Major Link Soccer - High Altitude Edition

The Sounders are back in action this Saturday against Real Salt Lake.  They'll be battling fatigue for the full 90 at one of the hardest stadiums in MLS to get a win.  Also, some are calling this a must-win match for RSL as they attempt to arrest a spat of poor form in league play.  It would be nice to come back from the disappointing loss on Wednesday to Dallas FC with a road win, but it will be a tough challenge for a fatigued team.  You can see photos of the Dallas match here, here and here as well as video highlights on the team website.  Also, don't forget to spell-check your signs! 

Tide vs. Pumas: Tonight in Tacoma the Tide are taking on their local rivals the Kitsap Pumas.  It's an important match for both PDL clubs as they try to secure a spot in the Open Cup.  The match will feature former Sounders draftees Bryan Meredith (goalkeeper) and Tye Perdido (target man).  It could be a fun game if you're in Tacoma and looking for a little live soccer.

Cock-up in Canada: The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) really put their foot in it this week.  Heavy rain and thunder forced the match officials to call the Canadian Championship game in the 60th minute and reschedule for July 2nd.  The unfortunate thing is that Vancouver, who was up 1-0 in the 60th minute, will have to travel back to Toronto and play the match from scratch from the start.  Whitecaps fans are screaming in frustration.  On the positive side, if there wasn't a real rivalry between the two teams, there certainly will be one now.

Garber Talks Shop: MLS commissioner Don Garber talked about expansion and other issues at a recent convention.  The price tag for a shiny new MLS franchise looks like it will go up to the $75-$100 million range and the goal is still to put a 2nd franchise in New York if they can find the right ownership group (i.e. one with the ability to build a stadium in the city).

Freddy Fails To Push Team to the Top: Rizespor, Freddy Adu's Turkish club team, failed to enter the top flight of Turkish soccer after the team lost 7-3 in aggregate to Orduspor.  However, the regular playing time helped Adu claim a valuable roster spot on the US National Team for the Gold Cup.  He could help secure a better loan next season if he's able to make an impression on the field for the USMNT.

John Gets Greek Call-up: Local product and Dallas defender George John has received a call-up from the Greek national team.  John, a 2nd generation Greek-American, will travel to New York to train with the Greek national team ahead of their friendly game against Ecuador.  John is not expected to play in the match and will retain the option of joining the US national team at a later date.  I hope the bruises from Sounders forward Mike Fucito have healed up by then.