The Seattle Times: Sounders FC Blog

Poll: Would you rather the Sounders beat L.A. or the Rowdies? (can't say both)

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:13:51 PDT

The answer is both. Obviously.

But as creator of this poll, I'm not letting that be an option.

The question is, 'Which game would you rather the Sounders win?' and the two choices are Sunday's MLS road game against the Los Angeles Galaxy or Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup road game against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The response, I feel, is significant because if the majority of participating fans would rather win the Open Cup game, you would expect that same majority of fans would like to see a strong lineup Wednesday (and maybe some concessions in Sunday's lineup against the Galaxy).

Or maybe some attitudes have shifted in regards toward winning the Open Cup, especially after a ludicrous cross-country assignment in between two leagues games in the Los Angeles area.

We'll see.

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A quick Q&A with GM Adrian Hanauer on MLS expansion, a USL PRO franchise

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:16:04 PDT

Reporters got a chance to catch up with Sounders FC general manager and part owner Adrian Hanauer earlier this week at practice. This came after Tuesday's announcement that MLS had awarded an expansion franchise to an ownership group made up of Manchester City and the New York Yankees.

Hanauer discussed the impact of the new team (New York City FC) and also touched on the team's explorations regarding a USL PRO affiliate. Here is a transcript:

* * *

(What are your thoughts on the recent expansion in New York?) “It’s exciting. Obviously a massive market; you could argue the most important market on the planet. Great rivalry opportunities, great visibility, huge investment between the franchise and the stadium from a foreign group that sees the potential in our game and in our league, and so personally I've very excited. I can't wait for them to start playing. It's just another of those stepping stones along the way in the development of Major League Soccer.”

(Do you have a sense on if the league will stop at 20 teams now?) "I don’t know. I don’t anticipate that 20 is the end of the story. How and when the next expansion happens, I couldn’t say, but there are certainly a lot of big, important markets left in this country. Again, I know most leagues around the world have 16, 18, 20 teams, but this is just a different beast in North America. When you look at the size of Canada and the United States put together, to compare that to another league around the world and suggest that we should have 20 teams, as well, I just don’t think is realistic long-term. I hear a lot of the same things you do -- I probably know a little bit more -- but I don't know what kind of timing or what future expansion would look like."

(Can the league get to where it wants to go without a presence in the Southeast?) "Well, the league is past where many of us maybe envisioned it five, six, seven years ago, but certainly getting into the Southeast is another step along the way. It’s just clear that there’s a big fan opportunity, big television opportunity that just doesn’t exist today."

(The Pacific Northwest rivalries came up during Tuesday's announcement a time or two, how about are rivalries in that sense?) "The Northwest has clearly been very successful. I think by virtue of other sports rivalries around the country, rivalries are really important in all pro sports. I think you see with the Giants-Jets and Yankees-Mets that New York just has the potential to be a monster of a rivalry town."

(Any update on your development toward a USL PRO franchise?) "No, not really, We're still kind of assessing things, talking with various groups, putting some pro formas together that could include a new stadium, existing facility, Starfire -- but no."

(But Tacoma hasn't been ruled out or clinched its spot?) "No. Again, I don't think it’s going to be at Cheney (Stadium), but we still are talking to the folks at the Rainiers, and it doesn’t mean that we can’t come up with an alternative.”

Sounders Women set to start W-League season at home Monday

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:46:05 PDT

It's been a year of change for the Sounders Women, who will continue in the USL W-League despite not being granted an NWSL team. They, of course, left an indelible mark on the local soccer community last summer with a star-studded roster and huge crowds at Starfire Stadium.

Seattle is back with a roster of top college talent and several players with various level of national team experience. The team went 2-1-2 in preseason, mainly against regional college teams.

The regular season starts Monday with a 3 p.m. home game against the Los Angeles Strikers at Starfire. Full schedule here.

There is a new coach in charge in Hubert Busby, Jr., who will also serve as general manager. He replaces Michelle French, who left to become the first full-time head coach of the U.S. under-20 women’s national team.

University of Washington women's coach Lesle Gallimore will be the team's new technical director.

There will also be a heavy UW presence on the roster with Allie Beahan, Lindsay Elston, Isabel Farrell, Megan Kufeld and Annie Sittauer. Be sure to check out the full roster, which includes some with Canadian national team experience and a few U.S. U-20s.

Tickets of all kinds are available.

Scott vs. Scott, U.S. Open Cup Round 2

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:31:05 PDT

https://twitter.com/DanielBScott2/status/337028395793776640

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Zach Scott vs. Dan Scott.

An oversimplification, for sure, but it's a fun storyline going into the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, where Zach's Sounders will travel to face his younger brother Dan and the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 29.

The matchup sets up a wild week of travel for Seattle, so Zach was asked after Wednesday's practice if there were any conflicted emotions when the Rowdies faced VSI Tampa Bay (VSI would've traveled here if it won).

"Yeah, a little bit," Zach said. "Obviously, I love the opportunity to play my brother, but an eight-day road trip isn’t ideal. My wife and kids aren’t very happy. In the end, we know what we’re getting into when you enter this tournament. There’s always the possibility of a long travel week. We’ve won on the road before, we’ve won a championship on the road, and at this point we expect nothing less. We’re going to take it like professionals and go in there and hopefully get a result.”

This will be the second such matchup between the Scott brothers. It happened in 2011, when Dan was with the Kitsap Pumas, a local Premier Development Team. The brothers actually served as their respective team captains as Seattle eked out a 2-1 home win. They played 90 minutes each and even matched up on a few set pieces.

Based on that experience, Zach said next week's reunion will be "like any other game. He wants to win. I want to win. It’s nothing personal. We’ll shake hands and hug after the game, but when you’re on the field it’s just any other person."

Interaction since the matchup became official has so far been limited to text messages.

So what did Zach send? It was dripping with sarcasm as the Sounders prepare for a week of cross-country travel.

"I told him 'Thanks. Thanks for the help there,' and, 'I’ll remember this one.'"

Sounders FC would host Portland or Wilmington (USL PRO) in fourth round of Open Cup

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:01:06 PDT

Scenarios for the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup were released Wednesday by U.S. Soccer, and the news was much better for the Sounders.

Here is the relevant matchup, assuming Seattle advances past the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL in the second round next week:

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)/Portland Timbers (MLS) winner at Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.

Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. PT

* * *

It would be a home game no matter what, but also sets up a pretty crazy second week of June for the Seattle soccer fan if you look at the potential schedule:

June 8 -- vs. Vancouver at CenturyLink Field (increased capacity due to four-match pack)

June 11 -- USMNT-Panama World Cup qualifier at CenturyLink Field

June 12 -- vs. Portland/Wilmington in U.S. Open Cup fourth round (schedule for Starfire Stadium)

It's always crazy around the Open Cup, as seen with next week's slate of games and travel.

Any thoughts on the draw?

Live chat with Sounders FC's Lamar Neagle at noon Wednesday

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:16:30 PDT

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Sounders FC forward/midfielder Lamar Neagle will be taking questions from readers at noon Wednesday in a live chat with The Seattle Times.

Neagle, a Federal Way native, has three goals this season in MLS and four when including the CONCACAF Champions League. He is rated as the league's second-best player so far in the Castrol Index ratings.

The 26 year old is in his third stint with the Sounders. He was a developmental player here in 2009. Then, after stops in Charleston and Finland, he returned in 2011, when he scored five goals. He was traded the following season to Montreal (a move that brought Eddie Johnson to Seattle) and came back for the 2013 season after another trade with the Impact.

Hope you can join. These can be a lot of fun.

My MLS power rankings — Week 12

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:01:08 PDT

Here are some other MLS power rankings from around the league: ESPN.com, SI.com, ProSoccerTalk and MLSsoccer.com.

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Team (prev. rank)	Comment
1. N.Y. Red Bulls (3)	Jumps to No. 1 the same week MLS announces an expansion team: New York City FC
2. Portland (2)	Unbeaten streak has impressively reached 10 games, longer than any by rival Seattle
3. FC Dallas (1)	Silver lining to loss at CenturyLink is returns of Ferreira, John and Jacobson are near
4. Montreal (4)	Passing took a whole new meaning for Felipe recently when he had to pass kidney stones
5. Sporting K.C. (5)	Timing might be right for a hot streak with one road game between now and early July
6. Real Salt Lake (8)	Ned Grabavoy's first career two-goal game came days after his wife gave birth to twins
7. Sounders FC (11)	Slow start is long forgotten, but how much will international call-ups hurt in coming weeks?
8. Houston (6)	Record home unbeaten streak has turned into a losing streak after surprising defeat to Revs
9. L.A. Galaxy (7)	GK Carlo Cudicini made the big gaffe in N.Y., but blame is shared for three losses in four
10. Philadelphia (9)	Farfan twins have been split up as Gabriel was traded to Chivas USA while Michael stays
11. Colorado (10)	Ex-Sounder Nathan Sturgis scored the second goal of his 8-year career in a 1-1 tie at S.J.
12. Columbus (12)	Dominic Oduro, at five goals, is one away from matching his second-best season total
13. New England (16)	Young Diego Fagundez, 18, has goals in his last two games and three of his last five
14. San Jose (13)	Comeback spirit hasn't led to many wins as the 'Quakes are 1-3-5 since the end of March
15. Vancouver (14)	Still winless against the Sounders, Timbers in the MLS era of the Cascadia Cup (0-6-5)
16. Chivas USA (15)	Has allowed 11 goals in a three-game losing streak amid rumors the team could be sold
17. Chicago (17)	Scoreless drought after back-to-back shutouts is at 277 minutes, fourth-longest in MLS this year
18. Toronto FC (18)	Winless streak is at nine games and has only won once in — get this — the last 10 months
19. D.C. United (19)	Didn't lose, but partially because the refs disallowed a K.C. goal on an awful offside call

Sounders FC U-23s eliminated from U.S. Open Cup (second round results)

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:46:05 PDT

Before I get to the results, here's a great piece from The Washington Post on why you should care about the U.S. Open Cup.

And now, the scores from the tournament's second round Tuesday (where the Sounders FC U-23s lost, 3-0, to the Charlotte Eagles of USL PRO). Also, third round pairings after the jump.

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SECOND ROUND, May 21

Sounders FC U-23s (PDL) 0 at Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 3

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 2 at VSI Tampa Bay (USL PRO) 1

GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) 0 at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) 1

Icon FC (USASA) 1 at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) 4

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) 0 at Reading United AC (PDL) 1

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) 0 at Ocean City Nor'easters (PDL) 1

Dearborn Stars (USASA) 1 at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) 4 (OT)

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1 at Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 3

Orlando City (USL PRO) 2 at Ocala Stampede (PDL) 1

Des Moines Menace (PDL) 1 at Minnesota United FC (NASL) 0

FC Tucson (PDL) 2 at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) 2 (Tucson wins 4-3 on PKs)

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) 2 at Austin Aztex (PDL) 0

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 1 at L.A. Blues (USL PRO) 5

Charleston Battery (USL PRO) 1 at Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL) 0

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 3 at Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 2

Laredo Heat (PDL) 1 at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1 (Strikers win 7-6 on PKs)

THIRD ROUND, May 28-29

Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)

Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla., Wednesday, May 29, at 4:30 p.m. PT

Ocean City Nor'easters (PDL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)

PPL Park; Chester, Pa., Tuesday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. PT

D.C. United (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)

Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 28, at 4 p.m. PT

New England Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)

Sahlen's Stadium; Rochester, N.Y., Tuesday, May 28, at 4:35 p.m. PT

Chicago Fire (MLS) at Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO)

Winthrop University Stadium; Rock Hill, S.C., Tuesday, May 29^, at 4 p.m. PT

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)

Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Dallas (MLS) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)

Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tuesday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. PT

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)

Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C., Tuesday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. PT

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan., Tuesday, May 28, at 5:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah, Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. PT

Chivas USA (MLS) at L.A. Blues (USL PRO)

Titan Stadium; Fullerton, Calif., Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. PT

LA Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C., Wednesday, May 29, at 4:15 p.m. PT

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS)

Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, May 29, at 4:30 p.m. PT

Reading United AC (PDL) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J., Wednesday, May 29, at 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Tucson (PDL) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, Texas, Wednesday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. PT

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) at Portland Timbers (MLS)

JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore., Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. PT

FOURTH ROUND: June 12

QUARTERFINALS: June 26

SEMIFINALS: Aug. 7 or 21

FINAL: Oct. 1 or 2

^Indicates scheduling change following initial announcement

Poll: Is Eddie Johnson Seattle's biggest active professional sports star?

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:01:04 PDT

Here is the latest poll from our sports desk...

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Sounders FC will travel to Florida for U.S. Open Cup third round

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT

The game is set.

Sounders FC will travel to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the second-tier North American Soccer League in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The May 29 game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Rowdies eliminated VSI Tampa Bay of the third-tier USL PRO by a 2-1 score in Tuesday's second-round game.

The Sounders, who would've hosted VSI on May 29, will now face a nine-day travel itinerary of Seattle -> Los Angeles -> Tampa -> Los Angeles -> Seattle.

Here it is in schedule form:

May 26 -- at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

May 29 -- at Tampa Bay Rowdies (U.S. Open Cup third round)

June 1 -- at Chivas USA (MLS)

June 2 -- at Chivas USA (MLS Reserve League)

“Selfishly, not thrilled with the idea of going from L.A. to Tampa,” said general manager Adrian Hanauer on Tuesday. "I maintain that if U.S. Soccer got more smart people in the room that maybe there would be ways to figure this out that didn’t have one team playing 15 minutes from their home and another team playing 3,000 miles from their home. That said, I know that it’s complex. Not to simplify it, but to some degree either every team has to travel 500 miles or 14 of 16 teams play close to home and two teams have to travel a very long ways.

"So, I know L.A. and Seattle probably got the short end of the stick in this particular case, again, which doesn’t make me happy as a general manager of a team potentially traveling 3,000 miles, knowing the issues we’re having with the airlines on Memorial Day weekend. It’s a nightmare. So now we’re trying to travel on Memorial Day Monday, and the stipend that U.S. Soccer provides is going to cover about 20 percent of the trip. So that’s a little bit frustrating, but we’ll grin and bear it, and grit our teeth and be where we need to be when we need to be there and play a game."

Any thoughts on the matchup or travel itinerary?

A stop and chat with recent U.S. men's national team call-up Brad Evans

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:31:05 PDT

Sounders FC midfielder Brad Evans was announced Tuesday as a new addition to U.S. men's national training camp coming up for a pair of international friendlies and then a trio of World Cup qualifiers.

Evans, 28, has played seven games for the USMNT, including his first here in Seattle during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He will report after Sunday's road game against the Galaxy, and here is a full transcript of his interview with reporters after practice:

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(What is your reaction to being called in to the national team?) "Positive. Happy to be called in. Getting that late call-up again -- it seems to be the most often thing that happens (with me), I guess -- but always being ready, always being prepared no matter what position you're going into play and whatever it may be. You always want that call, especially when it's not expected. It makes it even more surprising and special, I guess. You know for a couple weeks that you're on the standby list, so if anything does happen there's the possibility of getting called in. I was just making lunch yesterday, and I actually was going to ignore the phone call and wait to pick it up later. I looked at it and go, 'Oh,' and I turned the stove off and had a good, long conversation. Really positive and really happy."

(Who was on the other end of the call?) "Jurgen. Jurgen makes the phone call, and he had spoken with Sigi beforehand. (Schmid) gave the green light, and now I'll step in and hopefully perform, do what I did in the past, and hopefully catch on."

(Did any position come up during your talk with Klinsmann? It appears right back might be an area of need with Steve Cherundolo and Timmy Chandler out...) "I think before the Canada game, in that whole camp I was playing center mid. And then (Klinsmann) said before the Honduras game that if I was going to go in it would be at right back, so be prepared. It could be any position really. I think it will be a little bit up in the air, but I think my focus probably shifts more to playing the right-back role. Whatever it is, take it in stride and get out to training. The most important thing is still this Sunday's game against the Galaxy."

(How big of an opportunity is this to get into the World Cup conversation?) "That's very, very far off in the future, in my view. I'm still a fringe player in my mind, and until I prove otherwise, that's where my mindset is. Obviously there are aspirations and there are always goals, but right now, being a standby player and waiting to get that call, that's where your mind is. You perform for your club and you hopefully get called into the national team and show the best that you can, and whatever happens happens. At this point, I just have to focus obviously on Sunday, and once we get into camp, then we'll get settled into a position and see where it goes from there."

(Did they give any indication on how long you'll be there? Are you planning on staying all the way through June 18?) "Hopefully. If I do play, and I perform well, I would hope to continue on. I think it's a case of, if I fit into a position, wherever it may be, and things go well, I'll probably stay on. At this point I just think it's a last minute call-up and we'll see what happens."

(Knowing the prize of next year's World Cup, did you come into 2013 thinking this could be the year you elevate from a fringe player to a larger role?) "I think at the beginning of January, I saw what (Graham) Zusi did last year and kind of broke into the team and has made himself a mainstay, and I think there's been a lot of emphasis on MLS players to step up and really show they belong. ... The most important goal for me was, if I'm going to perform for all of January, for three and a half weeks and go through double days, then I'm not going to go through the motions. I'm going to try and be a staple, be a leader, stay healthy and perform the best that I can. If I do happen to catch on and start in that Canada game, we'll see where it goes from there. But it's just little steps. There is still a lot of room to grow. Obviously it's just about hard work."

(The majority of USMNT players these days have some level of MLS experience. How big is MLS in producing national team players?) "It's pretty much the MO for American guys now. It's performing well in MLS and then catching on in Europe and furthering your career there. I think there are a lot of guys who have signed multiyear contracts that will end up going to Brazil that play in MLS. You look at Omar Gonzalez or Graham Zusi or Besler, if they end up going, it's guys who have been in MLS for a while. You always want to make that jump, but when you're playing well and getting noticed by your national team and playing in the U.S. and you've been involved in U.S. games... guys have done well enough to prove themselves. There is always the aspiration to go overseas and prove yourself there, but if you're getting called up for the World Cup and you're playing in MLS, you have to be doing something good."

(The centennial game is coming up. Does stuff like that register with players?) "There was a lot of talk in January just about the 100 years and kind of where we've come from. (We watched) a couple videos of the history of U.S. Soccer and what we've accomplished in the past and what we continue to do in the future. I think it's an important game, just like anything. We can mark out 10-year history with the Sounders when that comes, and then 20 years, so you're always looking for little landmarks. Obviously 100 years is extremely special. I think it'll be obviously a massive game, probably a sold out crowd, as well. Something great to be a part of, hopefully."

(What about the chance of playing in the game here in Seattle?) "If I stay on that long with the team, (it would be) just like the Gold Cup game, just way more people and way more importance, and against a really good team. It's always special. The games that stick out in your minds, obviously your first cap and having it be at home was the one I'll always remember forever. To get to come back and play in front of your fans would be something special."

(What is it like wearing a USMNT jersey?) "Obviously it's a little bit different. It's something that doesn't happen as often. Anytime you can get to that next level and represent your country ... (there are) just certain vibes, certain emotions that you get from that. There's a lot of hard work that goes into it, and when you see it doesn't go unnoticed, it's a little bit special."

Sounders FC injury updates: Alonso unlikely to play Sunday, Gonzalez good to go

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:16:05 PDT

I'll have some more updates from Sounders FC practice Tuesday, but first a few injury updates from coach Sigi Schmid:

* * *

--- The main concern was the status of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, the team's three-time MVP, after he left Saturday's game with a groin injury. Schmid said he don't know exactly how long the recovery will take: "It's an injury that he's had before. He feels it isn't as bad as when he had it once before, so he was able to work out inside. He was already on the bike today, so we'll see. This weekend, probably not very likely (he's available). There's a chance against Chivas, and then we have to go day by day as we get through and move forward this week. The MRI showed there's no extreme pull or strain, but it is what we thought it was."

--- And how about defender Leo Gonzalez, who was left in a bloody mess Saturday and had to be subbed out after being elbowed by FC Dallas forward Blas Perez? "Leo's fine," Schmid said. "We gave him a little bit more of -- whatever you want to call it -- 'a pro day' today. He'd (played) a lot of minutes for us, too. He's a little bit banged. So we figured with his eye it was a good day to go easier. His eye is fine. He can see fine. He should be ready to go this weekend."

--- And midfielder Steve Zakuani, who has missed four games with a groin injury and left Tuesday's practice early? "Steve got an injection yesterday that we think is really going to help with the issue," Schmid said. "He's a little bit sore from that, so he went inside to work, but he should be out on the field tomorrow."

--- I spoke with Mauro Rosales briefly, and he said his shoulder is doing much better. He was a neutral in training, so he's being reincorporated into full-contact drills, which he wasn't doing last week. We'll get more updates on him and others in the buildup to Sunday's game.

U.S. Open Cup resumes Tuesday with a couple games to watch

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:31:06 PDT

The U.S. Open Cup second round kicks off Tuesday, and there are a couple games of local interest:

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at VSI Tampa Bay (USL PRO)

Plant City Stadium; Plant City, Fla. (4:30 p.m. PT)

Sounders FC U-23s (PDL) at Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO)

Queens University of Charlotte Sports Complex; Charlotte, N.C. (4 p.m. PT)

Sounders FC will face the winner of the Tampa Bay derby in a third-round game May 29.

If the Rowdies win, the game will be in Florida, create some crazy travel for Seattle, and feature a matchup of the Scott brothers. If VSI wins, the game will be at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila and limit the Sounders' travel to the West Coast.

Elsewhere, the U-23s will be in action after their big first-round win over Doxa Italia (which led to forward David Geno being named Player of the Round).

The U-23s would advance to play the Chicago Fire in the third round. Here is a preview of Tuesday's game from the team.

MLS expansion club New York FC set to join the league in 2015 (Tuesday links)

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:22:25 PDT

It's official: New York will be getting an expansion MLS team called New York FC that is expected to join the league in 2015.

The big news? The team will be owned by Manchester City (this was previously reported) AND the New York Yankees (this was not). City will be the majority owner while the Yankees will "be an active member of the ownership group," according to a news release. Yankee Stadium, of course, is hosting a City-Chelsea friendly on Saturday.

You'll notice the new team's Twitter feed looks to be in City colors.

The league has long been committed to expansion in New York, which will give MLS 20 teams two seasons from now. New York technically already has a team, but NYCFC will be located somewhere within the five boroughs, while the Red Bulls play in Harrison, New Jersey.

Interestingly, there is no stadium deal in place for NYCFC. The new team will play in an interim home to start as ownership explores options in Queens and elsewhere.

What do you make of the news? Let's get to some links:

* * *

--- First off, here are a couple reports from Spain linking the Sounders to Levante UD midfielder Jose Javier Barkero. The stories indicate Obafemi Martins is behind efforts to bring a former teammate to his new club. The Sounders have declined to comment on the reports through a team spokesman.

--- Looks like ticket sales for the June 11 World Cup qualifier at CenturyLink Field between the U.S. and Panama are at about 32,000 (reports here and here). Safe to say sales have been a bit slow the past couple weeks and capacity cap of 42,000 shouldn't be an issue.

--- It should be no surprise that Mario Martinez will reportedly be called in by the Honduran national team for next month's qualifiers.

--- Around the league, here is Grant Wahl's latest column for SI.com with lots of news and notes, and it sounds like the MLS All-Star Game opponent won't be British.

--- When it comes to other MLS ownership news, it sounds like David Beckham is definitely interested in getting involved, and the league put out a statement recently regarding reports about Chivas USA possibly changing hands.

--- Lastly, the league website's look at the controversial plays from last week (including some from the Sounders-Dallas games)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLEIjS92NLI

Academy forward Jordan Morris on U.S. U-20 roster for pre-World Cup tournament

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:01:06 PDT

The U.S. under-20 national team has called up 22 players for an upcoming youth tournament in France, and Sounders FC academy forward Jordan Morris made the squad.

The U.S., grouped with Colombia, Congo DR and host France, will be in action starting May 28 in Toulon, France, as both preparation for this summer's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and one last evaluation toward that final roster.

Morris, a Mercer Island native, is one of three academy players nationwide to make the team and had starred in a training camp earlier this year in his first-ever call-up.

Many expected Sounders FC defender DeAndre Yedlin might have been involved, as well, but a couple reports have noted that players like Yedlin and others who are regulars for their MLS teams (e.g. Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil) weren't called up so they can focus on league play.

The expectation is still that Yedlin will be on the U-20 World Cup team. Sounders GM Adrian Hanauer admitted about as much while a guest on the Reign FC broadcast Sunday.

Here is a look at the full roster for the Toulon tournament:

* * *

GOALKEEPERS (2): Cody Cropper (Southampton FC; Maple Grove, Minn.), Kendall McIntosh (Santa Clara; Santa Rosa, Calif.)

DEFENDERS (7): Eric Miller (Creighton; Woodbury, Minn.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (C.D. Guadalajara; Riverside, Calif.), Shane O'Neill (Colorado Rapids; Boulder, Colo.), Jeffrey Payeras (C.S.D. Municipal; Hawthorne, Calif.), Caleb Stanko (SC Freiburg; Holly, Mich.), Oscar Sorto (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Javan Torre (UCLA; Santa Monica, Calif.)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Marlon Hairston (Louisville; Jackson, Miss.), Benji Joya (Santos Laguna; San Jose, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (Sporting Kansas City; Mission, Texas), Collin Martin (Wake Forest; Chevy Chase, Md.), Dillon Serna (Colorado Rapids; Brighton, Colo.), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew; Gahanna, Ohio)

FORWARDS (6): Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Daniel Garcia (North Carolina; Dallas, Texas), Alonso Hernandez (C.F. Monterrey; El Paso, Texas), Alfred Koroma (Akron; Southlake, Texas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders Academy; Mercer Island, Wash.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bolingbrook, Ill.)

Eddie Johnson voted MLS Player of the Week

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:01:05 PDT

Two goals for Eddie Johnson in Saturday's 4-2 home win against FC Dallas has led to another prize.

The Sounders FC forward was voted MLS Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters for Week 12. It marked the third time Johnson has earned the award with Seattle, having also claimed the honor in Week 22 and Week 27 last season after wins against the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, respectively.

The 29-year-old received 17 of the 25 first-place votes. Teammate Lamar Neagle got two votes.

Johnson has a team-leading four goals in league play and five in all competitions, when including the CONCACAF Champions League.

He got some love from U.S. men's national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Twitter, too, as Johnson will report to USMNT camp after Sunday's road game against the Galaxy. And here's a tweet from EJ below...

* * *

https://twitter.com/eddie_johnson7/status/336585743499661313

Sounders start week closer to playoff position

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:46:07 PDT

Another big win and another jump up the standings.

Sounders FC is up to sixth in the Western Conference after Saturday's 4-2 home win against league-leading FC Dallas. You'll also notice Seattle is fifth in points-per-game, if you like to make your judgments that way.

In other stats, the Sounders are first in goals allowed (tied for first in MLS), tied for third in goal differential, and only three teams in the entire league have fewer losses.

That worst-ever start is long forgotten. The 2010 Sounders hold that mark through 10 games at 3-4-3 and the 2011 Sounders started 3-3-4.

Any thoughts heading into the week?

Reign FC falls to 0-6-1 after sixth loss in a row

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:31:05 PDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPxVGQ_8Lj4

UPDATE: The Reign lost, 3-0, in front of 1,046 at Starfire Stadium. Seattle, which was down to 10 players in the second half, is now 0-6-1 on the season after six straight defeats. It has been a tough going for the brand-new club, having been outscored 15-4 overall. Average attendance is about 1,559. Up next? The star-studded Portland Thorns FC in a home game Saturday.

* * *

Reign FC is back in action Sunday with a 6 p.m. home game against Sky Blue FC of New York/New Jersey. Above, I've embedded what will be the live stream.

Seattle's struggles have been no secret with a 0-5-1 record and five-straight losses. The personnel issues are piling up, too -- Hope Solo (wrist surgery), Megan Rapinoe (on loan in France), Amy Rodriguez (starting a family), Keelin Winters (ankle injury), Kate Deines (ankle injury), Elli Reed (ankle injury). The eye test says Winters is closer to a return than Deines and Reed, as the latter two were seen on crutches Thursday.

Sky Blue FC (4-1-1) is coming off a big 1-0 road win in Portland on Thursday, which vaulted the team into a tie for first place. The visitors feature U.S. internationals in Jill Loyden, Kelley O'Hara and Christie Rampone, and also Sophie Schmidt and Melanie Booth of Canada.

Tickets are available through ReignFC.com starting at $19.

Timbers take early lead in 2013 Cascadia Cup

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:31:06 PDT

The second game of the 2013 Cascadia Cup was played Saturday, as 10-man Portland earned a 2-2 road tie against Vancouver at B.C. Place.

The Whitecaps have still never won a rivalry game in the MLS era at 0-6-5.

Remember, the reigning champion Timbers play four of six games on the road this season after getting four of six at home in 2012. They have done well through their first two away, earning come-from-behind ties.

The Sounders get four of six at CenturyLink Field.

Here is a look at the standings and results (past winners after the jump):

Portland Timbers -- 0-0-2 (2 pts.) 0 GD

Seattle Sounders FC -- 0-0-1 (1 pt.) 0 GD

Vancouver Whitecaps -- 0-0-1 (1 pt.), 0 GD

* * *

Date	Game/result	Venue
March 16	Seattle 1-1 Portland	CenturyLink Field
May 18	Vancouver 2-2 Portland	BC Place
June 8	Seattle vs. Vancouver	CenturyLink Field
July 6	Vancouver vs. Seattle	BC Place
August 3	Portland vs. Vancouver	JELD-WEN Field
August 25	Seattle vs. Portland	CenturyLink Field
October 6	Vancouver vs. Portland	BC Place
October 9	Seattle vs. Vancouver	CenturyLink Field
October 13	Portland vs. Seattle	JELD-WEN Field

Previous winners

2004 -- Vancouver

2005 -- Vancouver

2006 -- Seattle

2007 -- Seattle

2008 -- Vancouver

2009 -- Portland

2010 -- Portland

2011 -- Seattle

2012 -- Portland

Sounders match third-longest winning streak and unbeaten streak in team history

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:16:05 PDT

Three wins in a row for Sounders FC is the longest active winning streak in MLS. Six games without a loss is the second-longest active unbeaten streak in the league (Portland is at 10, New York can also get to six Sunday afternoon).

Here is a quick look at the best winning streaks and unbeaten streaks in team history within a single season:

* * *

Sounders FC's longest winning streaks

Five games -- April 14-May 9, 2012

Five games -- Sept. 18-Oct. 15, 2010

Four games -- July 15-Aug. 8, 2010

Three games -- May 8-current

Three games -- Sept. 17-Oct. 1, 2011Three games -- June 18-June 26, 2011

Three games -- Oct. 3-Oct. 24, 2009

Three games -- March 19-April 4, 2009

Sounders FC's longest unbeaten streaks

Nine games -- May 28-July 16, 2011 (6-0-3)

Seven games -- July 11-Aug. 28, 2010 (5-0-2)

Six games -- April 13-current (4-0-2)

Six games -- June 30-Aug. 5, 2012 (3-0-3)

Six games -- April 7-May 9, 2012 (5-0-1)

Six games -- March 25-April 30, 2011 (3-0-3)

Six games -- Sept. 9-Oct. 15, 2010 (5-0-1)

Six games -- June 13-July 25, 2009 (3-0-3)

Six games -- April 25-May 30, 2009 (1-0-5)

Lamar Neagle: 'We're unstoppable with these fans behind us.'

Sun, 19 May 2013 02:03:47 PDT

Here are some team-provided quotes and stats from Sounders FC's 4-2 home win Saturday against FC Dallas.

* * *

Sigi Schmid - Sounders FC Head Coach

(On the game...) "Obviously a good game for the fans-exciting game. You never want to squander a two-goal lead, but we knew they were dangerous on set pieces. We lost our mark on the first one and obviously Michel hits a great ball on the second and Michael [Gspurning] got tied up. The timeliness of our third goal was really vital and we continued to get opportunities. The red card I think was justified-if you saw Leo [Gonzalez]'s eye, you would know it's justified. Now it's just a situation of us continuing to do what we've been doing over the last few games and carry it forward. The guys know what they have to do, they know how they have to play now to win games."

(On winning at home...) "We want to win our games at home. That's super important. Being able to measure ourselves against a first place team in our conference is important. Being able to show that once our weapons are healthy that we can score goals on the offensive end was another important factor, as well. We're trying to use the abilities of the guys we have. We're using our speed so we're attacking a little more direct. We also knew this was a team that we could be direct against-we could get behind them centrally and we did that often in the first half. We had a couple of opportunities to get more goals. They had some opportunities, as well, off their set pieces."

(On the severity of the injury to Osvaldo Alonso...) "Don't really know. It's a left adductor strain. We'll just have to see. Right after the game you can't tell, it's usually a day or two later that you can assess it and determine how long it will be."

(On the severity of the injury to Leo Gonzalez...) "Don't know. They're stitching him up right now...the reason we made the sub was Leo wanted to go back in, but I knew there were a lot of aerial duels, and so I thought it was a good thing to bring in Zach [Scott] for that. And Leo, the cut was pretty deep and it was right in the eyelid right above the eye."

(On the play of Mario Martinez and Shalrie Joseph...) "Both of them didn't get 90. Martinez subbed out and we subbed Joseph on. I thought Martinez played well. We made the change there just because, again, we felt we needed to get a little bit bigger on the field because that was their major danger, so we brought in Obafemi [Martins] and moved Lamar [Neagle] to midfield. It was tough for Shalrie to go in to the game because he really didn't get to warm up or anything and he had to get right into the game as a replacement for Ozzie, so because he's an experience player, he was able to find the game pretty quickly."

(On the play of Lamar Neagle...) "He's done well everywhere we've put him. The last goal we got-the Obafemi goal-the ball he crosses in to Eddie Johnson is tremendous, and Eddie is unlucky with the header. He's played on the flank for us before, that's where he's done it, but he's done well for us up front. As the season goes on, we know there's time we're going to miss Eddie and so forth so he's definitely a major alternative for us up front."

(On the improvement of the team...) "The guys never lost faith in themselves. I thought the first half in Salt Lake we played badly. Until then I thought we'd been a little bit unlucky, but the first half in Salt Lake we played badly. That was something that we definitely pressed upon in the second half in Salt Lake. We won that half and played much better, and from there on out we stuck to it, and we can't forget that work is part of what it is. Unfortunately it's part of the game-you have to be able to work, and we have. Guys have put in the work, guys have believed in themselves, the competition level with guys getting healthy has made for more competition in training, so everybody's game has increased as a result of that. They understand better now how to use their strengths and players have a knack for the abilities of the players that we have. Until you get them out there on the field and you actually do it in games, no matter how much you do it on the training ground, it doesn't come across until you start playing games."

(On the offensive play the past two games...) "It's two games, just two games. Certainly I think with the emergence of Lamar right now, with Eddie playing as he's playing right now, with Obafemi coming in-that's three goals in three games for him-we're a handful up front. If you're center backs and you lose sight of our forwards for a second, they're going to be running behind you. That's what we expected when we signed Obafemi, to combine with the players that we have and we know that teams like to push their outside backs forward and they leave themselves two-v-two and we feel that we have forwards who can definitely exploit that."

(On explosiveness of forwards...) "They leave themselves 2 v. 2 sometimes and we feel that we have forwards who can definitely exploit that."

(On the performance of Brad Evans...) "Brad is always part of our offense just because his instincts are pretty good. If anything sometimes I try to reign him back a little bit because sometimes he likes to get forward too much or run too much and we need him back helping us to defend...He has done different things for us and he got two good assists for tonight, so I was very pleased with his game."

(On the performance of Yedlin...) "Yedlin I thought played well. I thought he did a good job at right back and he is still a young player and I talked to him about one thing at the end of the game where I thought he could have done something a little better. Overall he has done far more things right than wrong. His speed and enthusiasm on the field are big plusses for us and his ability to come forward with the ball. All of a sudden with one step he is past three guys, so he has definitely added something to our team.

(On the forwards clicking...) "It's a combination of everything. We have really emphasized over the last few weeks now that we've gotten them out there that they really look for each other and find each other. I think our forwards are running off of each other really well. You see Neagle and Eddie up front they are playing combinations off of each other-one is showing and one is going and you know the other is getting back in there if the ball goes past them. Same thing when Oba comes in. The two forwards playing off each other, our defense knows they are going to run and so our defense now, I think Leo Gonzalez in the first half did a great job of stretching the Dallas defense and playing balls in behind."

Eddie Johnson - Sounders FC Forward

(On his play ...) "For the first couple games of the season, my body was beat up and it was frustrating because there was a time that as a team, we faced a really difficult challenge. Considering we're an organization that usually starts the season off really well, so we found it was a difficult challenge to start the season. But it was just getting that rhythm and getting that confidence, and staying true to myself and believing in my teammates. In practice week in and week out, just working on what we need to and then putting it out on the field."

(On the team's recent offensive explosion ...) "Well, talk about a team that has depth. When certain guys aren't performing or are injured, you call on certain guys to step up. My hat's off to Lamar Neagle. He's pushed me, he's pushed Oba (Obefemi Martins), he's pushed David (Estrada). He's made us play out this game. When you've got someone like that scoring goals, nothing is guaranteed. He's been stepping up. DeAndre Yedlin is another young guy that's really gotten the opportunity and taken advantage of it. It's good to see different guys scoring goals and we just want to continue pushing each other in training and it's paying dividends."

(On how the team responded after losing the two-goal lead ...) "(Assistant coach Brian) Schmetzer always talks about how goals change games. We were really down on ourselves even though we were up 2-0 at halftime. But they had a chance off the post just before halftime so we were lucky to not concede there. We had opportunities in the first half, but we just had to be more composed, show more composure in the box when we got our chances and stick the ball in the back of the net. We got the chance in the second half, and Oba and myself, we made it count."

(On knocking off the top team in the league ...) "We wouldn't be where we are right now if we didn't want to play the best and be the best. We couldn't have asked for a better team, who's been hot all year, to come here and really challenge us as a team and see where we are. Tonight we showed our true character. Even going up 2-0, then conceding two goals, we really put them on our terms from start to finish, and when we got our chances in the second half, we put them away."

Lamar Neagle - Sounders FC Forward

(On a big win against a top team ...) "They were on a good streak, we were on a good streak, but we're unstoppable with these fans behind us. Our offense is clicking. We've got Obe (Obafemi Martins) up top, we've got Eddie (Johnson) ... we've got so much firepower, it's hard to stop. Our defense did a great job as well."

(On losing the 2-0 lead ...) "Just a lapse there. They always say that that's the most dangerous lead - 2-0. But we kept our confidence, we knew we had the firepower to come back and that's what we did."

(On the team's recent winning streak ...) "Yeah, we're on a roll. It's great to be playing at home. We went on a long road trip and came out doing well so we're just keeping it rolling."

(On what he saw on his goal ...) "I was running from deep. They had a high back line so Brad (Evans) saw me early enough to play it through and that was the end. If they're standing still and I'm on a roll, they're not going to catch me at all."

Michael Gspurning - Sounders FC Goalkeeper

(On the victory...) "Today, a great victory again and it's a great sign that we are back in business. We have a couple games ahead of us to keep going, but it looks way better than a couple of weeks ago. Our offense did a fantastic job."

(On the last time someone scored a corner against him...) "One year (Chicago)... We took the win and I was able to make a couple of important saves so I equalized this goal."

(On Eddie's huge goal to retake the lead...) "It was very important because we broke the momentum of the game for Dallas. It was a huge game of Eddie and the momentum came back in this situation to us and it was very important."

(On the dangerous look of the offense...) "We knew that Dallas had a really high line so we tried the long balls, quick long balls those are from me, and it worked out pretty well. And yeah, 3 points."

Obafemi Martins - Sounders FC Forward

(On scoring in consecutive matches...) "The players did well before me coming in and I did my best scoring goals as well and we won. We scored four goals which is good, so I am very happy for that."

(On the chemistry up front...) "I spoke to Lamar and Eddie and playing close to each other, because the more we pass the ball to each other it is easier to play. We have been doing that in training, which is good. I'm happy for that because we did well."

(On finding role on team...) "Scoring goals is always important, we can pass the ball around but the striker is why I am here-scoring goals, and it's happening.

(On winning a tough game...) "We work hard for it and it was a good win. We hope to continue like this since we have a long way to go."

(On recovery from injury...) "I'm getting there. The fact that I'm playing from the second half and trying to help the team as well, I think it's good."

(On finding flow...) When I first came I said I wanted to score a lot of goals and it's happening now. I hope it continues to be like this, and the important thing is to win, to get the three points."

Schellas Hyndman - FC Dallas Head Coach

(On the outcome of the game...) "It's about right. They created a lot of chances, a lot of breakaways, a lot of counterattacks. It seemed like the only time Seattle really put their foot on the ball is when we were down a man. The rest of the time it was very fast-paced and they created a lot of goals, a lot of scoring chances."

(On his formation and tactics...) "First of all, we did not play with three forwards; we played in a 4-4-2 that we have been playing since David Ferreira has been injured, so I don't know if the tactics mattered. I think probably the bigger thing that mattered was that I think our guys lost their composure and emotions with what they considered some of the calls that weren't being made, and then you're just disappointed. Then we came back and scored two goals, and unfortunately we gave up the third one so quickly."

(On Michel's play...) "He brings a lot of strength to our team because for you to be strong in the set pieces, you've got have a good server and he's done that extremely well for us."

(On the red card issued to Blas Perez...) "You know what? The nice thing is technology today is wonderful. I would encourage each of you to take off your Sounders hat and go look at the video, and you can see that if anything, Gonzalez ran into him. I was just a little confused that the referees couldn't get it right. I think what ended up happening is, it's like a policeman shows up and a guy's got a bloody face so somebody must have hit him. I think I wasn't real pleased with it, but it's the way the game goes. You're counting on the right decisions being made by the linesmen and the referees and they really have the best position, so it is what it is."

(On whether he thinks the red card changed the outcome of the game...) "I think first of all, I think we didn't play very well in the first half. We challenged the boys to come back in the second half, and they did. It was just frustrating. This is a tough environment for anyone to come into. If it's not a game that's controlled, and there's a lot of stuff going off the ball and there's a lot of physical play, I don't know if that brings the best out of our team. I don't know that we ever got on track. I think we got on track when we tied the game, but that was just a minute later or so that we gave it up. Understand that Seattle created a lot of chances for themselves as well. It's a wide open game and both teams had chances to score goals."

(On what to do to get the team back on track after the loss...) "I've got George John out, he's probably our best defender. I've got David Ferreira out, he's our captain and I consider him the best player on the field. And we've got Andrew Jacobson out. So I think before we get too hard on ourselves and what we got to do, we've just got to get over this one. The mistake's been made. Sometimes you make mistakes because you're under a lot of pressure. We had too many players that didn't have a real good game and that didn't help us. I think we let Seattle dictate the game. It was very fast-paced, and that's something we shouldn't be doing. But as I said to the players, we're a good team. What we've got to do is get over this one and find our winning ways again."

Zach Loyd - FC Dallas Defender

(On the red card...) "It always hurts to go down a man, especially on the road. First half we came out a little slow and gave up two soft goals that were just defensive lapses, but we came out strong in the second half, tied it up two-two, and then unfortunately gave up another goal. Overall, we didn't come out with the energy that we needed to start the game. But the second half we came out well, and unfortunately gave up that third goal real quick after we tied it up. It was kind of hard to get back into it after that red card. I think the guys showed a lot of character though coming back, a lot of effort trying to get the ball back, but being down a guy is really tough in this environment."

(On difference between first and second half...) "I think we just came out not focused, I can't really put a finger on it. They came and got one real early on us, we haven't been scored on that early this year. It was kind of a shock to us. We really regrouped well at halftime. We came in here and got back to doing the things we do best. I don't think you are going to win any games giving up four goals."

Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas Forward

(On positives to take away from game...) "There was a good response after halftime, and the team did a good job to pull two goals back. There was a bad giveaway after the second goal, and they came right back at us and got a third. We all are disappointed, and obviously want to stay in the first place position and the team showed great character to fight back and fought hard to the end."

(On Michel's service...) "His service is incredible, I think he is one of the best in the league. We are very fortunate to have him. On plays and set pieces he has very very good delivery, and has done a great job for us the whole season. He is a real difference maker, I think everyone can see that. He is also a great guy, and we are really happy to have him with us."

* * *

SOUNDERS FC 4, FC DALLAS 2

Scoring Summary:

SEA - Eddie Johnson (Osvaldo Alonso) 16'

SEA - Lamar Neagle (Brad Evans) 30'

DAL - Kenny Cooper (Michel) 54'

DAL - Michel 61'

SEA - Eddie Johnson (Lamar Neagle) 62'

SEA - Obafemi Martins (Brad Evans) 83'

Seattle Sounders FC - Michael Gspurning, DeAndre Yedlin, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Djimi Traore, Leo Gonzalez (Zach Scott 78), Brad Evans, Osvaldo Alonso (Shalrie Joseph 31), Servando Carrasco, Mario Martinez (Obafemi Martins 63), Lamar Neagle, Eddie Johnson.

Substitutes Not Used: Marcus Hahnemann, Marc Burch, Alex Caskey, David Estrada.

TOTAL SHOTS: 16 (Johnson 6); SHOTS ON GOAL: 11 (Johnson 4); FOULS: 11 (Gonzalez, Johnson 2); OFFSIDE: 7 (Johnson 3); CORNER KICKS: 7 (Martinez 4); SAVES: 4 (Gspurning 4).

FC Dallas - Raul Fernandez, Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, London Woodberry (Walker Zimmerman 85), Jair Benitez, Jackson, Michel, Je-Vaughn Watson, Kenny Cooper (Fabian Castillo 64), Blas Perez, Eric Hassli.

Substitutes Not Used: Chris Seitz, David Ferreira, Andrew Jacobson, Stephen Keel, Bobby Warshaw.

TOTAL SHOTS: 13 (Hassli 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 (Cooper, Hassli 2); FOULS: 13 (Michel 3); OFFSIDE: 2 (Hassli, Perez 1); CORNER KICKS: 3 (Michel 2); SAVES: 6 (Fernandez 6).

Misconduct Summary:

DAL - London Woodberry (caution) 43'

DAL - Blas Perez (ejection) 73'

SEA - DeAndre Yedlin (caution) 87'

Referee: Mark Geiger

Referee's Assistants: Joe Fletcher, Claudio Badea

4th Official: Baldomero Toledo

Attendance: 38,979

Time of Game: 1:53

Weather: Partly Cloudy and 63 degrees

All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.

Poll: Do you think Blas Perez deserved a red card for his elbow of Leo Gonzalez?

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:46:05 PDT

There were definitely a few talking points from CenturyLink Field on Saturday, as Sounders FC earned a 4-2 home win against FC Dallas. The most controversial play came in the 72nd minute, when Dallas forward Blas Perez caught Seattle defender Leo Gonzalez with an elbow as they battled for a header.

Gonzalez was bloodied on the play, as you can see above, and after some discussion, referee Mark Geiger eventually issued Perez a red card.

The Twitter reaction from (presumably unbiased) national folk was a bit split from what I could tell; here are some posts from Real Salt Lake, Taylor Twellman and Alexi Lalas.

Here was Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid's take: "The red card I think was justified. If you saw Leo's eye, you would know it's justified."

And here was FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman: "You know what? The nice thing is technology today is wonderful. I would encourage each of you to take off your Sounders hat and go look at the video, and you can see that if anything, Gonzalez ran into him. I was just a little confused that the referees couldn't get it right. I think what ended up happening is, it's like a policeman shows up and a guy's got a bloody face so somebody must have hit him. I think I wasn't real pleased with it, but it's the way the game goes. You're counting on the right decisions being made by the linesmen and the referees and they really have the best position, so it is what it is."

So what do you think?

* * *

Sounders FC 4, FC Dallas 2, video highlights and a lot of postgame notes

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:16:04 PDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pli4MXLYmUs

* * *

Check out the highlights of Sounders FC's 4-2 home win Saturday against FC Dallas above, and I've collected some postgame notes below:

--- FC Dallas lost for the first time since March 10, ending a nine-game unbeaten streak.

--- Sounders FC has won three straight, four of five and is on a six-game unbeaten streak (3-0-3), which is tied for third best in team history.

--- Sounders FC is on a 4-0-3 run in all competitions.

--- Sounders FC improved to 5-1-4 head-to-head against Dallas (3-1-1 at home), with wins in four of the last five games.

--- Sounders FC had a shutout streak end at 272 minutes in the second half. It was the fifth-longest in MLS this season, just behind Seattle's 285-minute streak earlier this year.

--- Sounders FC hasn't been shut out in five games.

--- The Sounders are 29-0-8 when scoring the game's first goal (4-0-2 this season), the longest active unbeaten run in MLS dating to the end of 2010. The league record is 58 games set by New York.

--- Eddie Johnson is up to 59 goals in his MLS career, 24th in league history (Mark Chung and Clint Mathis are tied for 22nd at 61 goals).

--- Obafemi Martins has three goals in his last three games. Those have come in 205 minutes, giving him an MLS-best 1.32 goals-per-90 average (among those with multiple goals).

--- Lamar Neagle is up to three goals in MLS, four in all competitions.

--- 11 shots on goal set a new Sounders FC team record.

--- Eight goals in back-to-back games matched a Sounders FC team record.

--- Sounders FC had an 8-0 scoring streak against MLS teams at one point (one in Philadelphia, one in Kansas City, four vs. San Jose, and the first two vs. Dallas).

--- Seattle's two first-half goals were the earliest allowed this season by Dallas.

--- This was the first time this season Dallas trailed at halftime.

Final: Sounders FC 4, FC Dallas 2, live chat

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:16:04 PDT

Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas, lineups

Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:07 PDT

Welcome to CenturyLink Field, where we'll have a good one tonight.

Sounders FC, on a five-game unbeaten streak, hosts league-leading FC Dallas, on a nine-game unbeaten streak, in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Seattle is closer to full strength, with Steve Zakuani (groin) and Mauro Rosales (shoulder) the main question marks coming into this one. The Sounders boast a 4-1-4 advantage head-to-head, having won three of the last four.

Dallas is expected to be without local product George John, a Shoreline native and University of Washington product, due to a knee injury. He's close to being ready, but coach Schellas Hyndman was reportedly a bit wary of bringing him back on artificial turf.

Other notes to look out for, Seattle has a 219-minute shutout streak (longest active in MLS). FC Dallas hasn't trailed at halftime all season.

Full lineups below when they're available.

* * *

Sounders FC lineup: GK Michael Gspurning, D DeAndre Yedlin, D Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D Djimi Traore, D Leo Gonzalez, M Brad Evans, M Osvaldo Alonso, M Servando Carrasco, M Mario Martinez, F Lamar Neagle, F Eddie Johnson

Sounders FC bench: GK Marcus Hahnemann, D Zach Scott, D Marc Burch, M Shalrie Joseph, M Alex Caskey, F David Estrada, F Obafemi Martins

Note: This is Seattle's 14th lineup in 14 games in all competitions (10 MLS, 4 CCL). Servando Carrasco starts four league games in a row for the first time in his career. Mauro Rosales out with the sprained shoulder and Steve Zakuani out with the groin injury. Rosales was the only Sounder to have played every game in all competitions. Two DPs on the bench with Obafemi Martins and Shalrie Joseph.

Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas, preview and prediction

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:31:04 PDT

Sounders FC (3-3-3) vs. FC Dallas (7-1-3)

Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m., CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Wash.

TV/radio: KING 5, 97.3 FM (Ross Fletcher, Kasey Keller)

Spanish TV/radio: THIS-TV (KOMO 4.2), La Gran D 99.3 FM

Referee: Mark Geiger

KEY DALLAS PLAYERS

M David Ferreira -- The league's MVP in 2010 missed last week with a leg injury, but it sounds like he should be back in the lineup. He, of course, scored here in 2010, an 87th-minute equalizer to sent the Sounders to 4-8-4 on the season (Seattle went on to close the season on a 10-2-2 run). He's the engine in the attack, so much so the team runs more of a 4-2-3-1 formation around him when he's playing and more of a 4-4-2 when he's not.

M Michel -- The Brazilian newcomer has three assists this season, tied with Ferreira for the team lead, and is a bit of a set-piece specialist. In the run of play, he's played in the defensive midfield spot vacated by Daniel Hernandez. It's a position that isn't easy to quantify in stats, but coach Schellas Hyndman said the 31-year-old is leading the discussion for team MVP this year. Definitely someone the league is coming to know quickly.

D Matt Hedges -- If local product George John (a Shoreline native and University of Washington product) isn't able to return from his knee injury, a lot of defensive responsibility will fall on the second-year center back who was in the mix for MLS Rookie of the Year in 2012. At 6-foot-4, he's a dangerous target on set pieces, as well, having scored a few weeks ago against Vancouver. He also had three goals his rookie season.

KEY MATCHUPS

DeAndre Yedlin vs. Jackson -- This could be one of the biggest tests of the season for Seattle's 19-year-old right back. He's facing a talented winger who already has three goals and two assists this season. The Brazilian, who recently went on loan with Cruzeiro, hasn't scored more than four goals in his MLS career, a number that looks sure to fall this year. He's had some big games against the Sounders, too (seven shots in a game in 2012).

London Woodberry vs. Eddie Johnson -- Another new homegrown player will face a tall defensive task, as well, and that's the Dallas center back against a U.S. national team forward. The 21-year-old Woodberry signed in January after his senior season with Maryland, and he's also got U-18 national team experience. Boasts size at 6-foot-1, but does he have enough strength in this matchup at 160 pounds?

MLS's best vs. Seattle's best -- FC Dallas has been the class of the league to start the year. A 6-0-3 unbeaten run is tied for the longest active streak in MLS and has led to a six-point cushion over second-place Portland. The Sounders, though, are getting much closer to full strength and could possibly start Johnson and Obafemi Martins up front, maybe even start all three designated players, as well. Whatever the lineup, there will be some weapons out there.

PREDICTION

If you take a look at the league website, you'll see the MLSsoccer.com panelists are split between Seattle wining and a tie. That's my thinking, as well, but I'm leaning toward a Sounders win. This league is so close top to bottom that I think it's about time things even out for Dallas, who maybe has had a few lucky breaks along the way (e.g. the Portland game a couple weeks ago).

Not having John against a Seattle offense that put up four goals here last week could be a big issue. The Sounders defense is also tightening up, with shutouts in four of five games and a 219-minute shutout streak, which is the longest active run in the league.

Seattle leads the series head-to-head at 4-1-4 and I'm thinking it gets to 5-1-4...

Sounders FC 2, FC Dallas 1

SEA -- Eddie Johnson (DeAndre Yedlin) 29'

SEA -- Shalrie Joseph (Brad Evans) 44'

FCD -- Eric Hassli (Zach Loyd) 78'

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What do you think? How do you see this one playing out?

Is Zach Scott rooting for a U.S. Open Cup matchup against his brother? Well, yes and no

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:46:07 PDT

Zach Scott called it "unavoidable."

When the U.S. Open Cup third-round draw came out Wednesday, it was impossible for the Sounders FC defender not to notice a possible matchup with his younger brother Dan, who plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the second-tier North American Soccer League.

The Rowdies face VSI Tampa Bay in a second-round game Tuesday and the winner faces three-time champion Seattle on May 29.

Zach sent Dan a text message after the draw.

"His first response, which was the correct one, was, 'Hey, we've got a game against VSI on Tuesday, so we definitely have to win that one before we can even look ahead,'" said Zach Scott of his brother. "I know he loves their coach, and their coach is a real professional. He's going to have them completely grounded. Obviously that's unavoidable to look into the future, it's what we did when we were playing MLS clubs as a lower-division team, but they're going to be ready. I'm certain they'll win that game on Tuesday and we'll see them in a couple weeks."

You might remember Zach and Dan faced off in the 2011 Open Cup, when Dan played for the Kitsap Pumas.

But is there any way Zach will be rooting against his brother Tuesday? If the Rowdies win, the third-round game will be in Florida, forcing the Sounders into some crazy travel in between league trips to Los Angeles on May 26 and June 1.

If the Rowdies lose, Seattle will host VSI at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila.

Zach's answer?

"100 percent," he said. "As a soccer fan, I want to play my brother. As a guy that would hopefully be recovering between games, I'd rather not have to take a cross-country trip. I know everybody on this team is the same way."

Sounders FC license plates will be available in January, benefit non-profits

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:06 PDT

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Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill Friday that will make Sounders FC and Seahawks license plates available to order in January. The ceremony was held at the VMAC and proceeds will benefit three non-profits.

Take a look at the preliminary design of the Sounders plate above, as the idea was the celebrate the fans. The Department of Licensing will work with law enforcement to ensure readability, according to a news release, and the designs will be finalized sometime this summer or early fall.

"The license plates are a distinctive way Seahawks and Sounders FC fans can display their passion and support local non-profits," said Peter McLoughlin, president of both teams, in the release.

Here is a piece online from the Seahawks that should answer any questions you may have -- how to order, price, info on the non-profits, personalizing, etc.

Are you going to get one?

A stop and chat with USWNT coach Tom Sermanni

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:31:05 PDT

U.S. women's national team coach Tom Sermanni was in attendance for Reign FC's home game Thursday against the Washington spirit. The Scotsman took the time to chat with a couple reporters at halftime, and here is the full transcript:

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(What brings you to Seattle?) "Well, this is the final one; I've been to all the other grounds (in the NWSL). It's important to me to be out watching the games. That's the first thing. It's also important to get around to all the grounds in the league and see how things are going. It's good to be here at last."

(What do you make of the venue and also, more generally, what do you think of Seattle as a potential market to support women's soccer?) "Firstly, I think the venue is great. I think it's a great little atmosphere. The size of the stadium is about right for the league and where it's at, at the moment. It's a synthetic field that doesn't have American football markings on it, and that's a huge plus. And it looks like a good field for a synthetic field. So the whole setup here, I think from a soccer perspective, is fantastic. And Seattle itself is known, like Portland, to be a huge soccer market. You have a community that comes out and supports its teams, so for me, this is the ideal market for a women's professional team."

(With USWNT games coming up, has any of your scouting within the league changed your thoughts when it comes to player selection?) "Not quite at this stage. I think I have to be realistic. It's still early in the year. I think I've seen Portland three times, this is Seattle's third time I've seen them, but most other teams I've either seen twice or once, so unless someone comes out and really goes wild, it's hard to make judgments on players. But I've seen a few players that have kind of caught my eye that I've maybe not known about or that haven't been in the national team structure. I think I can make better judgments once we get to the second half of the season, because that's really the test. The test is about longevity and consistency."

(How important is it to the USWNT to have this league up and running?) "I think it's critical, and it's not just for me scouting. I think it's critical in the development of the sport. It's important to have strong clubs. Every top women's football country has a national league, and it's really important not just for national team players, but for players to have a potential career after they finish their years in college, for players to keep playing soccer, to have strong clubs and to have another layer of development in the game. And also have a place where young girls can come along and see the top players in the country play."

(What will it do for depth of league with national team players leave for games coming up?) "What it will do is hurt some teams more than it hurts others. It might actually even out the teams a little bit ... like Seattle, who unfortunately don't have a national team player starting on the team because of injuries and various other things. So for them, from that perspective, it might even it out a little bit. But as I've said, the league isn’t just about national team players, and it's something we need to cope with, as every league in the world does. It's important that we build strong clubs and we build a strong league with the support of the national team players, but not necessarily having them all the time. We have to be able to do it without them, as well."

(How is Hope Solo doing coming back from wrist surgery?) "She's coming on well. Hopefully I'll have a meeting with her (Friday). She should get the all-clear on her wrist by the end of this month, so she should be back in full training by that stage. Then she'll get back into playing and be available for selection."

(Think she'll be available next month for you?) "I think unrealistic for the Canada game (on June 2). Then if she progresses well and gets back on the soccer field, there's a possibility for the Korea games (on June 15 and 20)."

(What do you make of a player like Megan Rapinoe going overseas?) "It's the way the game is these days. Players play all over the world in the men's game and they play all over the world now in the women's game. This was just a particular time that was just an opportunity that came up for Megan that she would've regretted if she didn't take. As I've said, I can understand that. From a national team perspective and development, playing in Europe has its benefits, as well. Hopefully this league will get the benefit of her playing there when she comes back, when she'll be really in top shape fitness-wise. Hopefully playing in Europe will help continue her development. From my perspective, obviously having every player in America is ideal. But you don't ever get the ideal world unfortunately."

(You're not wearing any U.S. Soccer gear, so do many fans recognize you out here?) "A couple do, but I'm still quite anonymous. Happily anonymous. Happy to stay that way as long as I can."

(Maybe not for much longer...) "Maybe. Depends on what happens. At least the ones who have recognized me have all been friendly. That's a good thing."

Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas, injury report

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:31:08 PDT

SOUNDERS FC -- OUT: GK Josh Ford (R patella fracture). QUESTIONABLE: DF Ashani Fairclough (L adductor strain), MID Mauro Rosales (R AC joint sprain), MID Steve Zakuani (abdominal strain).

FC DALLAS -- OUT: DF Ugo Ihemelu (concussion), MID Peter Luccin (torn right ACL). QUESTIONABLE: DF George John (left knee strain), MID Andrew Jacobson (right hamstring strain).

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You'll notice Obafemi Martins (knee), Shalrie Joseph (hamstring) and Marc Burch (groin) are no longer listed for Seattle, which is good news. Martins, of course, played in the last game and Joseph went 90 minutes in Sunday's reserve game.

On the Dallas side, here's a report that said John -- a Shoreline native and University of Washington product -- won't be traveling back home.

Coach Sigi Schmid was asked after Friday's practice how the team stood health-wise.

"We're good," he said. "Obviously Patrick Ianni missed practice this week with flu-like symptoms, so we'll see how he feels after today. Steve Zakuani is the one guys we've held out. Everybody else looks all right."