Mauro Rosales And Seattle Sounders Close To Extension

by Dave Clark on Sep 22, 2011 1:05 PM PDT in Sounders: News

Today, during a live chat with ESPNDesportes.com Mauro Rosales indicated that he and the Seattle Sounders are close to an agreement on an extension. It is important to note that the following quote came via Google Translate and is therefore without the nuance that a live translator may offer.

matias (Newell's)

mauro two questions: you have plans to return to Newell's Old Boys? and the other how long it take to see you again with the red and black shirt? ..

Mauro Rosales

(2:34 PM)

It is a personal desire to finish my career at Newell's. Now, I'm about to sign for two more years here, and then return to Argentina. Thanks for your question

In light of those comments the media talked to General Manager Adrian Hanauer at practice today. When asked about the negotiations he responded that they are going well;

I don't think either side is urgently trying to get something done at this moment. We're going through the process. I have a great relationship with Mauro and with his agent... It's never 100% certain, but I'm confident that we're moving in the right direction and we'll get something done here in the not-to-distant future.

Hanauer was reluctant to speak of the specific salary structure that is being discussed. He notes that the "most challenging part" of his job is trying to keep as many players together as possible, but lacks some of the tools that he had in 2009 and 2010. "There will come a point where difficult decisions" due to contract escalators or extensions. He doesn't expect the team to be torn down, but certainly tweaked this offseason.

With today's indication that the 30-year-old Maruo Rosales is likely to stay with the club past this season fans can look forward to seeing his 5 goal, 13 assists in all competions in the future.

Rosales also said that his goal with recovery is to be back for the US Open Cup Final. That would put him 17 days after the injury was sustained. This is quick for such an injury, but not unheard of.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

"Difficult decisions"

And tweaking the team. Hmmm…seems to signal the beginning of the end for a few folks.

by Miki Turner on Sep 22, 2011 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

Mauro is what we hoped Ljundberg would be

That frontline playmaker presence that can bring along our youth. Freddy is a changed man since Mauro showed up. Flaco is now merged and functional with the team. Mauro also changed his game to start getting to spots where he could feed Fucito the north-south balls that he needs to score.

He is just the straw that stirs the drink right now and I hope we do indeed lock him up for a couple years.

by blakec on Sep 22, 2011 7:31 PM PDT reply actions

I'm looking forward to next year

Mauro does so much good for the team. He was the missing piece for Seattle’s excellent midfield.

Zakuani on the left, Rosales on the right, Fernandez and Alonso in the center. Add Montero, Fucito, and maybe a mystery international striker (or OBW?) up front and that would be an offensive monster in MLS if they are all clicking together. MLS teams have a hard time with Seattle’s attack as it is.

I would not mind spending some dough to reinforce the defensive depth. Scott is occasionally useful as a Guido we can send after people like Shea but he is not a general purpose RB, certainly not the way we use our RB/LB.

by AliasDictusTyrant on Sep 22, 2011 11:59 PM PDT reply actions

Scott at this point

Is a good reserve CB and a a shut-down defender for special situations (e.g. Brek Shea). We really need a back-up RB. I’m a little disappointed they weren’t able to add Wes Knight before the window closed.

by Dizzo on Sep 23, 2011 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I missed seeing him in game situations during training

one person I talked to said that he didn’t look great.

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 23, 2011 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions

One key word Mauro used, "luego," can mean "then" but it can also mean "later"

So he may not have meant he will immediately return to Old Boys after two more years here, just that he eventually wants to get back there to finish his career. I guess he is 30, so at 32 he might be thinking about finishing up, but I’d bet if he’s playing well he may want to stay here longer.

"Ignorance is the parent of fear." ~Melville

by johnnycougar on Sep 23, 2011 10:08 AM PDT reply actions

How often do 32 year old speed based wingers

play at a high level at 33?

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

by Dave Clark on Sep 23, 2011 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

I guess it depends on fitness

Though not very often, I’ll admit. But is it fair to Rosales to call him “speed based” ? Obviously the speed helps a lot but his technical ability seems pretty sound to me, and he could possibly convert to a withdrawn striker or CAM later in his career.

"Ignorance is the parent of fear." ~Melville

by johnnycougar on Sep 23, 2011 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions