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Archive for category Seattle Sounders

Sabario to the Rescue

Apr 10

Posted by Mike in Alvaro Saborio, Audio, Photos, Post-game, Seattle Sounders | 3 Comments

Real Salt Lake showed their mettle tonight against the Seattle Sounders and reminded 19,970 people at Rio Tinto Stadium why they are the reigning MLS champs.  Just when it looked like Seattle may walk out of Sandy with an against the grain win, Real got a wonderful goal from Alvaro Saborio in the 94th minute.

Real opened the game with pressure and threatened early with Findley hitting Keller with a shot in the 3rd minute of play.  Salt Lake continued to pressure and was looking like they were off to a good start when Seattle scored against the run of play with a counterattack in the 11th minute.  Fredy Montero received the ball near midfield for Seattle and played an Read the rest of this entry »

RSL vs. Seattle – pregame report

Apr 9

Posted by truhlk in Pre-game, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders | 1 Comment

After giving away three points on the road last week Salt Lake will look to bounce back at home versus the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders are also coming off their first lose of the season after allowing New York to walk away from Seattle with a 1-0 victory. Though the match was a home game for the Sounders and statistically they dominated, the lack of quality finishing doomed them to lose at home. Salt Lake also lost a game they should have won (or at least tied) after giving up two penalty kicks in a five minute span against the Houston Dynamo. The two PKs erased the 1-0 lead that Real took to half time and cost them three very important points on the road.

Read the rest of this entry »

Saborio to Chivas? RSL? Sounders?

Mar 3

Posted by kirsoccer in Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake, Rumors & Speculation, Seattle Sounders | 6 Comments

Here’s an article that seems to have updated info (see translation below) on Alvaro Saborio, the Tico previously rumored to be headed to MLS to either Real Salt Lake or Seattle Sounders.  Unfortunately the automated translation is rough on this one (I’ll try to get a confirmation on it in the morning when people are awake :) ).

This article seems to point out that the Sounders rumors were incorrect, and that it is RSL that has the first shot at him – although it claims that’s due to the fact that they won the championship.  I guess they don’t understand the whole issue of MLS player acquisitions any better than we do!

However, the article (and this is where the translation is muddled) seems to indicate that despite the fact that RSL has the first shot, Chivas may actually be the most likely to land the player – at least I think that’s what it says.  It points out the ties between Saprissa and Chivas USA, both of which are owned by Mexican bazillionaire Jorge Vergara.
Sorry folks, my Google Spanish isn’t very good.

Sabo pursued in MLS (Translation provided by romls)

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Alvaro Saborio to Seattle Sounders?

Mar 1

Posted by kirsoccer in Rumors & Speculation, Seattle Sounders | 6 Comments

Last night we gave you the breaking news about Alvaro Saborio close to signing with the league, and the article referenced gave some tenuous information linking him to Real Salt Lake.  This morning Ovacion is reporting that he is close to signing with the Seattle Sounders.  As mentioned, the team who has filed a discovery claim on the player would be in the driver’s seat under the old rules established in conjunction with the recently expired collective bargaining agreement.  I have been told that those rules would still apply.

We’ll pass along more info as it comes available.

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We’re Ready to Rumble: Bring on the Sounders

Mar 26

Posted by kirsoccer in Chris Wingert, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders | 1 Comment

RSLshield

main_logo

Real Salt Lake –vs – Seattle Sounders FC

Saturday March 28, 2009: 8:30 PM

KUTV 2, KALL 700

Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Well, it’s finally upon us – tomorrow’s First Kick for RSL against the un-expansion-like Seattle Sounders. As you know Seattle had an impressive MLS debut last week against the expansion-like New York Red Bulls. The Emerald City darlings were led by young Colombian sensation Fredy Montero, who notched two goals and an assist in front of the raucous crowd of 32,000-plus at Qwest Field in Seattle. As a result, Montero ended up bringing home awards for both MLS Player of the Week and Goal of the Week.

However, while all eyes were on Montero, midfielders Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso played keyed roles helping to dominate possession of the ball in the opener. Forward Nate Jaqua also played quite well in the match, and looked very nimble working out on the edge of the box, combining with the rest of the attacking players.

Keys for Real Salt Lake

When asked what the key would be for RSL defensively to slow down the strong Sounder attack, RSL midfielder Javier Morales said essentially “the key is for us to keep the ball.” When asked a similar question, RSL defender Nat Borchers basically agreed – to paraphrase, “we’re best defensively when the ball doesn’t get past the midfield.” This is an area that RSL could present a much more significant challenge than the NYRB’s were able to last week. Morales will be a key in this role.

Although NYRB forward, Juan Pablo Angel, had a few chances in the match, Seattle’s defense was never really tested and didn’t face any consistent pressure as the Red Bulls only managed 8 shots. Real Salt Lake, on the other hand, averaged over 14 shots per game last season.

In addition to RSL’s midfield being a key, and RSL putting up more shots than the Red Bulls did to challenge Seattle, Real Salt Lake has the capability of quick counter-attacks with the speedy Yura Movsisyan and the speedier Robbie Findley. Look for quick distribution out of the back to be a focus when Seattle presses forward with four or five guys in the box.

Keys for Seattle

Seattle will need to feed off of the energy of the exuberant home crowd once again. Getting an early goal last week was a huge feet for the expansion team. They will need to try to repeat that performance this week.

Since Seattle saw little resistance in the midfield last week and were able to easily transition into the attack, they may be forced to show that they can create a strong buildup on a consistent basis during this match. At the same time, they will need to slow down the RSL midfield, and keep them from comfortably moving into the attack on their side.

How does Ljungberg fit in? As an attacking player he will likely get into the mix with Jacqua and Montero and put pressure on RSL to defend. In the process, Seattle needs to make sure that they don’t get overextended and commit to getting back defensively in the midfield. The forwards will also need to pressure the RSL defenders when they have the ball to try to create turnovers and disrupt RSL’s flow of play.

With the young right back, Tony Beltran, filling in for injured Ian Joy, Seattle may look to exploit RSL on their left flank. Jacqua and Evans occupied this side of the field in the offense for Seattle last week. However, it was the right side and Montero, that was the source of much of the creativity for the team last week. If RSL defender Chris Wingert bombs forward frequently as he is accustomed, he and his teammates will need to show some quick recovery in order to avoid being exploited by the Seattle attack.

Prediction

2-2 draw. I think Seattle is a decent team, but I think RSL may be able to expose some chinks in the armor that weren’t seen a week ago. I think RSL is a better team at this point but the environment will favor Seattle especially early in the match. In addition, if RSL has a potential key weakness it’s scoring goals consistently.

RSL_Seattle_Mar282009SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC INJURY REPORT

OUT: DF Taylor Graham (left sesamoid fracture); GK Chris Eylander (right knee PCL sprain); MF Peter Vagenas (knee surgery);

PROBABLE: MF Freddie Ljungberg (left hip); MF Sanna Nyassi (L hamstring strain) …

REAL SALT LAKE INJURY REPORT

OUT: FW Luis Miguel Escalada (R ankle sprain); DF IanJoy (L hamstring strain);

QUESTIONABLE: DF Robbie Russell (R rotator cuff surgery);

PROBABLE: DF Tony Beltran (L hamstring strain); FW Robbie
Findley (L quadriceps strain); FW Tino Nuñez (R meniscus surgery)

LINKS:

Ljungberg will “play part of the game for sure” –> NewsTribune

Sounders FC –vs- Real Salt Lake Match Preview –> Prost Amerika

Salt Lake begins their title quest –> Sounder at Heart

‘Shocking’ new team awaits RSL –> Salt Lake Tribune

Know Thine Enemy: Real Salt Lake of Sandy, Utah –> Seattlest

Sounders FC commence hostilities with Real Salt Lake –> MLSnet

Swedish star expected to play Saturday for Sounders –> Seattlepi.com

RSL -vs- Sounders Pregame Thoughts (Video)

Mar 26

Posted by kirsoccer in Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders | No Comments

Enjoy this video of pregame thoughts from RSL players (courtesy of the RSL Communications Team)…

Practice Thoughts: Ian Joy

Mar 20

Posted by kirsoccer in Seattle Sounders | 5 Comments

I attended practice and was able to get some thoughts from Ian Joy, Will Johnson, and Coach Kreis.  Here is the first segment with Ian Joy.

KIR: How is the hammy? 

Joy: Doin’ alright.  Recovering good.  It’s been a tough weeks training, so it’s all about finding the right time to recover.  It’s been a good week’s training and hopefully we can get a bit of rest before the big game next week.

KIR: So you expect to be ready to go?

Joy: Of course.  All the guys carrying injuries are preparing themselves right for next week, and taking the proper precautions. 

KIR: What are your thoughts of the team as the season gets close?

Joy: The team is in great condition.  We worked hard in preseason and the boys are starting to get confidence behind them.  I don’t believe all of the hype that they say on the internet and in the newspapers and all that shit that we’re one of the favorites to win the championship.  We can’t tell anything until the season starts.  So we are just going to go into that first game and concentrate solely on that first game, and at this moment all we are concentrating on is tomorrow’s game (against the Aztex).

KIR: You were a little bit unsettled in the offseason looking at Fortuna and other options, how is that now?

Joy: Nothing changes.  I think with the contracts you have in Major League Soccer I don’t think you can be relaxed at any time.  You always have to be trying to perform to keep your job status as well. Everybody’s trying to perform to stay in the top eleven but you are also performing to try to keep your job.  I’m no different.  I’ve just been playing in Germany so long it just creates opportunities.  You just never knows what comes around the corner.  The only thing that I can worry about is the next game and then worry about whatever is going to happen afterwards. 

KIR: I assume you got your first look at your first opponent (Seattle).  What are your thoughts?

Joy: I thought Seattle looked good.  I thought they were very, very impressive.  I thought New York were very poor and made it an easy game for Seattle to be honest with you.  I think the fans, the atmosphere, the stadium and the team – it was a perfect beginning for them.  But I think it’s going to be a different game completely when we come to town. 

KIR: Do you look forward to go into that kind of atmosphere?

Joy: Yeah I mean I heard them say on TV that it’s like Europe.  It’s nothing like Europe.  But it was a fantastic atmosphere and you can’t take that away from them.  I think it will be the same next week and I’m really looking forward to it.  I want to play in front of as many people as possible.  That’s why we’re hear – we want to play on the big stage.  I definitely want to do it again and again. 

Daily Update: Friday Jun 20, 2008

Jun 20

Posted by kirsoccer in Garth Lagerway, Kyle Beckerman, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Robbie Findley, San Jose Earthquake, Seattle Sounders | No Comments

MLS Refs In The Spotlight Again -> Soccer America
There was some suspicion among players that the referee had watched the video replay on the Rice-Eccles Stadium big screen. He shouldn’t have (but then neither should it have been shown), but if he did then his judgment’s still up for question – footage at MLSnet.com shows that a San Jose defender covering the corner kick plays Beckerman onside in any case.

RSL settles for tie after ref’s call nullifies goal against San Jose -> The Salt Lake Tribune/Sunnie Redhouse
Not long after Real Salt Lake played a 0-0 tie with the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night, midfielder Kyle Beckerman ran back on the field to retrace his steps for general manager Garth Lagerwey. He wasn’t looking for a lost item, but rather demonstrating why his controversial goal off a header from Robbie Findley, in the 72nd minute, should have counted.

Real Salt Lake ready for Revs -> MLSnet
One game away from tying their club record unbeaten run, Real Salt Lake play host to a New England Revolution sporting an unbeaten skein of their own

Game notes: New England at Salt Lake -> New England Revolution Media Relations
The Revolution’s current seven-game unbeaten run is the longest by any team in the league this season

Real Salt Lake gets the OK for 5,000 nearby parking spots -> The Salt Lake Tribune
Drivers can expect to pay $3 to $7 per car. A shuttle service will be provided between parking lots and the 20,000-seat stadium.

Former RSL coach Ellinger joins Hoops’ staff -> seattlepi
Ellinger joins FCD from U.S. Youth Soccer, having served as its Technical Director from October 2007 until last week.

Ellinger brings experience to FCD staff -> MLSnet/Steve Hunt
Hyndman feels that despite not making the MLS Cup Playoffs in his two-plus years with RSL, Ellinger did his best.

Real Salt Lake details parking plans for its Sandy stadium -> Deseret News/ Rebecca Palmer
A close look at the plan, though, shows that Real officials are relying on free public parking and fans’ willingness to walk several blocks.

Sounders pleased to borrow native son Nik Besagno -> The Seattle Times
“Sitting on the bench wasn’t doing him any good,” said Garth Lagerwey, Real Salt Lake general manager. “For him to get games with a high-quality team like Seattle, that’s a good thing. We can recall him any time if we need him.”

Real Salt Lake: RSL can’t hide disappointment -> The Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Having finally broken through for a goal in the second half, RSL moments later was denied the score on a referee’s controversial decision

Down to 10 players, Quakes earn a tie -> Mercury News/Andrew Aragon
with the Quakes’ history at Rice-Eccles Stadium, as well as the team having to play with a man down for more than 50 minutes, the result felt more like a victory for San Jose

Third time not the charm for RSL -> MLSnet/John Coon
RSL failed to take advantage of the Earthquakes playing a man down for the entire second half of play and ended up walking away with a second consecutive 0-0 draw amid boos at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Real Salt Lake, Earthquakes play to scoreless draw -> KSL (video included)
“Any time you don’t win at home, you’re losing points,” Real midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. “The games that we’re tying, we’re the better team on the field. We’re pretty happy we’re not giving up many goals, and we’re not losing. That’s a good sign for us to keep pushing forward.”