Seattle's "Other" Forward

I get the impression that Sigi’s style is slightly more towards the “tactical” coaching side (see: Mourinho) than the “personnel” side (see: Redknapp). He’s always shown a desire to have the roster flexibility to play different match ups around the field, depending on the opponent. This was made most obvious in the run of games against Dallas last year when he used Zach Scott to effectively neutralize Brek Shea. Having different options at forward is what Sigi wants. It allows him to adjust to the different defenses that the team sees.

Look at how many players rotated in and out of the starting lineup last year. Look at how many players scored goals. I would argue that in this league, with this schedule, having one “starter” caliber player backed up by a couple “backup” caliber players is more of a weakness than a strength.

That said, I don’t think we have bad options, but it’s hardly a great sign if there’s no clear option.

Every player won’t be able to play ever game. So you really need more, at least close to, starting caliber players. I really think any one of them could do a fine enough job starting, and that’s what we need.

I mean look at FC Dallas last year Hyndeman didn’t change his team much and Brek Shea played until he could hardly play anymore.

Our situation is a little bit of a different beast than any other sport really.

the QB would be..well…a passer. We have stability there with our midfield and Montero as a withdrawn-ish striker. That 2nd forward position for us is really about stretching defenses, making room for Montero, and cleaning up. Doing this by committee based on opposing teams is ok with me. In a perfect world, we’d have a player who was the best speed guy, the best size guy, and the best finisher all in one package, thus making the decision for us…but the MLS is far from a perfect world. What we have is very serviceable.

and you have a suitable scat back, power back, hybrid back and a guy making a position change

The QB is rare among sports in his role of running the offense and acting as a liaison between the head coach/offensive coordinator and the rest of the team. He knows the plays and calls them (often on the fly in the face of different deffensive looks). Stability is paramount for things running smoothly throught the season. He’s a team captain (and needs to excel at it) by default.

Soccer is a much more fluid game where every player has a role in running and coordinating the offense. Also, the coach has a much smaller role once the game starts and therefore there is no need for a liaison between the coaching staff and players. There are no timeouts or headsets for plays to be called. Ideally there is a captain (or set of veterans) on the field regularly.

while Montero was out. Maybe even a game or two with Montero in, while Sigi was still figuring out how best to use Mauro.

I agree with every part of this post except the statement that Montero isn’t a natural goal scorer.

And I totally agree we need a Robbie Keane. I was disgusted in our inability to pick up talent of that caliber in last summer’s transfer window, and I remain disappointed that Ochoa, Fucito, and OBW are our options going into this season. I know we’ve effectively spent our last DP spot and remaining salary cap on re-signing Rosales (a player who makes the entire team more effective, without a doubt), but I keep thinking, “If LA can do it, why can’t we?”.

This off-season we needed to:

1. Sign a goalkeeper.
2. Re-sign Rosales.
3. Make strategic upgrades at fullback on both sides.
4. Sign a <Keane, Drogba, Prince, Ching, …>. You get the mold I’m thinking of. Someone who plays up top and has a killer nose for goal. Someone who’s always a threat to score and demands the attention of the defense.

We didn’t do number four, and I feel like now we’re in a position where the best we can offer Montero as a partner is one of several utility players.

My hope is that Ochoa can grow into that spot, but that’s not showing in the (admittedly very early) pre-season. Fucito is fast and has an unbelievable work rate, and I expect more of his shots to start dropping in MLS play, but it’s not like he’s going to suddenly get Montero’s touch on the ball around the goal.

I’m amazed at the depth of the team Sigi and co have managed to build within the constraints of the MLS system. We’re built to compete more effectively in multiple tournaments than any other team, and we’re building for the future. But ultimately, particularly in the playoffs, it comes down to the best 11 you can put on the field. We didn’t have the best 11 last year, and with this gap up top, I’m afraid we won’t this year either.

Truly big games where the Sounders failed to score last year can be counted using nostrils, and you’d have one left over.

But there are reasons to think that Alvaro will get time there too

Scored the most goals in MLS last season? These guys.

And we’re complaining about a higher producing forward?

Still, I can’t help but feel there’s a gap there.