Nos Audietis
The Nest
I know you probably covered this somewhere else on the blog, but the Hawk’s nest kills me. There are so many families I know that want to purchase game day GA tickets (birthdays, have kids that weekend, team outing, etc) but cant because they are sold out. Would be a great opening to the community to have this section be GA for the non—STH people. I understand about the XBOX advertising but if they gave out XBOX samples to this crowd (say 30 day Live trials or some such), I would believe they would make up the ad money in new subscriptions.
They still don't feel there is enough demand to fill the Nest
The business side of things is clearly built on a season ticket base rather than single game seats, and will continue to do so. This does leave people out.
The best way to make that not happen is to pool resources, either as a single game group or a group that splits a season ticket package.
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Sounder At Heart
Microsoft
I wish the Nest was filled with geeky foreign soccer-loving Microsoft employees.
by Little old me on Feb 20, 2011 10:18 PM PST up reply actions
Some say the stadium already is
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Sounder At Heart
Thats all Seattle is, right?
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
I'm plastic and corporate to the core
I also actually had a team to enjoy in the 90s…. going dark for a decade never happens in a true “soccer city”
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Sounder At Heart
New Players
What other big name (but past prime) players do you see coming from Europe or SA in the near future (at the break or next season). Who do you think is in their last year at the big leagues and would be a nice fantasy pick for us (I have seen the Forlan quotes-pretty fun).
I think the Sounders are done with past prime guys
unless they are Forlan level.
For Seattle to be what it wants to be, essentially a US version of a team like Celtic/Rangers, Boca, it needs pre-prime and prime players. It wants to feed the best teams in the best leagues, not be a retirement zone except for those with a history right here in Washington.
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Sounder At Heart
Too much chaff
A bunch of agents are mumbling about MLS now as a bargaining chip rather than having serious interest. Anelka is probably in that camp along with Forlan. There just aren’t many available spots that will pay an aging star. There are obviously only a few teams that want to carry multiple DPs, but Seattle already has 3. The Galaxy already have 3. New York has 2. You probably have to wait for one of those players to move on. Nkufo’s on a short timeframe, and Seattle will do something with that DP spot, but I doubt it’ll be an aging Euro star.
Nos Audietis
I was thinking more along the lines
After paying Ludberg $1M+ and next year Kasey and Nkufo gone ($700K) I was looking for a name in that $ range, which isnt bad.
Well Seattle replaced Ljungberg with Alvaro
and then added Montero
Two young guys
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Sounder At Heart
Who they'll be able to sell and replace with more younger guys
by Aaron Campeau on Feb 20, 2011 10:19 PM PST up reply actions
Forgot where I read it, but I think top Bundesliga team Dortumund only has like two or three players over 22 on their first team squad.
Which is amazing.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
I may have a post on youth, and team longevity upcoming
because I have seen a bit of this too
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Sounder At Heart
Sweet.
Young, developing players like Fucito, and to a lesser degree Montano excite me just as much as Nkufo and Ljungberg coming to town.
Looking forward to this season’s youth
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
yeah id rather be a team
full of young players that go on to europe then wash ups from europe
That brings a
question of what seattle is going to do with that DP spot once N’kufo leaves. Find a younger player in the same spot or use it on some other position?
I'm convinced that their next DP will either be an awesome young talent on the team
or someone they discover in the U-25 age bracket who is willing to take one last step in a lower league.
Zakuani…
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Sounder At Heart
Although
couldn’t seattle wait until Alvaro is no longer a DP before using the DP tag on Zakuani or would that be too long of a wait?
Golden Scarf
Now that they have ran this into the ground, are they going to continue it this year?
That's part of what the Council is working on
What is this, and then how should it best be done.
Personally, I think giving it to generic fans weakened even more than giving it to Bill Russell and Dale Chihuly
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Sounder At Heart
Totally agree
They should have kept it somewhat exclusive and not every match. Now it has become cheap and pedestrian.
I am excited about the reserve league this year, but have heard next to nothing about it, and frankly know next to nothing about it.
What players can we expect to play for the reserves?
Will there be limits on who can play for the reserves?
For example, say we need to dip into the reserves for an early USOC match, or something, will there be certain players who are ineligible to play for the first team?
And vice-versa.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
In order
- players that didn’t make the gameday roster, academy players and temp players paid a reasonable fee for a limited number of games (IIRC 3 games)
- there will be a maximum # of Academy players on the Reserve side
- the 30 man roster will be eligible for any match
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Sounder At Heart
Awesome, exactly what I wanted to know.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
And no we don't know the schedule
PDX and Vancouver will be operating their PDL sides
which is confusing. This is not like Chicago where they allow a different ownership to use the name
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Sounder At Heart
Yea, that didn’t make any sense to me either, but whatever.
Very soon I am going to be wishing I was still in Seattle.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
I spent 5 years of my life wishing that
4 years in the Army
1 year in Phoenix
You’ll come back
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Sounder At Heart
I thought PDX
announced they are going to have both a Reserves and a PDL (U-23) squad.
Yes
And it makes no sense
They don’t have first rights to any PDL player.
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Sounder At Heart
I assume the Timbers/Caps won't have..
any special rights when it comes to those PDL players. So if they want to sign any of them they’ll have to go through the draft or use a discovery claim or whatever.
Nos Audietis
Cascadia
I know its pre-season and a lot of youngsters are going to play, but how serious do you think the clubs are taking the triad. I keep thinking that PDX wants to make a statement for several reasons where we are protecting our turf for what I think will be a yearly pre-season tournament.
They will be the most important pre-season games
That’s it. And a great way to meet Portland fans. Seriously
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Sounder At Heart
Schedule is dense at that time
Community Shield is 3 days later and the season opener is 6 games after that. I’m sure they want to win it for pride, but they’re not going to sacrifice the Galaxy game for it.
Nos Audietis
USOC
But would we treat it more like a USOC pre-lim, Fucito, Boss, Levesque, etc. instead of Cruz, etc. Would we start/finish with a B squad instead of our C.
Will it matter?
Seattle’s B squad has beat their A Squad two years in a row
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Sounder At Heart
Unfortunately
I have a bad taste from the Community Shield match last year, and that was a lot of our A vs
I long for Riley's Scotch Ale from Swann's in Victoria
but my most common lately has been Red Chair also with a weakness for Elysian Fields and Rogue
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Sounder At Heart
RSL was granted the exception due to their market size
Personally I like the catchment areas
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Sounder At Heart
LAG/ Chivas
How does this work in LA?
by Little old me on Feb 21, 2011 12:58 AM PST up reply actions
They overlap
but considering the # of people who live within 50/75/125 miles of Home Depot Center it isn’t an issue
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Sounder At Heart
Season ticket friendly?
Are there any games to be added to the 17 regular season games?
There will be a friendly
My expectation is that it is either Man United or Arsenal.
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Sounder At Heart
Please
Let it be Arsenal. And please let Arsenal hold on to their lead.
by Little old me on Feb 21, 2011 12:59 AM PST up reply actions
Trophy Case
Is there an official Trophy Case at QWest?
For the Sounders? Not sure
But I do know that if you search for ‘qwest field trophy case’ on google, the first result is this article I wrote here before last year’s USOC final.
Hell yeah.
Nos Audietis
i was guessing
it would be at their offices at the starfire sports complex.
I know they are trying to get banners for the trophies of the A League team
and will hang those from the West rafters
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Sounder At Heart
Those 2 trophies
Have got to be shown at QWest. It is too gorgeous not to.
Thanks Dave, Sidreal, Jeremiah and everyone else.
Just wanted to say thanks to you guys for allowing the opportunity for our questions.
yes thanks
perhaps we can do another one later in the season like in the summer during the summer transfer window.
Ok, I'm calling it a night
but I’ll catch up a bit in the morning
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
Yeah, Brian, why did you go to school in Pullman?
Sounds like a horrible place. Have they finally connected WSU to the tubes of the internets?
Writer: CougCenter Twitterer: @GradyClapp
by Grady Clapp on Feb 20, 2011 11:57 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
They're still working on plumbing there.
Those outhouses are terrible in the winter.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
by Brian Floyd on Feb 21, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
OK, maybe I'll give you a real question
Who is going to be a breakout player in 2011? (Besides O’Brien White… we’re all on that bandwagon)
Writer: CougCenter Twitterer: @GradyClapp
My answers probably vary from his
White, Fucito – wait we all already think that.
Brad Evans
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Sounder At Heart
Man, you're handcuffing me taking White away.
Does Friberg count? I’ll go with him or Tetteh.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
by Brian Floyd on Feb 21, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
I am genuinely shocked that everyone is on the White train
I really, really, really hope he does well. I have no reason to not like him or not want him to be good. I just can’t bring myself to believe it’ll happen. I know his circumstances before and how it’s a whole new game over here. I just can’t believe the hype surrounding him.
by chrisperry1983 on Feb 21, 2011 12:26 PM PST up reply actions
It's clear the potential is there.
And I’m simply judging from watching him in training. He’s got speed, can hold the ball up and just seems like a good feet. And he’s done well for himself in Seattle so far. Makes him an easy pick.
CougCenter, SBNation Seattle, @FloydCoug
Night Editor - SBNation.com
Would you rather have a rigid Sigi's System, or a fluid system?
I remember reading malcontentjake’s review on Sigi’s System (great read BTW) which suggest that Sigi is “more system-driven than player-driven.” Sigi even said, “My feeling has always been as a coach, whatever system you’re playing, if you’re creating opportunities then there’s no need to panic and no need to change. Just keep playing.”
I see the merits of doing what you do best, and having opposing teams adjust to your system, but I was wondering if the authors here would rather want a team with a fluid system that can adjust to team’s tactics. Are there examples of other teams with a fluid system? Is there any trend as to which is more successful?
I'm a huge fan of defining yourself and then the game
rather than being reactionary.
While limited tactical adjustments will be necessary, in any kind of combat it is better for you to define the contest and force the other to become something they are not.
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Sounder At Heart
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