This week was one of mixed emotions for Sounders fans. The team took to the field against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday in the last preseason game and won 3-1. The offense put up the numbers many Sounders fans, and Sigi Schimd, were looking for. Unfortunately, both Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans were taken out of the game for injuries. The match recap is up on the Sounders site for those of you whom missed the game.
SB Nation Previews the MLS: Our own Jeremiah Oshan has been working with the community of MLS bloggers here on SB Nation to give you a preview of MLS teams. All 18 teams have been reviewed and you can read them here. SB Nation is also putting together a feature on some of the new, high impact players and home grown players. Check the soccer page of SB Nation for the latest news and reviews as the season gets underway.
More News From Around the League after the jump:
Interviews With Nyassi & Marshall: There are new interviews with two former Sounders whom played against the team on Wednesday in Colorado colors. Joshua Mayers has an interview with speedy left midfielder Sanna Nyassi whom still has a lot of love for his former team and the city. Prost Amerika talked with center-back Tyronne Marshall about the Sounders, the Timbers and cricket.
Chris Albright Out: The Sounders weren't the only team to be hit with the injury bug during preseason games this week. The New York Red Bulls will be missing the services of right back Chris Albright for the 4-6 weeks as he recovers from knee surgery. He will most likely miss the season opener against the Seattle Sounders. The NYRB also signed Finnish defender/midfielder Teemu Tainio.
FC Dallas Bring In Young Striker: The biggest signing of the week is likely that of 18 year old striker Fabian Castillo from Deportivo Cali. The young striker has been a standout on the Colombian U-20 team. FC Dallas clearly wants to repeat the success the Sounders had with picking up a young striker named Fredy Montero from the same Deportivo Cali youth system.
Timbers Sign Jorge Perlaza: In other signing news, the Timbers signed Colombian striker Jorge Perlaza. Perlaza looked sharp playing up top with Kenny Cooper against the Sounders in the recent Cascadia Cup. A number of European teams and the Philadelphia Union were reportadely all interested in signing the striker after he had a contract dispute with Deportes Tolima.
Livestrong Sporting Park: Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation and Sporting KC have reached a six-year naming rights agreement. The Daily Whiz has photos of the new park up on their blog. They also recently did an interesting analysis of player salary vs. production for Sporting KC.
Sporting KC Involved in Bench Clearing Brawl: On Tuesday night Sporting KC drew 2-2 with Real Salt Lake in a not-so-friendly match. The game was called early due to a bench clearing brawl between the two sides after a hard tackle by Sporting KC player Roger Espinoza. Expect sparks to fly when the two team meet again in the regular season.