Happy Monday everyone. The Sounders are back in town this week after a scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday. The match had some good possession midfield play from both teams, but it would be hard to call it must watch soccer. Although I still admire Arlo White for trying to sell it as such during the broadcast. That man could sell ice to Eskimos. Or at least tasty Dairy Queen Treats. You can watch the game highlights with Arlo here. Also, game photos are available here.
This week the Sounders will be preparing for their second Cascadia game at home when the Vancouver Whitecaps come to visit. Prior to that, tomorrow, the two reserve teams will match-up in a preview of the big game. It would be nice to see the Sounders crush them both.
USMNT Destroyed: The Spanish absolutely destroyed an ineffective US national team 4-0 in a friendly this weekend. The Spanish team looked like the reigning world champions throughout the match while the US team looked largely like an MLS reserve side. To be fair...it was mostly the B-team playing for the US as Bob Bradley tunes up his squad ahead of the team's first Gold Cup match against Canada tomorrow. Hopefully this trial by fire helps prepare the US to take the crown back from a Mexican team that played New Zealand for their Gold Cup tune-up game.
More links from around the league after the jump:
Thordarson Blindsided: Recently fired Whitecaps coach Teitur Thordarson spoke to the media recently about his firing. The coach did not see it coming and fully expects the team to turn around now that key players are coming back from injury. Unlike the Chicago Fire's firing of Carlos de los Cobos, it sure looks like the Whitecaps made a hasty, and perhaps reckless, decision. Thordarson is under contract until the end of the year and will remain in Vancouver as he explores future coaching options.
Davies Eying Europe: Charlie Davies has been playing much better than most expected for DC United. Yet the young striker still has his eyes set on a eventual return to Europe. His goal for the season is to score double digits and help get DCU to the MLS Cup. Then back to France to finish his career. Davies still has two years left on his contract with League 1 side Sochaux.
Squirrel! The team unfortunately named Sporting Kansas City (da mighty Sporks) traveled up to Toronto for their last road match of their epic 10 game road trip. Horrible defenses for both teams, and the Spork's high-octane attacking style, promised for at least some fireworks. Unfortunately none were to be had in a drab 0-0 draw. The highlights of the match was a amazing run through center field by a squirrel. Quick get him a contract! He's the next Joao Plata.
Hey Kid, You Want Some Candy? Three Philadelphia Union players missed their flight back east after a 1-1 tie with the Colorado Rapids. The reason? They made a candy run. Awesome. You know what's even more awesome? The news was broke on twitter by the irate girlfriend of defender Sheanon Williams. To quote her: What grown men miss their flight because they stop to get CANDY on the way to the gate?! Oh right @sheanonwilliams and friends do. Absolutely hilarious!