Seattle Sounders news

Hitting The High Notes

July 19, 2010, 8:24 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Fredy Montero has been singing a beautiful song with his play on the field of late, helping the Sounders back to their outstanding form of the 2009 season. » read full article

A view from the March

July 19, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

As with each home match, I went out to the March to the Match today and just had to document some of the people I saw.First, I ran into Christa Wilkinson.  You may remember her as the Sounders FC fan who signed up for the Be The Match program that the Sounders FC hosted last season and wound up being a bone marrow match to a patient in need of a transplant.  We documented her story in April here.  She has been to four Sounders FC matches this season, including the 2-0 Open Cup win over the LA Galaxy.  Next, I ran into Mike Seamon's parents, George and Shareon Seamon, who were in town to visit Mike, along with the Sounders midfielder's cousin.  They are an enthusiastic bunch and have followed the team closely from their home in Rahway, New Jersey.It wouldn't be the March to the Match without the raucus crowd from the ECS.  Another great showing from the Sounders FC faithful.I had to snap a shot of these two Sounders fans.  They were sporting hats from the NASL era with interesting stories.  They are a married couple from Seattle and both of their fathers had these hats in their basements from their time supporting the team in the '70s and '80s.  Pretty cool story and I love the hats. » read full article

Unexpected Opportunity

July 19, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Tacoma Tide goalkeeper Jordan Jennings made a surprise appearance for the Sounders FC, but he couldn't hold off Celtic FC in a 2-1 loss in a friendly at Qwest Field. » read full article

Referee explains red card

July 18, 2010, 11:24 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Many questioned Paul Ward's decision to red card Terry Boss in the 29th minute of the Sounders FC's 2-1 loss to Celtic FC on Sunday.The following is Ward's response to two questions relayed to him by the media.1)      In that situation why is it necessary  to call the penalty when a goal was scored on continuation?Ward: I did not feel the Celtic player was going to retain possession and therefore did not play an advantage.2)      Was it mandatory or your own discretion to issue a red card?Ward: The red card is mandatory as, under Law 12, the keeper is guilty of denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offense (trip) punishable by a penalty kick.What are your thoughts on the red card? » read full article

Who are Celtic FC?

July 18, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Who Are Celtic FC?Celtic FC is one of the oldest clubs in soccer.  With 122 years of history, they have won the Scottish Cup 34 times and the League championship 42 times.  Last season they finished 25-7-6, just six points behind chief rivals Rangers for the Scottish Premier League title.  They are based in Glasgow, Scotland, and play their home matches at Celtic Park – a 62,837-seat homage to the history of the club and their ties to the Catholic church.Coach – Celtic’s manager is former Celtic and Northern Ireland midfielder Neil Lennon.  He took over for Tony Mowbray in June after Mowbray was dismissed after a nine-month term as manager.  He played with Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller from 1996-1999.  At 39, he is one year younger than the Sounders FC captain.Who To Watch – Celtic’s most dynamic scorer is Georgios Samaras.  The Greek international started his career with Heerneveen in the Dutch league before a move to Manchester City in 2006, where he played until 2008.  He then joined Celtic, where he has scored 25 goals over 61 matches.  He also has five goals in 37 caps for Greece and was on their World Cup squad this year.  Backup goalkeeper Dominic Cervi is the lone American on the squad.  He played at the University of Tulsa alongside Sounders FC backup keeper Terry Boss in 2004.  Defender Glenn Loovens is in his third season with Celtic.  Previously, he played with Cardiff City and made an appearance in a friendly against the USL Sounders on July 18, 2006.  That match ended in a 1-1 draw with Roger Levesque scoring the lone goal for Seattle.Kickoff is scheduled for noon.  The match is Friendly B in the season ticket packages. » read full article

Keller Anticipates Returning Next Week

July 18, 2010, 1:24 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

When Kasey Keller went down in a 65th minute collision with DC United midfielder Andy Najar on Thursday, Keller and the rest of the Sounders FC held their collective breaths, expecting the worst when he crumbled to the ground, holding his right foot.  Keller remained in the game and finished off the clean sheet victory, but was clearly affected, hobbling around the penalty box and opting for throwing the ball when possible instead of kicking it the rest of the match.An MRI on Friday revealed a sprain and Keller said Saturday that he “fully anticipates being ready for next weekend,” when the Sounders face the Colorado Rapids at Qwest Field.“I’m happy with what it’s done in the last 48 hours.  I had an MRI and it’s just a bad sprain.  Once I have that in my head and I know that it’s nothing more than just pain – pain doesn’t bother me too much,” said Keller, who earned his fifth shutout of the season with help from Patrick Ianni, who headed away Santino Quaranta’s shot after that fateful collision.  “I’ll just take a couple of days and be ready for next week.”Keller will likely sit out the Sounders FC’s friendly with Celtic FC Sunday at noon at Qwest Field, leaving goalkeeping duties to Terry Boss – a college teammate of Celtic backup keeper Dominic Cervi in 2004 with the Tulsa Hurricanes.  We’ll have more on that in a video package later this evening.------------------Also, Thursday night I was reminded of Sigi Schmid's great relationship with Will Daniel - who has been to six Sounders FC matches over the last two seasons.  They are 4-1-1 in those six matches with the only loss coming at Philadelphia in June.  Daniel was there when the Sounders topped DC United at RFK Stadium Thursday night for the third time, including a win to take home the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup trophy last season.While I was down in Portland before Seattle's thrilling Open Cup win over the Timbers a few weeks ago, Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times wrote a fantastic column about Daniel and his incredible relationship with all of Schmid's teams, dating back to the 1997 UCLA Bruins National Championship squad.  Read that here.Sigi Schmid and Will Daniel celebrate the Sounders FC win. » read full article

Keller, Levesque Come Up Big

July 16, 2010, 8:24 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

A late header by Roger Levesque and five huge saves by Kasey Keller keyed the Sounders to three points on the road in our nation's capital. » read full article

A Glance At DC United

July 15, 2010, 11:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

DC United were among the inaugurall clubs in Major League Soccer, beginning play in 1996 and they are arguably the most successful MLS club with four MLS Cups to their credit.  They also have four MLS Supporters' Shields and two US Open Cups.They are headed by Curt Onalfo, who is in his first full season at DC United after spending the previous three seasons with the Kansas City Wizards.This year, they are 3-9-3 and 7th in the Eastern Conference.  Their top scorers are Adam Cristman, Andy Najar, Chris Pontius and Danny Allsopp, each with two goals.  They also boast Jaime Moreno, Major League Soccer's all-time leading scorer with 135 career goals, and their new designated player Branko Boskovic.  Former Sounder Stephen King also plays in the midfield for DC United. » read full article

Nkufo added to active roster

July 15, 2010, 8:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

He will be eligible for selection in tonight's match against D.C. United. » read full article

Estrada placed on Injured Reserve

July 15, 2010, 5:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Midfielder David Estrada has been placed on injured reserve due to a right hamstring strain and right first toe sprain. » read full article

Nkufo Joins Sounders FC

July 15, 2010, 4:22 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

After his run at the World Cup and seven years at FC Twente, Blaise Nkufo joined the Sounders in DC for their match with DC United. » read full article

Notes From DC

July 14, 2010, 7:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

We arrived in DC yesterday amidst a downpour.  When I got to the hotel, many of the players were just leaving for dinner and they told me about their training session from earlier that day.  They went to a local gym to work out, then some games of basketball broke out.  No word on who was good and who wasn't, but it has been confirmed to me by several team sources that Kasey Keller can still dunk.  After training they walked back to the hotel, but were caught in the rain and they ran back.At the hotel, they were greeted by Blaise Nkufo, who may be eligible to play against DC United on Thursday.  I spoke with him briefly in the lobby and he's anxious to get started with his new teammates.However, Freddie Ljungberg's ankle flared up on him again after training with the team on Monday and he did not travel with the team.Meanwhile, around the league, Thursday could be Seattle's first opportunity to see DC United designated player Branko Baskovic, who signed with DC in June.  He has yet to appear in an MLS match.  It is also a chance for the team to see former Sounder midfielder Stephen King, who was traded to DC earlier this season.Up in New York, the Red Bulls announced the signing of Thierry Henry today.  It'll be interesting to see if he can fill there new stadium.The MLS named their First XI for the 2010 All Star Game in Houston, but no Sounders made the squad.  Just five teams are represented on the First XI, with the LA Galaxy taking up four spots, Real Salt Lake with three and Columbus Crew with two.  The All-Stars will play against Manchester United in Houston July 28, the same night the Sounders FC host Metapan in the CONCACAF Champions League.We'll have more from training this afternoon. » read full article

Selling Out League-Wide

July 13, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

I was talking with Arlo White the other day and we came to the realization that the Sounders FC hadn’t played a game that wasn’t an announced sellout – or near to an announced sellout – since they went to Red Bulls Arena May 15.In that time, the attendances have been as follows:36,091 vs. Dallas on July 114,512 vs. LA Galaxy at Starfire on July 7 (Open Cup)27,000 @ LA Galaxy at Home Depot Center on July 415,422 @ Portland Timbers at PGE Park on June 30 (Open Cup)18,755 @ Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on June 2736,146 vs. DC United on June 1036,344 vs. New England Revolution on June 518,116 @ Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on May 2940,122 vs. Boca Juniors on May 2635,953 vs. San Jose Earthquakes on May 22Add to that a crowd of 19,970 at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake and 18,394 at BMO Field in Toronto and Seattle has barely played in front of an empty seat all year.  It is a trend that is noticeable league-wide, with attendance figures up nearly 10% over the same point last season.I asked Steve Zakuani about what it is like to play in front of such great crowds each week and he said, “It’s great.  Philly in their home opener was fantastic.  Home Depot was the homecoming of the World Cup stars, which was good.  Tonight was Qwest Field as usual.  It’s great.  For a young player coming from college, it’s incredible.  You can get drafted to a team where they’re not filling the stadium and you’ll get a bad taste of what Major League Soccer is.  We haven’t had that.  For us Major League Soccer is unbelievable because we get to experience Qwest Field every week and over these last few weeks we get to experience other sold out stadiums.  Some people get nervous playing in front of fans, but for me it’s the opposite.  When there’s no fans you can’t really get up and get motivated.  When there’s fans like ours it happens automatically and it’s exciting.” » read full article

Montero, Keller Shine In Red-Stained Draw

July 12, 2010, 9:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Fredy Montero scored and Kasey Keller was a master in goal, but a red-card ejection marred the Sounders for the final 30 minutes and they settled for a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. » read full article

The World's Blog: Final

July 12, 2010, 3:22 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

For one nation, a first. For another, it is their third. Either side you support, the journey to the final of the World Cup has been a dramatic one for many teams. Congratulations to Alicia and all of Spain on their World Championship. » read full article

Nkufo honored in Holland

July 11, 2010, 5:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

There is a lot to celebrate in Holland today, as the World Cup final is just hours away.  But at Enschede outside of De Grolsch Veste, FC Twente fans stood in droves to honor their all-time leading scorer, Blaise Nkufo.  Nkufo will join the Sounders FC in mere days, but today he had a statue unveiled in front of the stadium.  The bronze statue was funded completely by supporters of FC Twente.  Here is the video of the reception. » read full article

Ljungberg out, Alonso in?

July 11, 2010, 4:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Sounders FC midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been ruled out of today's meeting with FC Dallas at Qwest Field with an ankle injury suffered Friday.  However, Osvaldo Alonso has seen increased action in training this week and could be eligible for the 18-man roster for the first time since suffering a quad strain on May 8 in a 4-0 loss to the LA Galaxy.  He tried for a return against Boca Juniors, but reaggravated the injury after just 19 minutes.As for Ljungberg's injury, it should provide for opportunities for the players who have been so successful in two US Open Cup wins in the last two weeks, including a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy on Wednesday.“I thought our team played with a lot of endeavor and a lot of energy on Wednesday night.  And we want to bring the same endeavor and energy onto the field on Sunday," Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said.  "You've got to play with the players you have and we want those players to go out there, perform, to play with a high level of desire and energy and get the result we are looking for.”Kickoff is at 7:30 at Qwest Field. » read full article

Who is FC Dallas?

July 11, 2010, 4:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Who is FC Dallas?FC Dallas is one of the original Major League Soccer teams, entering in the inaugural season in 1996.  However, they were then called the Dallas Burn.  They changed to FC Dallas before the 2005 season and moved into 20,500-seat Pizza Hut Park in the same year.  The club had been nicknamed the Hoops because of their horizontally striped jerseys, but the team has phased out the moniker over the last two years.  The club’s only trophy came in 1997 when they won the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.Coach: Schellas Hyndman is in his third season coaching FC Dallas after a successful 33-year career at the college level.  He started with two seasons at Murray State University.  Then, after a year in Brazil, was at the helm at Eastern Illinois University for seven seasons, compiling a 98-24-11 record.  Finally, he spent 24 seasons with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, going 368-96-38.  He joined FC Dallas midway through the 2008 season and has gone 20-20-20 as a coach in the professional ranks.Who to watch: Forward Jeff Cunningham won his second career Golden Boot for leading the league in goals in 2009.  He tallied 17 goals, 16 of which came after the midway point of the season, to bring his career tally to 122 goals in his 13 MLS seasons.  He has added four more this season, including two on penalty kicks against the Sounders FC.  However, Atiba Harris started in his place in a 1-0 win over the Kansas City Wizards in their most recent match.  Midfielder David Ferreira also commands a lot of attention.  The diminutive playmaker is in his second season on loan from Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense.  Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman joins the team after becoming the winningest goalkeeper in MLS history with 138 career victories with the LA Galaxy and Kansas City Wizards.  Also, defender George John is in his second season out of the University of Washington.Records: FC Dallas is 5-2-6 to start the 2010 MLS season after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2009 at 11-13-6.  They are unbeaten (3-0-1) in their last four matches and are 5-1-4 in their last ten.  The Sounders FC hold a 1-0-2 edge over Dallas including a 2-2 draw April 22. » read full article

Riley Puts Own Goal Behind Him

July 11, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

James Riley has only missed one match in the 2010 season, when he was suspended for the season-opener because of a red card in Sounders FC’s final playoff match in 2009.  In the matches he has played in, he’s only missed 12 minutes.Add to that his 120 minutes in a US Open Cup win over the Portland Timbers and Riley has carried quite a load from the right back position this season.At that, he’s carried it quite well and his efforts this season were only amplified when he made a surprising error in a 3-1 loss against the LA Galaxy last Wednesday.While chasing down Landon Donovan on a run down the middle of the penalty area, Riley slid in front of the Galaxy midfielder to keep him off of a cross from Alan Gordon, inadvertently knocking the ball into the net for an own goal.“I thought we were pressing in the second half to get back in it, then they got on a little break and Gordon put a great ball in and Donovan made a great run,” Riley said.  “In hindsight, I think of five different things I could have done before the goal.  But I take full responsibility for it.”For Riley, it was his third appearance in eight days and came at the end of a 300 minute stretch of playing time in that span.  He’s not about to use that as an excuse though.“Obviously it’s a tough week and we go through it as a team.  I was the guy that was chosen to be the guy to step up and play those three games, and rightfully so.  I felt good going into the LA game,” he said.  “I’ve tried to stay consistent the entire year, so I’ll just shake it off and get on with it.”It may have been a black mark, but it came on an otherwise nearly unscathed season.  Coming off of a season that saw him sent off twice in the regular season and once in the playoffs, Riley has played a more disciplined game and it has shown in his matchups each game.“When I go into games, I want to win my dual,” Riley said.  “I might not be as reckless as last year, but that doesn’t mean the fire and the competitiveness is gone.  I’m just trying to promote it in a different way.”His weekly preparation to win those duals starts about three days before each match, when he starts watching film of his opponent’s left midfielder.  How the player receives the ball and what they do with their first touch are primary focuses as Riley plots his defensive approach.At that point, who the opponent is becomes irrelevant, as Riley takes on all comers with the same verve.“I always have respect for the guy I’m going against, but I never fear them.  I always relish the opportunity to play,” he said.On Sunday against FC Dallas, Riley is ready to put the LA game, and the Sounders 4-8-3 record in the first half of the season, behind him.“We have a long way to go and I’ll be happy when we make the playoffs, if we make the playoffs,” he said.  “Then all the trials and tribulations of the first half of the season will be forgotten.”Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm at Qwest Field.  The game will be seen live on KING TV and on radio on 97.3 FM. » read full article

A World Cup Convert

July 11, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

It wasn't long ago that talk show host Dave "Softy" Mahler was on the outside looking in when it came to soccer. Now, fully entrenched in World Cup fever, he is turning a new leaf. » read full article

The World's Blog: Day 24

July 11, 2010, 2:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

After the game a group of fans holding up a German flag with the words ‘DANKE’ summed up Deutschland's tournament. An exuberant Mannschaft blogger checks in back from South Africa, while La Celeste laments his final blog. » read full article

The World's Blog: Day 23

July 8, 2010, 7:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Sorry for the delay. Our German blogger was in Nairobi for a few days, and he says that place is crazier than jo'burg in terms of getting internet access. With Germany out, a new nation will be crowned world champion for the first time. » read full article

Jaqua Brace Leads Sounders To Semis

July 8, 2010, 8:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

Nate Jaqua scored twice and the Sounders FC topped the LA Galaxy 2-0 to advance to the semifinals of the US Open Cup. » read full article

Facing Off With The Galaxy

July 7, 2010, 7:23 pm sourced from feedproxy.google.com

The Sounders FC face the LA Galaxy tonight for the third time since May 8, this time in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.This meeting should be much different than the previous two encounters though, as both teams battle a congested schedule while balancing with the MLS regular season.  Seattle is playing their fourth match since returning from the World Cup break June 27.  For LA, it is their fourth match since June 26.The Sounders FC advanced to the Open Cup quarterfinals for the fourth straight year with a shootout victory over the Portland Timbers at PGE Park.  Nate Jaqua scored on a header in the 13th minute, but Bright Dike equalized in the 38th minute and that score held through 120 minutes of play.  Kasey Keller made two saves in the PK shootout and Zach Scott struck the game-winner to send the Sounders through to the quarterfinals.LA reached the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over AC St. Louis.  Chris Klein and Juninho scored second-half goals to earn the victory.LA's lineup was: Josh Saunders, Alex Cazumba, AJ DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Bryan Jordan, Eddie Lewis, Clint Mathis (Chris Birchall 81), Jovan Kirovski, Chris Klein, Tristan Bowen (Juninho 73) and Alan Gordon.Seattle used: Kasey Keller, Tyson Wahl, Taylor Graham, Zach Scott, James Riley, Miguel Montano (Steve Zakuani 69), Nathan Sturgis, Michael Seamon (Patrick Ianni 102), Sanna Nyassi, Nate Jaqua (Fredy Montero 62) and Roger Levesque.Kickoff is set for 7 pm from Starfire.  There will be a webcast of the game with Arlo White on the call on SoundersFC.com. » read full article

The World's Blog: Day 22

July 7, 2010, 9:23 am sourced from feedproxy.google.com

What a match. A semifinal couldn’t promise any more than that. In the end it was too much to ask for one last Celestial miracle. » read full article

About | Blog | © FootyTweets 2010 | FootyTweets is not affiliated with Twitter. Developed by Ollie Parsley and Designed by Paul Randall