Major Link Soccer: Hydra 2.0

Seattle

It wasn’t the attack many foresaw at the beginning of the year, but the three-man unit leading the Seattle Sounders on Sunday looked downright frightening. Hydra 2.0 in the making.

However you want to look at it or call it (like a boss) last Sunday night at CenturyLink  Ozzie Alonso owned the midfield. The Sounders now have a pretty good shot at getting to the next round.

Local player Ethan Bartlow has been called into the US U-17 National team. Bartlow plays for the Crossfire Academy in Redmond.

U.S. Soccer

With the USA taking on Mexico to start the Hex Round or World Cup qualifing on  November 11th it would be a good idea to take a look at the history of the USA vs. Mexico rivalry.

On the field, the US women's soccer team has followed up a thrilling NWSL final with a couple of smashing debuts in friendlies against Switzerland. Off the field, the sport is bogged down in the courts and at the negotiating table.

USMNT player and current Hamburg forward Bobby Wood has been suspended for three matches after receiving a red card over the weekend.

World Soccer

It was a thrilling, breathless night, full of everything that football should be, and when it was all done Manchester City could reflect on the kind of result they have desperately craved since the bags of gold came in from Abu Dhabi.

Tim Wiese goes from Bundesliga to WWE: "I've got trash-talking in my blood" The uncompromising former Germany goalkeeper who "tried to make people hate me" is preparing for his first WWE fight.

Carlos Alberto Torres, who died last Tuesday aged 72, was a born captain: authoritative yet charming and friendly, and an excellent communicator. He played in the shadow of his great friend Pelé for club and country almost his whole career, but there was never any debate over which of them was the captain.

You may recall that, not so very long ago, Borussia Monchengladbach adopted a new unofficial moniker after a pub in Glasgow went to the effort of rechristening their name.

Germany legend Miroslav Klose has ended his playing career and will now prepare to become a coach with the German national team.

The Inter Milan powder keg Finally exploded and Frank De Boer is out after just 84 days in charge.

Major League Soccer

A trio of New Yorkers are up for Major League Soccer MVP. Two Seattle players can walk away with end of year awards, and Brian Schmetzer is not on the list for coach of the year? what?

Two Seattle Sounders graduated the Generation adidas program as the Class of 2016 ends, and will be subject to the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft unless they are protected.

Goals of the Week: Borja, Pity, Ramirez, and Fofana!