Sure, it was a loss. It doesn't feel good. About 100 people traveled, and they are hurt just a bit more maybe. It was a performance that could not be called a good loss. Seattle Sounders FC was outplayed in nearly every aspect of the match. If not for Leo Gonzalez and Kasey Keller this could have been a 5 to nil thrashing.
In bars around the Sound, in our homes, in pubs in England, and Finland and in the Bay area Sounders fans watched the season end. It was a harsh loss, but it does not feel too terrible.
There were the typical issues that we've seen in losses related to finishing, or even putting a shot on target. There was the issue with a team built around solid midfielders instead by passing them with too much play in the air. In the waning minutes we saw the team do what it has too often, complaining to the referee rather than playing their game.
It was a loss that was earned.
But I want MORE!
So this first chapter in the fourth book about the Seattle Sounders has ended. It left us with high moments, with losses.
But most of all it leaves me wanting more. Hopefully you want more too. In just over two weeks the Expansion Draft will take place. In just about a month teams will have to pick up their options on players with options. In 8 weeks the Transfer Window opens. At about that time the league will hold it draft for amateurs within the USA.
There will be discovery players, allocations. There will be designated players brought in on Frees. There will be a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. There will be a new team joining the league. Heck, there may even be a new league at the level below MLS.
There will be US National Team games. Former Sounders are likely to be in the MLS Cup.
A new campaign will take place for spots on the Alliance Council. More sections will open up for sale in the stadium.
Players will leave. Maybe they will retire. Maybe on loan, or on transfer.
Training camp will open. Exhibitions will be played. Competition for roster slots, a surprise may appear at Forward. Some-one's performance may slip.
But on March 25th 2010 the league and the Sounders will take the pitch for another season, another Open Cup and this time for Seattle an opportunity to be win the right to be called the best team in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
If you want more, you'll get it.
A whole lot of it. There isn't an off-season. Just time to plan for the next victory.
If there are things you want to see on this site, please let me know and I'll see what I can do.