halftime

“There is always a chance that we can play well into November.”

I am pleased with the progress that our organization has made over the past 6 months.

From our USL players, the expansion draft, the MLS SuperDraft, foreign discoveries, and trades, we felt very good about the group of players that we assembled.

Now, halfway through the season, we are encouraged by our progress.

We are proud of the attacking and entertaining soccer that we are playing.  Clearly, we would have preferred a few wins in place of draws.   But with the chances that the team is creating and with a bit more discipline in closing out games, I am convinced that we will get the points necessary to qualify for the playoffs.

And if we can qualify for the playoffs, and we continue to improve as I think we can… there is always a chance that we can play well into November.

David Falk – Webmaster, GOALSeattle

Let’s be clear, to have suffered only three losses after fifteen matches is amazing for a first-year club, and pretty good for any club. The seven draws outnumber the five wins, but the Sounders keep making slow progress towards being one of the eight 2009 playoff teams.

In a stretch of eight days Sounders FC have five standing points out of three matches. While it isn’t a hot streak by any stretch, it does still keep the club on a positive pace.

If you are looking for signs that the Sounders have enough in them to battle all the way through October and perhaps beyond, the rebound in Montero’s form is a good place to start. So is the depth the club has displayed during this recent match congestion. Patrick Ianni has proven to be an important cog of the bench on defense. The club can get road points while resting Freddie Ljungberg. We may find winning a challenge, but clubs are finding it nearly impossible to beat us.

It’s all about point totals in MLS. Seattle have 22 standings points after 15 matches. We are on a pace to end the season with 44, which would likely mean a tight but successful entry into the playoffs. We can worry later about the final 8 of 12 matches in 2009 being away from Qwest Field. For now, right now, Seattle remains hard to beat and in the race for a playoff spot.

Happy expansion, Sounders fans. So far, so good? Well, at the very least we can call it a draw.

Jorge Rivera – Editor, La Raza del Noroeste

“Medio Año” – A half year of MLS and Sounders FC, en Español

ProstAmerika has shown what I think is a nice, commendable interest in researching how people from other cultures and languages in Seattle, follow Sounders FC.

So, while I get ready to watch the first Sounders game of the “second round,” I thought I would write about how this half year has passed for us, covering the Sounders from a Latino heritage, Spanish speaking, perspective.

The Three Amigos
Let’s start by saying that, in Spanish, we don’t call them the three amigos, we call them “our kids,” “the boys” or something that resembles a natural affection for young men from our culture, who came here looking for success in life, just like we all (immigrants) did. So, we accept it is a little hard to be hard on them.

In our opinion (mine and that of other Spanish speakers I have asked) the three of them represent very well the characteristics of Latin American soccer:

“El Presidente” is a tall, strong and fast central defender, of the kind you find very often in Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, and several other countries; we think he is awesome, we think his work ethic is fantastic, his attitude equally good, and his desire to learn, incredible.

You may have noticed that, during the games, he is always beside Kasey Keller when the national anthem plays; and several times we have seen Keller talking to him, giving him advice there. It is true that he occasionally misses a move, and in his position, that brings “a half goal” against; but despite that, he is one of the best in the league at center back.

Osvaldo Alonso is a warrior, but he is also nice with the ball, his legs are strong but not sturdy; when I met him, back in January, he told me he used to be creative midfielder for his national (Cuban) team, before he defected; and I think it shows. Osvaldo is also humble and hardworking (you don’t need to speak Spanish to have noticed that…); although his dream is to be the first Cuban playing in Europe, he could have an illustrious career here, and help raise the level of play in the league.

Montero rose to the top of the league’s attention in just 90 minutes, back in March, and since then, he has battled the good and the bad of being tagged a “star.” He is by far the most skilled of the three, and he completely represents the Latin American “Crack” type: creative and surprising, fast thinker, amazing at first touch; he can hide the ball, dummy, and shoot, all in a 20-inch space.

Yes, defending and running behind every ball may not be in his nature, but he is a forward, and he is 21, those things you learn as you play in more physical leagues; Robinho and Ronaldinho (to give just two examples) were just like him in that regard before they went up to play in Europe. He is learning, and he is maturing.

One more thing about them; remember the “jet sky” goal dance? Did you see Montero and Alonso’s shirt celebration of Paolo’s birth? That is a flavor that really enriches the league’s international football experience.

The rest of the team
MLS style of play is very different from Latin American, the ball bounces a lot more and rolls a lot less; and dribbling is minimal compared to most leagues in Latin America, thus, it is a little harder to feel connected and excited with players, particularly attacking players, who don’t dummy, dribble, or control the ball, like back there.

But, on the other hand, a great goalie is a great goalie in any league, “Un Porterazo,” and you don’t need to speak English to tip your hat to the great Kasey Keller, and to all that he has shown this year, when many thought he was “too old”; remember, Dino Zoff was 40 when he won the World Cup.

Freddie Ljungberg is an exciting player to watch, he plays the kind of football that makes European leagues the most followed; despite his age, he is still fast and strong, and keeps most of his tactical and ball control talent. The only reservation may be whether it is worth paying so much more to a player like him, or so much less to everyone else.

Zakuani is fast, but also skilled and dangerous. I have not asked many Spanish speakers what they think about him, but I personally believe he is developing into a European level talent; hopefully he can contribute here for a few years, and hopefully he doesn’t get lured too quick, to go sitting on a bench in a mid to low standing team in Europe.

In Latin America, just like everywhere else, tall, fast forwards are exciting, and watching LeToux play up front is great; I think most Spanish speakers would like to see him start up front, with Fredy.

Jaqua, on the other hand, and being a very hard-working forward, is hard to understand for the regular Hispanic viewer; the people I have spoken to see him as a “Big Armoire,” “Un Ropero”; I personally believe he is important tactically for Sigi’s team, but he is by far the most critiqued amongst Hispanic followers.

After them, the rest of the players get respect more for their hard work than for their exciting playing talent; and Spanish speakers just starting to follow this league are still in the process of learning players’ names and strengths.

The level of interest
One of La Raza writers went out to a Hispanic Liga game at Marymoor park a while ago; informally, he surveyed a few people, and one in five of them showed interest in the team; of course, this is anecdotic only, and you would have to compare that, with whatever your estimate is, in the level of interest amongst the more established, English speaking population.

Shouldn’t the interest level of the league and the team be higher, considering this football is so entrenched in our cultural roots? Indeed.

But it is necessary to note that the Hispanic population in the northwest is vastly Mexican, and that, with a modest investment in cable, you can watch here up to six games of the Mexican league every weekend; so it will be a little harder to drive the attention of Mexican league followers, while it should be easier to capture South and Central American audiences, who love football, and can’t get a lot from their leagues here.

Finally, you can definitively tell that the level of curiosity is very high, and that, being as football is the single most followed sport in our culture, many people are looking for the right reason to start following it.

Local Hispanic population has just started this process, like everyone else; Latino players have done a great job so far, and that helps; but a league that could compete better in the international tournaments (CONCACAF Champions League) or a home team getting into that tournament quick, would sure help a lot more.

Steve Clare – Editor, Prost Amerika

Looking back on the days since this big adventure began, I guess my big recollection is of a series of emotions coupled with a learning curve about life in MLS continually educating me. I have to say that as a seasoned observer of every other league I follow, to be watching something new, with new teams and new players, has been incredibly exciting. I’d have to move to another country to experience anything like this ever again. Seeing players imbued in the same football knowledge as I, like Freddie Ljungberg, Seb Le Toux, Steve Zakuani and to a certain extent, Kasey Keller, learn alongside me has also been fascinating. Ditto those who came up with me from the USL. The success of players like Zach Scott and Osvaldo Alonso has given me great joy, and made those years covering the USL seem somehow validated.

So I’d like to start by thanking those players who have taken their time to speak to me so far this season for their time and sharing their views. I learn as much about American soccer and American soccer players by talking with Nate Jaqua and Taylor Graham as I do watching games.

Solid Start – Better Future

Five wins and three defeats is by no means a bad record for a side composed of players dismissed by our rival clubs, USL players and a couple of seasoned veterans from Europe. True, we may have been misled by the start, but in reality, only that third win against Toronto came with the odds stacked against us, rather than in favour. Since then, I think the match that gave me the most pleasure was one that seems to have given some of you the least. The 3-3 draw against DC United was the highmark in watching this side play the beautiful game. We were superior in so many departments against the best in the business, and would have won narrowly but for a freak goal, and comfortably but for a well documented tendency to naivety. The latter already seems to have been addressed and I don’t think we’ll be bullied off the ball too often in the second half.

Of the defeats, two were against the same side, and the other was playing with ten men for most of the game. Perhaps the biggest on field disappointment is the number of drawn games we should have won. But let me put it this way, of the seven draws, one we stole a point (off Chicago away) where we clearly deserved to get beaten. Of the other six, getting a point in Colorado’s altitude is always a bonus, but I feel that in the case of the remainder, at least four of them were games in which Sounders were the better side and should have won. I’d far rather that we had dominated the majority of the draws and were dropping points through inexperience than the other way around, because we can learn, adapt, change and win. If we had been outplayed in those games, and taken a point by being stuffy, then that would clearly evince far deeper structural problems.

I have to say then that I’m fairly happy with the playing side. Players like Alonso, James Riley, Zach Scott, Jhon Hurtado, Fredy Montero, Seb Le Toux and Tyson Wahl have proven themselves to be of MLS calibre, and reduced the ranks of doubters in each case. Ljungberg has shown a willingness to be whacked and get up and get whacked again for the cause, and although it took longer than it should, seems to have worked out a better way to communicate his frustration to the officials.

The Eyes Have it – But Perhaps They Could be Open Wider

And now the part the more cynical of you have been waiting for – the what hasn’t gone right paragraph. If I take shots, please understand it’s because I think we can do better, so here goes. Firstly, something that is part of the game but unavoidable. The injuries to Taylor Graham and Chris Eylander have affected two of the easiest-going and nicest guys on the squad. Chris is quiet and less of a conversationalist but his heroics for this club in the past mean a great deal to the loyal fans. It’s sad that having risked injury time after time to save the Sounders, he has become injured when h a real big chance awaits him. Taylor always has time to talk and is a genuinely funny guy. He’s also a very good player. Every time I look at either of them, I see their pain and having covered them both last year, it’s been hard to watch. I know injuries happen, and the side was well covered in both positions, but you have to feel for these guys.

Secondly, the decision of Sounders FC Club not to assist fans (including me) who wished to launch an international supporters club was disappointing, especially after a top club official accepted that it was a superb idea. At the launch of this franchise, the word ‘international’ was repeatedly used to describe what they were trying to achieve here, which makes the decision all the stranger. We’ll only be the new kid on the block for one year, and you can be sure if Philly don’t think of this, Vancouver surely will. Perhaps less energy spent censoring fans’ scarves as they enter the ground, and more looking at a bigger vision would be worthwhile. Meanwhile, the chance to make Sounders FC a global brand with the commercial consequences that brings is being frustratingly wasted.

Changing the Course of Soccer History

Lastly, something well worth praising is the incredible atmosphere the supporters have created at Qwest Field. To look down from the height of the press box, and see people of all ages chanting, singing and clapping the side on, makes me very proud to be a Seattleite. I know the players hugely appreciate it, and the club does too. I’m also told it has been directly blamed for putting opponents (and even referees) off their game. So keep it up, everyone. The enthusiasm with which Sounders fans have taken on this aspect of fan culture has altered the course of soccer history in this country, and you can bet the new arrivals to come in MLS are already using Sounders fans as the benchmark of what they want to achieve.

John Zielonka – GOAL.com

Seattle Sounders FC in their inaugural MLS season are an expansion team in name only. Their record at the mid-point of the season stands at 5-3-7. The 22 points are good enough for third place in the Western Conference.

Below is a month-by-month synopsis, grade and an overall overall year-to-date rating.

*March:* Forward Fredy Montero scores two goals in the first game ever for the Seattle Sounders FC in a 3-0 win against the New York Red Bulls. ‘Keeper Kasey Keller shutouts Real Salt Lake 2-0. Montero earns his third goal of the season. /Record: 2 wins, 0 losses, 0 ties
Grade: A+

/*April:* Sounders go on the road against Toronto FC and maintain a perfect record with a 2-0 win. Seattle loses its next two games with losses 1-0 to Kansas City Wizards at home and to Chivas USA 2-0 at the Home Depot Center. Keller is red-carded for a handball outside the box in the Kansas City game. His replacement, Ben Dragavon, gives up Seattle’s first goal of the season. The month ends with a 2-0 home win against San Jose. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Steve Zakuani emerge as potent offensive forces. Fredy Montero stays home due to the flu and unfounded legal accusations. /Record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 ties
Grade: C+

/*May:* Ties and the color red become the themes for the merry month of May. Sounders draw against Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew. Red cards and ejections to Fredy Montero, James Riley and Tyrone Marshall, none in the same game. Keller gives up his first goal of the season to Chicago and ends his record scoreless streak at 457 minutes. /Record: 0 wins, 0 losses, 5 ties
Grade: B-

/*June (thru June 20th game): *Seattle gets shutout by Chivas USA in a 1-0 loss and returns to winning form in a win against San Jose 2-1.
Sounders give up two late goal in a 3-3 home draw against D.C. United and earn a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls. /Record: 1 win, 1 loss, 2 ties
Grade: B
/
*Overall: *Seasoned internationals ‘keeper Kasey Keller and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg provided the leadership and guidance that a young Sounders team needs. Both are sometimes frustrated at the less experienced players’ inability to give it their all in every game. The first 15 games reflects a team still trying to find itself on the pitch and looking for a consistent effort from all of its players Sounders FC look strong enough to make the playoffs. The question will be if they can get past the first round.
/Overall mid-season grade: B/

Chris Henderson – Sounders FC Technical Director

We are pleased with the culture that has been created here at Seattle Sounders FC. The coaching staff has worked very hard to provide an environment that will help players compete and develop daily. In a very short time we have done what many clubs take years to accomplish and we feel that we can build on the successes we have had in the first half and grow from our shortcomings.

We will continue to work hard to achieve a spot in the 2009 MLS playoffs.”

Joe Armand – the Year in Pictures

The best photographer in Seattle soccer gives us his view of the season so far. With more words than normal. Joe Armand has selected some of his favourite images from the season so far. There are plenty more to show you. Joe’s selection covers all that has gone on so far, and he has added his own captions to the series.

The Dave Clark 8

Dave Clark – Editor, Sounder at Heart

A new standard for expansion in the league, and yet no where near the goals that the organization has put forward. What have we learned from the first half of the Sounders season?

1 – Like in hockey a great keeper can carry a club. Kasey Keller has provided leadership on the pitch and with the press, but most importantly he was able to save several mistakes in coverage that enabled the point total to this point.

2 – Chemistry matters. Despite the rapid start there were signs in the second six matches that some players didn’t know where the others were going to be. The two Freddies both tried to occupy the same space too often. Only after time will this go away. Placing Ljungberg on the right wing has helped, and there aren’t enough matches with that strategy to yet know how the opposition will react.

3 – Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero have it. I don’t know what ‘it’ is, but they have it. That thought that when they touch the ball something special will happen. Neither gets back on defense enough, but when the ball rests at their feet something special is likely to happen. If you weren’t standing when they get the pass you are as soon as they receive it.

4 – There is a new king of marketing in American sports. Quite simply Sounders FC have taken a third tier sport in our nation and put forward a first tier product that is getting first tier coverage from the media, and first tier passion from the community. The center of American professional soccer shifted West and North on March 19th. To lock that status in though there must be a stellar performance on the pitch.

5 – The stats don’t lie, sometimes you just aren’t looking at the right ones. Take Seb Le Toux. His goal and assist numbers aren’t strong, but more important than that is how the team does when he’s on the pitch. Quite frankly the side does very well with a +/- of 7, highest of all outfield players. From the other end, people may not like how Jaqua looks on the pitch, but four goals and four assists in less than 1200 minutes should satisfy every fan. That’s solid production in this league.

6 – Seriously the stats don’t lie. The West is better than the East. Largely due to the surprise performances from Chivas and Seattle Sounders FC, but still all the predictions concerning the league having tipped so far in the East’s favor have been proven foolish. The West is a +10 GD and has 60 points in 44 matches putting it at 41 points if it was 30 matches.

7 – Sounders are best when they are running down hill charging at their opponent’s goal, or the opponent with the ball. In the first six matches they did this, it was risky, but it put up 12 points on a 4 Win 2 Loss record. When Red Card Hell happened the team became cautious. In their next six they only earned five points. In the last three they returned to Sigi’s Game and earned five in only 3.

8 – The future is unknown. Seattle Sounders FC still hold the rights to Jared Karkas and Mike Fucito, they have a single Developmental Roster slot open, and unless an injury occurs or a player gets cut the Senior Roster is now full. Set-plays are an issue, while Le Toux has been solid as the taker of corners, the solution on free kicks is still unknown. Eight of the next fifteen are on the road, where Seattle is merely a mid-table league, but pacing for 15 points over the season. It will be those in the seven home matches where Seattle will get to prove that the Play-offs are theirs for the taking, if form holds they will only need 10 points in that stretch, but remember, the Playoffs are not the goal, just the path to the goal.

Sounders are still eligible for two Cups and a Shield this year, points at home against teams like Houston, Chivas and Chicago are key to the Shield.