Talking Sounders FC youth system with Darren Sawatzky

I recently exchanged emails with Seattle Sounders FC Youth Development Director Darren Sawatzky. I contacted Darren to talk more about SSFC's youth plans after his recent interview on The Seattle Soccer Show.

To better frame our conversation Darren sent along the Major League Soccer public document on their youth initiative. You can read it in the SeattleSoccerTalk.com forums.

Here is our exchange:

On a recent Seattle Soccer Show podcast you talked about how it is going in developing the Seattle Sounders FC youth soccer pyramid. You mentioned that some players are already in training. Could you tell us more about that? What age level are they? How did you pick them? Why start training so soon?

"Currently, we are holding training sessions with Sounder reserve players and a select group of local players headed to college in the fall and some who are home from college for the summer. This is a great opportunity to get a very good group of players together to train and monitor their progress. The training also gives these players a competitive place to prepare for the fall. "


There has been some talk in our youth soccer community about the relationship Seattle Sounders FC would like to have with existing youth clubs. How would you describe what the Sounders would like to do with and for these clubs?

"The Seattle Sounders FC, with the help of Washington Youth Soccer, wants to work with all youth soccer clubs in ways that make sense. There are good soccer players in every club and there are players that aspire to be professionals. Having the best players train and compete together helps in their development to become players at the highest level. Identifying these players and working to create environments that help foster their growth to get to the highest level is the goal. There are a lot of youth clubs doing an excellent job of developing players, Seattle Sounders FC wants to support these clubs."


How many youth clubs will Sounders FC eventually field? At what age levels? In which leagues?

"Major League Soccer has a youth initiative that mandates a youth system for the full MLS team. Each Major League Soccer team does the "youth system" differently. At this point, Seattle Sounders FC has not made a decision on whether to field teams in the Academy League that two Washington youth clubs have teams playing in at the U16 and U18 age groups. With Washington Youth Soccer and the Olympic Development Program, Seattle Sounders FC wishes to help the local clubs that are doing a great job developing players. As the organization develops, Seattle Sounders FC will chose leagues and competitions that make the most sense in developing players for the highest level.

There is an excellent core of coaches within the local soccer clubs, college programs, and professional and semi-professional organizations. Through the new WYS ODP programs, coaches can apply to train and coach these elite youth players. It is important to communicate a quality curriculum through different high level coaching voices to maximize the development of players."

The New York Red Bulls offer their academy training for free. Are Sounders FC planning on also do it that way?

"When you use the word "Academy", it can mean many things. For this discussion, Academy teams mean the U16 and U18 teams that play in the US Soccer Development Academy. When the decision is made as to which league or competitions the MLS Youth Teams will play in, the players will play on these teams without incurring the cost. The very best, most committed players will receive an incredible opportunity to train and play with the best every day."


Crossfire and Washington Premier currently have U-16 and U-18 club programs in the US Soccer development academy leagues. Will Sounders FC also create teams at this level, or will you work with them...or perhaps both?

"At this time, Seattle Sounders FC has not made a decision either way on playing youth teams in the US Soccer Development Academy. There will be youth teams in these age groups (U16 and U18), but each MLS team runs there youth teams differently and Seattle Sounders FC will chose the opportunity for these players that makes the most sense in the development of players for the full team. Currently, you have MLS Youth teams that play in the US Soccer Academy and you have MLS Youth teams that play in local men's leagues, travel to other countries to play professional youth teams, and there is a multitude of training regimens."

Will Sounders FC have any residency programs?

"The Seattle Sounders FC has a great ownership group and they are very passionate about the game of soccer. Residency is an effective tool for development because you have the players 24 hours a day but this would only happen if it made sense down the road."

Will Sounders FC have a USL club in the Premier Development League, similar to the Tacoma Tide?

"The Tacoma Tide FC and the Seattle Sounders FC have a great relationship. Tacoma is doing a great job with a good ownership group and they have a great head coach. Tacoma Tide FC offers a venue for the local college and developing young players to play competitive games which is needed in these age groups. The Seattle Wolves are also doing this at a different level. At this point, we are helping train these players as described above. Again, Seattle Sounders FC will make decisions based on what is best long term for producing players for the full team."


Please give us a short description of the 'development pyramid' for Sounders FC.

"The development pyramid looks like this:
MLS Full Team
MLS Reserve team
U23 Training group (Summer and Holiday training)
MLS Youth teams (U16 and U18 with possibility for others)
WYS ODP and Jr. ODP training groups and teams (male and female)
Youth Development Program (weeknight training programs to supplement youth club development-position specific as well) (male and female)
WYS/Seattle Sounders Summer camps/clinics/recreational programs (male and female)

*WYS ODP and Jr. ODP training groups will incorporate training starting in the fall 2008 after ODP coaches have been picked in late summer. These groups will be brought together one weekend a month to train with the new ODP staff. Coaches can apply by going to www.wsysa.com and submitting a resume to Dave Schumacher, State Coaching Director."


Will our U-23 team be the MLS "Reserves" side?

"No. The MLS reserve questions will be better answered by Chris Henderson, Technical Director."

Take a breath, Sounders fans

Kenji Treschuk looks like a 2009 Sounders FC player.
(Jenni Conner)

The Seattle Sounders don't play a match again until Friday June 20th when they host Miami FC. We are in the middle of a 8-day rest period for the club. Time to take a deep breath, Sounders fans, and look back at how the season has gone so far.

Still alive in the US Open Cup race? Check.
Still alive in the Cascadia Cup race? Check.
Still alive for the Commissioner's Cup? Check.
On-pace to make the playoffs? Check.

The Sounders are just a bit more than 1/3 through their 2008 (and final) USL-1 season. The club's raw numbers look like this:

Record: W-4 L-2 D-5
Home: W-2 L-0 D-2
Away: W-2 L-2 D-3
Goals: For-15 Against-10
Home: For-8 Against-4
Away: For-7 Against-6
Goals Against Average: .909
Goals For Average: 1.36
Place: 4th (17 points)

The Sounders and their fans have got to be pleased with where things stand when you considered the club have played 7 of 11 league matches away.

After a slow start the Sounders have rebounded more quickly than they have from their traditional slow starts in previous seasons.

The team rebound is directly connected to the same step up in performance by striker Sebastien Le Toux. Le Toux began slowly but since then has moved up to third in the league in goals with five.

(See league stats table here.)

However, if I were voting for a team Most Valubale Player after 11 matches and an Open Cup win I'd have to say that Chris Eylander, Josh Gardner and Kenji Treschuk would be on the final list with Le Toux.

In fact, I'd give it to midfielder Treschuk, who not only has two goals (one of them drawing a match in stoppage time in Charleston, the other winning a USOC match at Arizona in extra time) but has kept the Sounders' middle together and made up for defensive challenges due to multiple club injuries or absences. Treschuk's hard as nails play and timely offensive input has put him high up the list of current Sounders who seem destined for Major League Soccer in 2009.

What's next?

When the Sounders return to play on Friday they will jump right back in to the schedule congestion that seems at times to rival the congestion on I-5. June 20th Miami, June 24th Hollywood United, June 28th Montreal, July 1st possible USOC match, July away matches on the 3rd, 5th, 11th, 13th...with a possible USOC match at Qwest Field July 8th.

Looking at the various cup races, the Sounders are hopeful of continuing on in the US Open Cup by beating Hollywood United June 24th at Starfire. If they can then they'd next face Chivas USA July 1st at Starfire.

In the Cascadia Cup race Seattle is 2 points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps (6-4). The Sounders have three cup matches left to play: at Portland August 7 and home to Vancouver August 20 and September 20. If Seattle wins both home matches over the Whitecaps they will retain the Cascadia Cup (a possible goal differential tie-breaker could be necessary). Other scenarios apply, but the local derby cup remains in the Sounders' control.

In the race to retain the Commissioner's Cup and place top of the USL-1 table the Sounders are doing pretty well. With a schedule back-loaded with home matches, including seven straight to end the season, Seattle is poised to make a run.

Despite the annual slow start and the injury bug, and all the focus away from the current club and on the future MLS side, this group of Sounders are pretty much right where they want to be when it comes to results.

The addition of a few new faces in the next month or so could really boost efforts for more hardware in Seattle's final USL-1 campaign.

New Day Dawning in Seattle Soccer

For those who need to catch their breath and mull over the ending of the 15-year run of the Seattle Sounders of the United Soccer Leagues, this post might be coming too soon. If so, please accept my apologies in advance, and rest assured that GOALSeattle.com is all about keeping Seattle soccer history alive.

I am choosing to look forward only because that is what my heart is telling me to do. There is so much to anticipate, so much to ponder, so much left undone that will very soon take shape and be done.

I like the phrase I used when we were getting out the vote to call Seattle MLS the "Sounders." It was: "Tradition from the first kick." My attempt at blending the past with the future, the old clubs with the new.

It is indeed a brand new day.

Here are a few things to watch for between now and kick-off in April 2009:

Head coach hiring: It literally could be done at any moment, but my guess is the announcement timing will be based on whom the club hires. If they decide it is Brian Schmetzer then they can announce it in October. If they decide it is Sigi Schmid, then it gets more complicated. Schmid is leading the Columbus Crew to a wonderful season, and it might just go all the way to MLS Cup (November 23rd). If it does, Sounders FC would have to really scramble, because...

Expansion player draft: The MLS expansion draft will take place shortly after MLS Cup, perhaps as early as November 25th. Sounders FC will want a head coach in place before the draft. I wonder how long before the draft they'll shoot for? You would think they would want some time for the coach to study his player options. Of course Schmid and Paul Mariner (another coaching candidate) know the MLS rosters well. Schmetzer has the time to study up.



Full kit reveal: As the winter shopping season gets underway we'll likely see more of Sounders FC's uniform and get a chance to buy one. Will the away kit be revealed and go on sale in December, too?

Starfire Digs: The target date to have Sounders FC practice fields ready to go is December 2008. Club offices are also being finished at the Tukwila soccer haven.

MLS SuperDraft: Sounders FC have been carefully scouting college talent in preparation for the MLS SuperDraft. The draft will take place in St. Louis on January 15th. The first round will be televised on ESPN2. Sounders FC have the first pick overall and in each round unless they decide to make a trade. See links on the GOALSeattle Sounders FC Roster Page.

January transfer window: The next FIFA transfer window opens in January 2009. Sounders FC may point to that window when looking at foreign talent.

First Sounders FC training camp: The earliest day that MLS clubs can ask players to report to camp in Saturday, January 26th. No doubt Sounders FC will be ready to get going on that day.

2009 MLS Season Schedule: While there is no 'set date' for the league schedule to be released, it has happened as early as February in the past. Sometimes the league releases the opening week fixtures and then the rest later on. The 2008 schedule was released on February 7th.

Advertising & Ticket Sales: We can anticipate that at some point we'll see TV ads for the new club, perhaps to boost ticket sales. Right now Sounders FC have stagnated at just under 18,000 full season tickets. It is a tremendous number, best in the USA. They've got a goal of getting to 20,000 by April and selling out all home matches at around 25k.

Radio Deal & other Voices: We know that King and Kong are on board with Kevin Calabro. The next step is announcing the radio part and who'll be joining Kevin in the other broadcasting areas.

Join the Sounders FC anticipation at www.SeattleSoccerTalk.com

Minnesota scores late to top Sounders 2-1

From the Sounders:

(St. Paul, MN) – The Sounders (5-6-8) lost the lead in the 78th minute in Minnesota Thursday night and fell behind minutes later in losing 2-1 to the Thunder.

A superb goal from Youssouf Kante in the 43rd minute was offset by goals from defender Brian Kallman and forward Melvin Tarley within three minutes of each other.

The Sounders now return home from a giant match-up Saturday night at Starfire with the league-leading Charleston Battery in a preview of next month’s U.S. Open Cup semi-final match to be played in Charleston, SC on August 12. Tickets for Saturday’s match at Starfire are still available at www.ticketmaster.com. Kick-off is set for 8:00 pm (PT).

Seattle came in off a disappointing 3-1 loss a week ago at Starfire to the Rochester Rhinos. The loss was their first ever in the USL regular season at Starfire and dropped the Sounders into a fifth place position in the USL-1 table.

The last place Thunder’s last win came two months ago to the day in a 3-1 victory over Miami FC; since that time they had lost six of ten league games including a 3-1 loss to the Sounders at Starfire on June 7. In the wake of their recent struggles, third year coach Amos Magee stepped down on Tuesday and was replaced by Assistant Coach Donny Gramenz.

With that in mind, the Sounders looked to jump on the Thunder early and nearly did in the 15th minute when Jason Cascio had a close range header go just high over the crossbar off a delivery from Leighton O’Brien on the right.

Seattle controlled most of the run of play in the first half. Cascio, making his third start of the season up front and first since June 1, was active in creating scoring opportunities taking three shots in the opening half.

But it was midfielder Youssouf Kante who put the Sounders on the board in spectacular fashion in the 43rd minute. Kante received a deflection on the left side of the midfield, took a couple touches and fired from 25 yards; the shot hit the far post and deflected in giving Seattle the 1-0 advantage. It was Kante’s first career goal as a Sounder.

Seattle went into the half looking firmly in control and with the lead.

Minnesota came out a different side in the second half and immediately put pressure on the Seattle backline.

Stephen deRoux created an open shot just outside the 18 yard box in the 50th minute that was saved well by Chris Eylander.

The game began to tighten up with 20 minutes to go. Neither side created clear chances and the game appeared to be sailing towards a Sounders victory, but in the 78th minute, the Thunder created a corner and on the ensuing kick, Ryan Kallman rose to meet Luchi Gonzalez’s delivery and head it into the back of the net.

Three minutes later Minnesota took advantage of the momentum swing and Melvin Tarley hammered in another goal to grab the 2-1 advantage over a stunned Sounders side.

In the game’s dying minutes, after the Sounders whipped in a flurry of balls desperately searching for the equalizer, Andre Schmid rose and headed the ball over to a waiting Sebastien Le Toux who scored, but the play was ruled offsides.

The loss leaves the Sounders in fifth place but with sixth place Portland playing later in the evening.

Sounders 1, Thunder 2

Game Summary:
Sea – Eylander; Sakuda, Jackson (Merl 58), Scott, Rodriguez; Treschuk (Besagno 45), Kante (Fishbaugher 84), Gardner, O’Brien; Cascio (Schmid 69), Le Toux.
Min – Platter; Greenfield, Arango, Kallman, Altman (Friedland 45); Weiler (O’Brien 66), Bass, Sanchez (Marcina 74), deRoux; Tarley (Moojen 85), Gonzalez.

Sea – Kante 43
Min – Kallman (Gonzalez) 78
Min – Tarley (deRoux) 81

Game Statistics:
Shots: Sea – 9, Min – 8.
Saves: Sea (Eylander) – 4, Min (Platter) – 2.
Fouls: Sea – 10, Min – 10.
Offsides: Sea – 3, Min – 9.
Corners: Sea – 3, Min – 8.

Cautions: None

No forward momentum for Sounders

Le Toux, the Rhinos, Starfire, and around 900 fans.

GOALSeattle match photo gallery now online here.

The Seattle Sounders moved to their permanent home at Starfire on Wednesday night. They didn't discover their missing offense and only a scattering of fans followed them to Tukwila as they drew 1-1 with the Rochester Rhinos.

It's just not clicking up front for the Sounders. Roger Levesque returned from an injury and still the forward attack remains mute.

Sebastien Le Toux was terrible on the ball last night, muffing 3 or 4 clear scoring chances with poorly kicked shots.

It was left to a defender to put the Sounders ahead and Zach Scott obliged with a nice header in the 75th minute. Alas, the feeble Rhinos attack, which had not tallied a goal in almost 5 matches, managed to get one past the Sounders in stoppage time.

---

"It's like getting poked in the eye with a sharp stick," Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. "What was disappointing was that we created so many chances and could only get one. That game could have been over and done with before that guy scored."
---Seattle P-I

---

Thus ended another frustrating night for the Sounders and their fans.

Is Le Toux trying too hard? Is he just not as skilled as you'd want a forward of MLS quality to be? Is he all about the breakaway goal and not the finishing on shorter chances?

The Sounders have now scored 4 goals in 5 matches: Treschuk, O'Brien, Le Toux (should have been credited to Danny Jackson) and Scott.

1/6th of the way through the USL-1 season the Sounders have no forwards who can finish, and no forward momentum.

Seattle hosts Atlanta on Sunday night at Starfire. The Sounders have outscored the Silverbacks 9-0 in their last three meetings. Here's hoping.



* The new set-up at Starfire is pretty nice. A solid set of portable bleachers is now in place opposite the main stand. Porta-potties have been brought in, too. Fans are literally right on top of the player benches on that side.

* The Sounders announced the crowd at 1,800, but actual in-house was closer to 800-900.

* The Sounders are now 7-2-1 (W-D-L) in league and playoff matches at Starfire.

* The Rhinos started their season with 5 straight road matches, and hadn't scored a goal until stoppage time last night.

* The match reminded some fans of the Seattle-Rochester battle of 2006 at Qwest Field. That night Greg Howes scored in stoppage time to beat the Sounders 2-1.

Match Reports:
SeattleSounders.net
Seattle P-I
Seattle Times

Video and photos coming soon.

HOT TICKET: Gary Boyle sees Seattle soccer stock rising

Professional soccer in Seattle is going completely the opposite direction of the local and especially the national economy. No one is noticing this more that Sounders FC Customer Sales Rep. Gary Boyle. Gary has gone from sharing space at Pacific Feather Company in SoDo to rubbing elbows with Seahawks staff at the swank new Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton.

If the name 'Gary Boyle' sounds familiar, that's because Gary is one of the employees who has transitioned up from the USL Sounders to the Major League Soccer Sounders FC. In fact, he was one of the very first to do so.

If you haven't been keeping track of Sounders FC ticket sales, here is fair warning: most, if not all of Sounders FC's matches will sell out in 2009, some even before the season starts. Of the anticipated 24,500 seats available per match, only just over 6,000 are left unsold. Time to think about combining with friends on a set of season tickets, eh?

Gary Boyle last season with the USL Sounders.
(Rick Morrison photo)

Gary has seen the change in ticket demand blast off from the tepid sales of the United Soccer Leagues Sounders to the red hot surge for Sounders FC.

"As you know," Gary states, "the difference in the caliber (of play between USL and MLS) is not that great. It’s the perception of major league and minor league (that has fueled ticket sales). We both know the soccer community has been waiting for this for a long time." It doesn't hurt that Gary is now surrounded by an office 'team,' either. "The resources we have here make a big difference. First and Goal is an amazing company. I am now one of ten sales representatives."

Most people reading this blog will know Gary through his work with the Sounders of old and new. Gary heard that the USL Sounders were reorganizing their front office in 2001. "I found out that the Sounders were re-organizing from Chris Collins, applied and was offered the Director of Ticket Sales job a few years back." Boyle is a Huskies fan and has officiated high school basketball for thirty-four seasons.


Now the 2009 Sounders FC campaign is fast-approaching, and Boyle is right in the middle of an office buzzing with excitement and effort. "The vibe is incredible. This is the hardest working staff I have ever been a part of. The coolest aspect is how the Seahawks ticket staff has bought into the process, and have sold a lot of seats." How many altogether for the office? Over 18,000 season tickets with four months still to go before kick off. It is the highest total in the 13-year history of Major League Soccer. "Our ultimate goal," notes Boyle, "is 22,000. We won’t go beyond that. We must have inventory for group sales, and some walk-up. We still have a lot of leads, and with more players to be announced and a coach coming, we will reach our goal."

Seattle's ownership group are watching the ticket sales numbers closely. Joe Roth is very interested in ticket sales. He keeps in contact with Gary Wright (club VP) and Chuck Arnold (First and Goal) often. The news remains positive.

If you are going to risk it without a season ticket, you'll need to keep an eye on February, when the league schedule is expected to come out. "Partial packages will be available when the schedule comes out," Gary says. "They will be selected games, probably half the season. As soon as the schedule is announced, single games tickets will go on sale."


At some point the ticket office may have a similar situation to the one they have with the Seahawks: no more tickets left to sell. Will the club consider opening up the Hawk's Nest or other seats then? "If we get in the 20,000 mark for season tickets, it (the 24,500 cut-off) will probably go up a bit. Not sure what that number will be though. It is important to have tickets available for groups, over the long haul, we will always need them."

In the meantime Boyle and the gang are busy convincing fans about the remaining unsold lower bowl seats. "We try and tell fans that there are no bad seats at Qwest Field. Some of the best seats for soccer are from the eighteen yard mark to the end line, and behind the goals. We also have a good amount of club seats left."

Contact Gary Boyle for Sounders FC ticket requests:
Online Request Form
Online Ticket Brochure
garyb@soundersfc.com
425.203.8303 (T)
425.203.8150 (F)

tickets.soundersfc.com

You can read more about Gary in this article from SoccerSeattleStyle.com.

Sounders and Tide both at home this weekend

Youssouf Kante has been a spark since joining Seattle, but has also been injured much of the time. He's not alone, as the current roster is riddled with knocks.
(David Falk)

Puget Sound soccer fans have three chances to see high-level soccer action this weekend. Friday night June 6th Tacoma Tide FC will host the Abottsford Mariners in a border clash down in the City of Destiny. The next night the Tide will host the undefeated and newly-joined Vancouver Whitecaps 'Residency' squad. Both TFC matches kick off at 7:00 PM. Read previews of both contests at www.GOALTacoma.com.

Just south of the Emerald City in Tukwila the Seattle Sounders are finally back home and will host the surprising Minnesota Thunder at 8:00 PM at the Starfire Sports Complex. Seattle recently won one, lost one and drew two on a four match away swing.

The Sounders are riddled with injuries and are fighting to stay competitive with a small squad. It is possible, even likely, that several foreign players with MLS potential are 'in the pipeline' and could join the club by July or even sooner. Until they are signed, announced and eligible it will be a small shell of a squad that carries the Seattle banner into USL-1 play.

Below is a preview of the Thunder-Sounders match as issued by the Sounders:

SOUNDERS RETURN TO STARFIRE TO PLAY THE THUNDER

(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders (3-2-5) return home after an exhausting four game road trip to host the Minnesota Thunder (4-3-1) Saturday night at Starfire. The match is the first at home for the Sounders since the 4-2 victory over Atlanta on May 19. Kickoff is set for 8pm.

The match is the first this season against Minnesota. Last year, the two teams went 1-1-1 in three matches with Seattle’s 1-0 victory on September 9 clinching the 2007 regular season title.

Last week, the Sounders managed to earn two hard fought points in a three game stretch despite being without forward Roger Levesque, midfielders Leighton O’Brien and Youssouf Kante, and defenders Danny Jackson and Zach Scott. After losing just their second game of the season 2-1 at Carolina, the Sounders played Puerto Rico and Miami FC to draws, 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

Seattle’s injury woes continue: Defenders Jason Cascio (ankle) and Noah Merl (groin) were both injured in Sunday’s match with Miami FC, and will be out 3-4 weeks. Levesque (ankle) and O’Brien (groin) are listed as questionable and probable for Saturday.

Key midfielder Kenji Treschuk faces the league mandated one game suspension after receiving a red card against Miami, and will not be active.

The Sounders next home game is a June 12th exhibition match against Juventus Primavera. Juventus Primavera is the primary reserve team of two-time European champion and Serie A giant, Juventus. Tickets are still available.

Game Notes:
· Minnesota is 1-2-1 in their last four matches heading into their two game road trip against Portland and Seattle.
· Seattle defender Taylor Graham was named to the USL team of the week.
· Minnesota midfielder Jeremiah Bass was named Week 6 USL-1 Player of the Week (1 goal, 1 assist vs. Miami FC, 5/24).
· Minnesota forward Melvin Tarley has recorded three goals since signing with the team May 1.
· Through eight games, Minnesota is already half way to their point total from the 2007 season when they finished second to last in the league with 26 points.
· The Sounders 0-0 draw with Miami FC was the second 0-0 draw this season (5/10 vs. Portland at Qwest Field).
· Seattle will be without defender Kenji Treschuk who received a red card against Miami FC.

Injury Report:
· Seattle defender Jason Cascio (ankle) out 3-4 weeks.
· Seattle defender Noah Merl (groin) out 3-4 weeks
· Seattle midfielder Leighton O’Brien (groin) probable
· Seattle midfielder Youssouf Kante (achilles tendon) doubtful
· Seattle forward Roger Levesque (ankle) questionable

Sounders fall 1-0, haven't won league match in a month

The Sounders finally got out of the draw column...but ended up in the loss ledger. Charleston Battery continue to top the table after their 1-0 win over Seattle on July 5th in South Carolina. The Sounders' last league win was June 7th against Minnesota.

from the Sounders:

(Charleston, NC)- The league leading Charleston Battery increased their lead on the USL-1 with a 1-0 victory over the Sounders on Saturday night.

The loss was their first in over a month since they lost to the Carolina Railhawks on May 28.

In addition to being league leaders, the Battery have also advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They travel to Dallas to play FC Dallas on July 8. The Sounders have also advanced to the Quarterfinals and play the Kansas City Wizards on Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00 pm at Qwest Field. Tickets are $17 in advance through www.ticketmaster.com and $20 at the gate. $15 group tickets are available by calling 206-381-7908.

The Sounders were under constant pressure from the Battery attack all game. Zach Scott had an early scoring chance in the 10th minute but his header hit the post, it would turn out to be one of the best chances of the game for Seattle

Charleston got on the board early with a phenomenal strike from 25 yards from midfielder Lazo Alavanja. The Sounders had been conceding space in the midfield and sitting back which opened up the shot from distance from Alavanja.

The half wore on with the Sounders creating few chances and Charleston went into the half with a one goal advantage.

Charleston came out in the second half looking for the killing goal.

Striker Randi Patterson created many problems for the Seattle backline, running well off the ball and attacking the Seattle defenders.

The Sounders subbed in Jason Cascio and Kevin Sakuda mid-way through the half for extra firepower, but Seattle never really got a clear opportunity and the Sounders fell 1-0.

The Sounders next league match is at Rochester Rhinos on July 11 on Fox Soccer Channel.

Smaller local clubs stay clear of Sounders' wake

One thing we know about the sport of elite-level soccer in Puget Sound in 2009: there's going to be plenty of it to watch.The huge majority of those watching will be doing so because of interest in Seattle Sounders FC.The Sounders have sold 20,000 season tickets and it looks like a good bet that nearly all matches will sell out before or on match nights.

This is in effect a tsunami of interest in pro soccer, and how far the waves reach is unknown. Our three fourth division sides, Tacoma Tide FC, Kitsap Pumas, and Seattle Wolves FC, are of course hoping that the high water interest in Sounders FC will spill over to their neighborhoods. Just in case, the three clubs have tried their very best to not schedule their home matches on the same night the Sounders are home at Qwest. Some of it is that the guys who run these sides are genuinely Sounders fans, and some of it is simply the fact they don't want to be selling tickets up against the Sounders juggernaut.

When the Premier Development League schedules for Tacoma, Seattle and Kitsap were released they showed only three local home matches (out of 24) in conflict. Tacoma Tide FC have since reduced that number to 2 after they moved a match with Seattle Wolves to Tuesday June 23 in Tacoma to avoid a Sounders home match. Now the dubious two left are Seattle Wolves hosting Kitsap May 30 while the Sounders are at home against Columbus Crew, and Tacoma Tide FC hosting the Spokane Spiders at 3:00 PM in the afternoon on Sunday June 28th while the Sounders are hosting the Colorado Rapids two hours earlier at Qwest.

So there you have it, soccer lovers. Our three smaller clubs have 22 home matches that don't fall on Sounders home days.

Make your plans to catch one of these clubs in action. We've got the master Puget Sound home schedule right here.

Photo Credit: Seattle Wolves FC celebrate a goal against Sounders Super Search players. (Jenni Conner)

Sounders host Miami tonight

From the Sounders:
(Seattle, Wa)- The Seattle Sounders (4-2-5) return to league play hosting the Miami FC Blues (3-6-5) Friday, June 20. Kickoff at Starfire is set for 7:00pm.

With one-third of the season complete, the Sounders are in fourth place in the USL-1 with 17 points and only five points behind the league-leading Vancouver Whitecaps. Considering obstacles, such as; player shortages due to injuries and seven of the 11 matches having been played on the road, Seattle is in good position in the race to retain the Commissioner’s Cup.

Seattle will be well rested coming into Friday night's game. The Sounders last match came in an international friendly eight days ago against Italian club Juventus Primavera. In that match, Seattle tallied three goals in a shutout win, while only playing two of their regular starters.

Next up is Miami, a team the Sounders played in the final match of their hectic three-game road trip just a few weeks ago. Seattle’s third in five days, the match ended in a nil-nil draw and was proof of this Sounders team’s mental toughness.



Says Coach Brian Schmetzer: “We were dead tired and Miami’s not a bad team at home. We were able to match them and their effort and eke out a point. That was a telltale sign that this team is very strong mentally.”



To find the goal this time around, Seattle will have to break through a Blues defense that has five consecutive shutouts, and has not allowed a single goal in 495 minutes of play. The Sounders attack led by striker Sebastien Le Toux has a formidable task ahead, but is up for the challenge. Le Toux scored twice in last week’s friendly. He ranks third in USL-1 with five goals and 11 points, and was selected to the USL-1 Team of the Week for the second time after scoring once and impacting all three goals in the Sounders 3-1 win over Minnesota on June 5.

Seattle will have the option to play former number one pick in the 2005 MLS Superdraft, midfielder Nik Besagno, who was acquired on loan from Real Salt Lake. Besagno is scheduled to be with the Sounders through Sept. 9.

About Miami

The Blues’ 495 minutes-and-counting of shutout defense along with the one-two punch of Brazilian midfielder Leo Inácio, the club’s latest signing, and forward Alex Afonso presents a challenging assignment for Seattle. Inácio and Afonso have combined for a total of five goals between them in the club's last two matches.

Afonso also won USL-1 Team of the Week honors for the third time this season with his efforts in the 2-0 win this past Saturday against the Carolina Railhawks (3-3-4).

Miami is 2-0-3 in their last five league matches, and earned a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup first round win, 4-2, over the Bradenton Academics.

Today's Seattle Times: Sounders glad to have local guy Besagno for a while
PNWLocalNews.com: Maple Valley native joins Sounders

Realistic expectations for the 2008 Sounders

Sebastien Le Toux is already a "marked man" for the 2008 Sounders.

Jenni Conner www.GOALSeattle.com photo.

by David Falk

We've seen two away matches, and so far the Seattle Sounders have no wins and only one goal.

This is a typical start for the recent Sounders. It's been more than 5 years since Seattle won one of its opening two matches. In that time, between 2004 and 2008, the Sounders are 0 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses in their initial pair.

In that time the Sounders have also gone to 3 finals, winning 2 championships. Once they also recovered from a slow start to finish top of the table (2007).

I guess we should have expected another crawling out of the gate. Perhaps the return of all 11 starters gave some hope that 2008 would be different. Not so far. A 1-1 draw at middling Charleston was followed up with a 2-0 defeat at contenders Portland.

Where does that leave the Sounders? What are the realistic expectations we can have for our 2008 club?

Expect to see rookie players in tight situations late in matches. This season is about seeing what some younger players can bring. Sounders FC are watching to see who deserves a spot in MLS, and who has enough of an 'upside' to warrant another year. Already we've seen Andre Schmid (2nd year), Jason Cascio and John Fishbaugher (rookies) subbed in late during crucial periods of tight matches.

Expect a slow start. Two matches down, and another this Friday in Atlanta before the Sounders come home for three. I don't think we'll see the horrible 1 win in 8 matches to start that we had last year, but we may not see a homestand sweep in May, either.

Expect more players over the season. Right now French trialists are with the club, and rumors even have some recent cuban defectors headed our way for trials. Greg Howes may be back now that Milwaukee are out of the MISL playoffs. Adam West should be back in camp shortly. The roster will be in flux all season. So will the line-ups, no doubt.

Expect a desire to win, but more obstacles. The Sounders want to win. Period. However it will be much harder to do so in the USL-1 in 2008. Seattle's schedule is back-loaded with 7 home matches to end the campaign. Before that it is 15 out of 23 on the road. This for a defending champ that is also being 'promoted' to MLS in 2009. The rest of the league will see a Seattle match as their biggest of the season. Not just Portland. Not just Vancouver. Seattle will find every team is up for them. Gone are the patsies in California. This year the league is better, tighter. So far the Sounders have 'stood still' without adding any proven talent to keep pace.

The 2008 Sounders will very likely make the playoffs. That is really their main goal. Qualify and see if they can get hot at the right time. Adrian Hanauer has already stated that finishing top of the table is not a major goal. He will instruct coach Brian Schmetzer that seeing talent for MLS is more important that winning at all costs.

So far that is exactly what we've seen. Slow start. A look at young talent. A roster that has 'stood still' while many of the other contenders have added firepower.

Expect that to not be enough to win another title in 2008 unless we get some seasoned help along the way.

SOUNDERS FACE HOLLYWOOD UNITED AT STARFIRE IN SECOND ROUND OF OPEN CUP

From the Sounders...

(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders (USL-1) play Hollywood United (USASA) Tuesday, June 24 at the Starfire Sports Complex in second round action of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning (June 13) at 10:00 am. Tickets are $13 in advance through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 206-628-0888. Tickets are $15 at the gate. $13 group tickets are available by calling 206-381-7908.

Hollywood United of the United States Amateur Soccer Association and the Coast Soccer League in Los Angeles, stunned the Portland Timbers of USL-1 in first round play winning 3-2 behind two Matt Taylor penalty kick’s and an Earl Alexander winner in stoppage time. 2008 is Hollywood United’s first appearance in the U.S. Open Cup.

Though an amateur side, Hollywood United is made up of several former professionals including eight-year MLS veteran, Brian Dunseth and former Sounders Jason Boyce and Alex Bengard. Boyce played for Seattle in 2002 appearing in 15 games notching one goal and three assists and Bengard played for Seattle in 2003 appearing in 23 games scoring three goals and two assists. Also on the roster is Raul Palomaires who was on trial with the Sounders early this season and appeared in the Sounders exhibition match against Seattle Pacific University.

The Sounders survived a grueling extra time first round match against the Arizona Sahuaros that Kenji Treschuk won in the 118th minute; Seattle won 1-0. Seattle will be hoping to have a healthy Danny Jackson (plantir fascia), Jason Cascio (ankle), and Noah Merl (groin) back in action.

A Sounders win on June 24 would see them face an MLS side in 3rd round action scheduled for July 1. The Sounders have submitted bids to U.S. Soccer in an effort to host both the 3rd and quarterfinal rounds. The July 1 match would see the Sounders in action at the Starfire Sports Complex. The July 8 quarterfinal round would see the Sounders back at Qwest Field.

The Sounders had success in the 2007 Open Cup against MLS teams, defeating Chivas USA and the Colorado Rapids in route to a birth in the semi-finals where they lost 2-1 to Dallas FC in extra time.

Sounders implode on Impact

The Seattle Sounders lost 2-1 to Montreal Impact last night at Starfire Sports Stadium in a real head-scratcher.

The Sounders didn't show up for the slow, scrimmage-like first half, and then when a spark finally arose they just as quickly imploded with sloppy defending and an inability to finish in front of goal.

Montreal's Tony Donatelli tangles with Seattle's Zach Scott.
(Rick Morrison)

The Sounders are now 2-2-1 on this seven match home stand and have yet to win a match against a likely playoff-bound club in that run. (Wins over Carolina and Miami, losses to Puerto Rico and Montreal, a draw with Vancouver.)

Zach Scott and Josh Gardner appeared to be the only Sounders with a pulse in the first half. In the second Gardner remained active and Scott fell completely apart on both of Montreal's 'gift' goals. Yousouff Kante played a nice second half.

Montreal went up 1-0 after the Sounders came out in the second half and put together a nice (but goalless) string of possession and shots. Against the run of play the Impact netted a counter-attack goal. It was Toni Donateli netting the first score on an assist from Joey Gjertsen after a breakaway in the 59th.

Yousouff Kante scored the Sounders' lone goal.
(Rick Morrison)

The Sounders drew level 1-1 when Kante blasted the back of the net after a scramble gave him the ball at the top of the penalty area in the 62nd.

Soon after the implosion was complete when Zach Scott passed a ball across his own goal mouth and past Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander. All that was left was the tap-in, which Montreal's Antonio Rabeiro did with no problem in the 70th.

The head scratching goes on.

“We’re not going to panic. We’re just disappointed in the result,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer told the club website. “When it was still 0-0, we had the chance to score a couple goals and put the game in our favor, but we just didn’t do it. I’m (more) concerned with my team and letting in what I feel were two soft goals. That’s the story of the game.”

The match was attended by the one of the smallest home regular season crowd in years. The covered stand was about 1/4 full but spread out, while the opposite stand had about 100 fans. My guess puts the crowd in the 600 range, though the club announced 2,500.

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Kante receives congrats after his goal. (Joe Armand photo)
See Joe's match gallery at PointTakenPhotos.com

Sounders will face Quakes February 13 in California

Seattle Sounders FC will face the San Jose Earthquakes in a pre-season match Friday February 13 in San Luis Obispo, CA, it was reported by SLO Tribune.

The newer Earthquakes will also take on the expansion Seattle Sounders FC, a team with the same name as the one Cal-Poly head coach Paul Holocher, a Seattle native, followed from 1974 to 1983.

Partially owned by “Price is Right” host Drew Carey, the Sounders FC are managed by Sigi Schmid, who led the Columbus Crew to the MLS title last season.

“The Columbus Crew last year came here and played,” Holocher said. “Sigi Schmid was the coach of the Crew and they went on to win the MLS championship. We probably couldn’t have predicted that. When we called Sigi this year, asked him if he wouldn’t mind coming again for preseason, he said, ‘it worked last year so we’re excited to come down again.’ ”

The Feb. 13 game between San Jose and Seattle, the first time the Sounders FC will be playing on American soil as an MLS team, is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Sunday match between the Earthquakes and the Dynamo is set for 1 p.m.

Prices range from $12 single-game to $30 weekend packages for adults and $6 single-game to $30 weekend packages for youth and students.

On the Cal-Poly University soccer website head coach Paul Holocher seemed genuinely moved that the Sounders would be making their USA debut on his home pitch. Then again, he's a long-time follower. “As a kid, I remember driving with my dad to go watch the Seattle Sounders, then of the North American Soccer League,” Holocher said. “The match they will play at Alex G. Spanos Stadium is their first on American soil as a member of the MLS. It really means a lot to me, as a fan of the game and of the Sounders, to witness the team’s return to the highest level of domestic soccer.”

The article goes on to add...

Seattle Sounders FC is a franchise with plenty of history despite entering the league as an expansion team. The Sounders were originally a member of the North American Soccer League from 1974-1983 before folding prior to the 1984 season. Holocher, a Seattle native, has fond memories of watching the original Sounders and being part of their return to the highest level of soccer.

Joe Roth will have final say in SSFC's big moves

Joe Roth carefully considers the major moves for Sounders FC.
(Jenni Conner)

When Seattle was awarded Major League Soccer's 15th franchise for 2009 it was clear that Joe Roth had added a final piece to the puzzle in garnering league approval.

When Seattle MLS presented its now-notorious list of possible club names it was Joe Roth who reopened the voting that eventually allowed "Sounders FC" to become the name.

When Sounders FC announced a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with X-box and Microsoft Roth took the podium and declared "One of the things that is so helpful for me is that I came to this opportunity with no knowledge, so you can make impossibly high standards." He went on to say his approach for Sounders FC is just that: ask first for the impossibly high and see if it is possible.

As the club approaches the next big moves, which seem to be hiring a head coach and signing a designated player, I am keeping Roth's stated approach in mind.

I've been told that Roth is the final say-so guy in the organization and since he is the majority owner that isn't hard to believe. The big stuff not only crosses Joe's desk, but waits for his investigation and approval before happening.

This isn't necessarily good news for the 2008 Seattle Sounders players and coaches. Roth will look first for an international soccer star as "DP," and an experienced, well-connected internationally-known head coach. He won't be the least bit impressed with the current season the USL-1 Sounders are having. He'll set the bar high above that.

The MLS salary cap will bring Roth down to earth a bit, I'd guess, as will his conversations with GM Adrian Hanauer. Together Sounders FC supporters can only hope that the 'blend' of shooting for the stars and making big impressions, while at the same time understanding the local Seattle soccer world, will mesh and provide the best for the club.

Brian Schmetzer does not fit in the 'impossibly high standards' category (except perhaps in terms of all current Seattle-area coaches). The USL Sounders head coach is qualified, but doesn't have MLS coaching experience and is not a known name internationally. Still, you'd think that Schmetzer would be a great candidate for somewhere on the coaching staff for the strengths he can bring: local connections, understanding of US soccer, winning resume.

The current Sounders roster may have been genuinely unsettled at the signing of Kasey Keller this week. It was Roth again aiming high, and again getting what he wanted. Who is the most-decorated goalkeeper in American history? Who would establish that position in the history of the club as of the highest order and professionalism? Who would be the absolute best choice under the given salary conditions and considering local soccer history? Keller, of course, and Roth got him.

Sounders FC. X-box. Keller. Three moves approved by Joe Roth.

Using Roth's impossibly high standards routine, it may be time to watch Europe for our first coach and the entire globe for our first designated player.

Talk about this blog entry here.
Talk about the search for a Sounders FC head coach here.

New Cascadian Century

As we count down the days to the Sounders' 2008 home opener at Qwest Field against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, I'll be blogging about moments in the history of the derby. This is entry #4.
(See #3 here) (See #2 here) (See #1 here).

Sounders knock PDX out of 2007 US Open Cup.
(Jenni Conner)

In 2001 the Portland Timbers joined up with the Seattle Sounders in what was then called the A-League. Seattle had already been playing in the circuit since 1994, winning league championships in 1995 and 1996.

Just like in the NASL, the Timbers' first-ever home league match was against the Seattle Sounders, at now-called PGE Park. This time Portland got it right, winning 2-0 over Seattle before over 12,000 fans.

It takes something to brag about on both sides for a rivalry to really get heated, and both sides in this derby have ample ammunition. Seattle can boast about the 2004 and 2005 seasons when they knocked Portland out of the playoffs both times on their way to the league final. (See video highlights of those two playoff encounters here.)

Darren Sawatzky talks about his assist on Melo's 2004 playoff heart breaker for Portland.

The 2004 season saw the Timbers have a marvelous year, topping the table. Seattle finished 9th overall in the league but qualified for the playoffs due to division placing. Portland took a 2-1 lead into Qwest Field after a first-leg win in the Rose City. Their dream campaign came crashing down when Welton Melo scored in overtime to lift Seattle 3-2 on aggregate. The Sounders eventually also beat their other main rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps, to travel to Montreal for the league final. Seattle lost the title 2-0.

In 2005 the two rivals again met up in the playoffs' first round. This time early goals by Seattle's Roger Levesque in both legs were enough for a 3-0 aggregate Seattle advancement. The Sounders would continue on and claim the 2005 league crown.

In 2004 supporters in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle started the Cascadia Cup. 2008 will mark the last season of the cup as it now stands. Vancouver won the cup in 2004 and 2005. Seattle has won it in 2006 and 2007. Portland leads the 2008 race after whipping the Sounders 2-0 in Portland in late April.

The Timbers and Sounders have also knocked each other out of the US Open Cup in recent years, and this seems the most-likely way the two will meet up when Seattle goes to MLS.

Portland Timbers have a larger fan base than Seattle with rowdy supporters groups and a great atmosphere at their home park. Fans in the Rose City take great pride in having the top support between the two cities. In 2007 the Sounders averaged about 3,600 fans per home match while Portland were drawing well over 6,000.

Having been around for all incarnations of the Seattle-Portland derby I can safely say that it has never been hotter, more emotional, or more hotly contested by quality players, good coaches, willing owners and passionate fans. Portland and Seattle fans agree on only one thing in this derby: it is the best going in American soccer today.

Tomorrow I'll be guest-blogging from Bob Kellett's Timbers Offsides blog. In that blog I'll have a special video message from Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer! (Bob will be guest-blogging here!)

Can Sounders keep the Cascadia Cup?

Emerald City Supporters hoist the 2007 Cascadia Cup after the Sounders won it at home over Portland at Qwest Field.

Vancouver Whitecaps at Seattle Sounders
Wednesday August 20, 7:00 PM Starfire

The Cascadia derby cup between Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers is a sought-after trophy by supporters and players of the three clubs.

The Sounders have won it two years in a row after the Whitecaps took home the cup in its first two years of existence.

The 2008 trophy comes down to one of the two previous winners as Seattle and Vancouver remain alive for the cup.

The Sounders need a win and a draw in their final two matches with Vancouver to insure a three-peat. Seattle host Vancouver Wednesday night August 20 at Starfire and then again Saturday night September 20th also at Starfire.

Last year the Sounders won the league Commissioner's Cup, the Cascadia Cup and then the USL Championship Cup. This year only the Cascadia and playoff cup appear possible.

The Whitecaps have a strong chance to win all three cups the Sounders did a year ago.

The Cascadia Cup will undergo significant changes after this season. Supporters of all three clubs will decide if it will become the derby cup for matches between Vancouver and Portland alone, or between Vancouver, Portland and Kitsap (if a club comes in there), or if it will simply go dormant until all three current traditional rivals are in MLS. (Some hold out hope that a tournament in pre-season may reunite the clubs before then.)

The Cup is special because it was started by supporters of all three clubs and is really a shared moment between supporters groups and their players.

Can the Sounders run off into the Major League Soccer landscape winners of the final derby cup they are likely to battle for in the next few years?

The next step against Vancouver looms ahead.

Sounders pre-match report
ProstAmerika match preview
SeattleSoccerTalk.com match thread



Roger Levesque delivers the 2007 Cup to the ECS.

Sounders FC should steer clear of Clavijo

Clavijo, far left, brown coat, chats with Kasey Keller last season when the Rapids played the Sounders in the US Open Cup. Seattle beat Fernando's gang 5-0.
(David Falk)

When word came out last week that Fernando Clavijo had resigned as head coach of Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids my first thought was the joy that many Rapids fans must be feeling. Quickly I refocused on what is really important: making it clear that this SSFC supporter doesn't want Fernando to bring his mediocrity to Sounders FC in a similar role.

Clavijo is despised by many fans in Denver, but historically he didn't do too much better or worse than other Rapids coaches have. The stakes and expectations were raised much higher when the Rapids moved into their new stadium in Commerce City. Clavijo failed to get the Rapids to respond to the momentum of the new venue.

Now there is some small buzz that Sounders FC are going to chat with Clavijo. In and of itself this is no big deal. Fernando is a recent MLS head coach, and we are indeed in the market for our first gaffer. Talking doesn't mean hiring. In this case, at least, it should never come to that.

I guess I could see Clavijo as an assistant, perhaps bringing his league knowledge to the club. If Sounders FC hire Brian Schmetzer then this could be a possibility. Schmetzer and Clavijo are friends and it was Fernando who gave Schmetzer his first coaching gig as his assistant on the 1997 Seattle Seadogs indoor soccer club. If Clavijo is willing to work under Schmetzer then perhaps he has something to offer.

Looking over Fernando's career record as a head coach in MLS and other competitions, he has turned out clubs that hover around the .500 mark and occasionally are worth a playoff upset or two. That's it. No titles in outdoor play. No superstars unearthed. No statistics that scream ' hire me as your first head coach.'

The connections between Chris Henderson, the current USL Sounders and Clavijo are interesting ones. Clavijo has sent us Jordan Harvey, Stephen Keel and Ciaran O'Brien on loan over the last few seasons when he was at Rapids. Adrian Hanauer has a working relationship with him. Chris Henderson was a player at Colorado for many years, and still leads that club in many all time categories, but he was traded by Clavijo in 2005 to Columbus Crew. Now Henderson is Sounders FC's technical director. He'll have a major say in who becomes the head coach.

Here's hoping that Sounders FC can separate 'the man' from 'his record.' It could be that Clavijo is a great guy. It could be that he has been a friend to the current USL Sounders over the last few years. It could be that Chris Henderson respects him despite being traded away from his longtime club. It could be that Fernando and Brian Schmetzer remain great pals.

Look beyond all that. Look at his coaching record. Nothing on it would indicate any form of excellence in the short or long term.

Sounders FC can do better than Clavijo for a head coach.

Sounders end with fewest wins ever

Kevin Sakuda strikes the goal that brought Seattle to within 3-2.

(Rick Morrison. See Rick's gallery here.)

The Vancouver Whitecaps scored three straight goals in the second half to beat the Seattle Sounders 3-2 on Saturday night at Starfire Sports Stadium.

With the loss the Sounders finish the 2008 USL-1 season with a 10-10-10 record. The ten wins is the fewest regular season wins ever for any club called "Sounders," dating back to 1974.

The Sounders finish sixth in the USL table and will play Montreal Impact in the first round of the playoffs, which begin on Friday at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.



The night was a disappointment to a packed house and to the Sounders players, who stood at midfield afterwards sort of looking at the ground or off into space. The USL Sounders have played their last regular season match. It is almost over, and the script being written is not to the liking of this cast of characters.

The defense of the 2007 Commissioner's Cup (best regular season record) had long since gone by the wayside. Puerto Rico has claimed the 2008 version.The Cascadia Cup is the latest to fall out of reach. The Whitecaps win the cup going away with 13 points to Seattle's 8.

Still left is a chance to redeem a lost year by making a run in the playoffs. More than merely a run, though, Seattle would need to go all the way and repeat as league champions to erase the mediocre regular season, the derby loss and the second straight loss in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals.

It seems unlikely at this point, with the Sounders' form writing losing chapters.

The 2008 Sounders have rarely come together as a team on the pitch, seldom found the right mixture and the final pieces of the puzzle. They've been out hustled on many occasions, out played and out coached at home and away. This group of players remain a talented bunch who peaked as a unit in 2007 and have relapsed in 2008. Injuries have played their role, and it was no different tonight with Taylor Graham sitting out in central defense.

A shame it came down to a few moments of weak defending and plenty of missed offensive chances, but the night was a capsule of the whole season in that way.

Bookend goals by Sebastien Le Toux and Kevin Sakuda simply were not enough to offset the Whitecaps second-half rally.

Seattle leaves the Cascadia Cup derby behind having won it twice. Vancouver have now won it three times.

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ASK ADRIAN: A busy January for Sounders FC

We haven't checked in with Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer in a while, so we thought we'd do that today...

Our questions are numbered and Hanauer's answers appear in blue.

1. Can you explain the allocation process in MLS? Do Sounders FC have a deadline to ask for / use these funds?

Allocation money comes from various sources... expansion, order of finish in the league, transfer fees, etc... It can be used to buy down salaries or to acquire players. The specific amounts of allocation are not disclosed.
We have 2 years in which to use our expansion allocation money.

2. Sigi Schmid is used to having control over player issues from his days at Columbus. Can you talk a bit about how that subject was addressed with Sigi, and how the player personnel 'team' is combining efforts going forward?

It really wasn't an issue. Sigi will have significant control, but work within the confines of a team atmosphere. Sigi wants to win. In winning organizations, everyone has their role and area of expertise. It will be no different within our organization.

3. Freddy Montero has been on the lips and in the forums for Sounders fans over recent weeks. If you can't talk about Freddy specifically yet, can you address the way Sounders FC handles player purchases? Is it a goal or policy of the club to purchase up and coming players even if they might never wear a Seattle uniform? To make money in the transfer market? Would Sounders FC consider combining with a second club to share a player's rights?

You are correct. I can't really comment.
However, I can tell you that for Sounders FC to purchase the rights to players is very difficult. Any funds spent to acquire rights, count against the salary cap. Loans are more likely solutions to transfer fees.

4. How many hours a day are you working on Sounders FC projects these days?

95% of my time is spent on Sounders FC.
If you ask my girlfriend, she will tell you that I work 16 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Given the world market... it truly is a 24/7 position. But, it's not quite like working in a coal mine!

5. How are the Starfire facilities coming along?

Facilities are coming along nicely. Not all parts of the expansion will be completed by the beginning of training camp, but given our trips to California and Argentina for pre-season... we are most concerned about being able to move in more permanently on approximately March 10th.

6. When can fans anticipate might be the first time (practice) that they can see the Sounders live out on the pitch?

The Coaching Staff and the rest of the organization are beginning to sort through which training sessions may/may not be open to the public. Check back with me on this issue.