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Besides the fact that I’ve been absent most of the this offseason, I haven’t really been that eager to follow all of this year’s SuperDraft hubbub.
The way I see it is like this: there are two ways to truly enjoy a draft, one – you actively scout and monitor all of the Generation Adidas signings, pre and re-rank all of the MLS Combine prospects, and wait with abated breath as each draft pick is announced on January 12th. Or two – just ignore all of it and wait until the second month of the season to see what actually happened.
Part of it is because, as I learned the hard way after doing number one for the past three years, the MLS SuperDraft is a giant crapshoot. The other smaller part, mostly due to my ignorance in not following as intently this year, is that this year’s crop just seems less exciting.
First, you have to admit that the Draft for MLS is nothing comparable to a draft in say, the NBA. It’s kind of obvious, that really, outside of maybe the the top two picks, you could pretty much rearrange any of the other picks from pick #3 all the way to pick #54 at random, and still end up with the same distribution of talent per team. Why is that? Well because Akron can only provide a finite number of ‘prospects’ per year. At the same time, talent in the MLS prospect pool comes from the US college population. That’s changing at the moment, with stronger pro/youth academies helping the transition of the current 19-year-old “I wanna be the next Wayne Rooney” clones, but historically, real youth prospects just sucked. Face it, it’s true. Don’t make me drop names *cough* Nik Besagno *cough*.
There was a time when the SuperDraft was just a doorway into MLS, and it served it’s purpose in the early days with number #1 picks like Chris Carrieri (2001) and Chris Gbandi (2002) serving average MLS careers. But then with MLS set on a path for being the Premier soccer league of America, there was an obsession with finding the Michael Jordan of MLS, a star capable of filling in at the same scale. Cue the years of the Freddy Adu’s, Nik Besagno’s, and Luis Gil’s. That attitude is slowly dying out among teams, but I think that attitude still permeates within the media *cough* Ives *cough*.
That’s not to say that you can’t be a reasonable observer or scout and separate the cream from the crap. Certain people are very good that, and it can be very fun and rewarding. However, not when you are a Sounders fan.
For some strange reason, January is the month where Sigi Schmid, head honcho and self-accredited professor of Seattle Soccer Scouting Club, chooses to wax his crystal ball, imbibe in mystic tea leaf reading, and run around naked and drunk in the woods of the Mt. Baker National Forest throwing darts at trees attached to rosters of each of the University of California public schools’ men’s soccer teams. I think Ezra Hendrickson occasionally rotates them with rosters of other schools based on conference and cycle of the moon.
Because, this is the only logical explanation for Sigi’s draft record. Sure, he’s made some good picks which would make you think he’s got a pretty good record. Actually, over the years it’s been more like 50-50. Sure, we landed Steve Zakuani, Mike Fucito, and some utility players. But do names like Jared Karkas, Jamel Wallace, and Alex Caskey ring any bells?
The point is, no matter how much homework you do as a fan, and how many names you do your research on, it’s all moot. There are just too many constraints within a draft (draft position, trades, allocation money, pre-signed MLS contract players, international slots) that throw a wrench of randomness into the draft order. With someone like Sigi, who can’t parallel compute anything other than a 4-1-3-1-1, I’ve given up trying to predict our team moves.
So that’s why this year, I’ve realized that while I am likely missing out on catching a few diamonds in the rough with this year’s crop, it’s just easier on me if I ignore it. Because half the joy of the draft is seeing if your picks and predictions actually pan out. Regardless on whether or not they end up in your team, watching players like Perry Kitchen, Zarek Valentin, and AJ Soares reveal themselves is just as fun. The surprises of watching someone like Mike Fucito take your breath away, all the way from the 4th round of the draft, someone like Lamar Neagle, a living, breathing example of perseverance, and the tenacity of someone like Servando Carrasco fighting for his spot starting out as an unknown, make you realize how stupid draft order is and how important cultivating the right player is.
Which, thankfully, Sigi seems to be good at.
It’s like having your best friend in college giving you a haircut. You have no idea how it’s going to turn out, you don’t even know if you trust him. You just blindly submit, because you’re broke and have no choice, and somehow, it turns out not that bad. Sigi Schmid is my best friend giving me a haircut. I just can’t see what he did behind me, or understand what he saw from his perspective. I can only see him squinting with the shearers, and what it looks like from the front.
In this weird way, it’s just easier to give up and say “OK Sigi, do whatever you want!”, cause no matter how bad it looks now, it’ll grow out in a month or two and then everythings’s just back to normal. And it’s like the SuperDraft never really mattered to begin with.
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Hey all,
I am not dead! I repeat, I am alive (from another holiday season, no less).
I’ve just been very busy. Well, not busy, preoccupied I guess. I just like to pretend like I’m busy doing productive things, but I’m really not. I’ll be honest. I suck at being productive, which is why I’m writing here again. To put off something else.
Nevertheless, I am here to reveal some exciting news!
There will be some exciting changes! In the very near… er, sometime soon… ish. Ok, I don’t know when exactly, but I’m told it will be happening at some point. And, I can tell you it will involve the very best of the Sounders universe blogging here at The Seattle Offside and those other guys, at some blog called Sounder at Heart. I think those guys are actual journalists.
So yeah, I’ll let you know more once it happens. Most likely though, I’ll probably get sidetracked and you’ll see of it/hear it before I ever get around to letting you all know.
In other news, it’s been a very busy offseason, and it’s not even January yet. Are the moves good or bad? Have we fired and axed the entire team? I have no clue! But, later on I will get in on some of dat action. Until then, go gsuwatch gsome Gspurning game gsaves.
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Sadly, I’ve been incredibly busy in the last 1/3 of the season, and I haven’t been able to share as much as I’d have liked on certain parts. But, with the end of the 2010/2011 season, some reflection is needed.
I’ll be repeating this a lot through this post: that was a great season.
Without a doubt, the introduction of our rowdy neighbors and some new faces on our own team, the Pacific Northwest lit up the league. Hopefully this year in MLS history will be more remembered for the greatest derbies every witnessed, and not for a Galaxy win in the MLS Cup final (we shall see). But man, this season was the one that finally felt like we were playing real soccer.
Part of it was that the novelty of having an MLS team finally wore off, and that the Sounders actually became Sounders. In some cases, we were forced to accept the nature of the game, like when Steve Zakuani’s season was ended prematurely. That was a jarring moment for everyone, but it’s when we realized that this is what happens to soccer players and soccer teams.
But at the same time, we were allowed to bask in the glow that the beautiful moments provide us. Things that we don’t necessarily predict or expect. Like when the Rodge got on his horse mid-season and showed everyone what he’s capable of. Both in terms of water yoga and goal celebrations.
And we witnessed some spectacular goals. In one of the finest Sounders games every played, Lamar Neagle put up two candidates for best goal of the season. In the same game no less.
Tyson Wahl deserves some consideration too, also in a game that had his scoring debut. What a stunner by Wahl around the wall.
Our defense also deserves some credit. At certain points in the season, our defense intimidated offenders and punished teams not paying attention. Oh, don’t we just love it when SKC come to town.
This goal might be my favorite though.
Kasey Keller’s made some ridiculous saves for the Sounders, and it’s true that even in his twilight we got some of the best performances out of a true legend. But leave it to Keller, our captain, to serve this up in his farewell match. Spine-tingling and heart-pulling.
I could also highlight all of the games that made history. Our first ever derby at home, in a rain drenched and cold night where the buzz and excitement brought a whole new level of electricity to the field. And again putting our foot down on the Open Cup as the rightful kings of the #threepeat.
It was a historical season. It was fun. It was miserable. It was gritty. It was sunny, rainy, hot, cold, but it was soccer. It technically isn’t over, because of the Champions League, but one of my natural instincts at this point is to begin reflecting on missed chances. In fact, a couple weeks ago I wanted to do a post about games we could have, should have won, where the few points we had in our grasp were lost along with the Supporter’s Shield.
But I can’t do that. Because this season was a success. If it was possible to grow and further solidify the Sounders as a part of this city, this season went a step beyond that. Block parties, bowling parties, and dates with Sounders. For all the whining and griping overheard in the in between spaces of frustrating losses and draws, this season was fun. Insanely fun.
So, cheers to the boys who now call Seattle home. Mauro, Alvaro, and even Lamar, no matter what the bitter melons say, you guys deserve it. Kasey, you’ve been a tremendous guy the entire time here, and you have a long future in the organization. Fredy, please stay. We love you.
If we can keep the positives over the long off-season, and ship the negatives *cough Noonan, Ochoa get in shape*, then we’re looking up. Which, as a Seattle sports fan typically looking down into an empty glass, it’s a good feeling knowing ‘up’ is a positive step.
With a final cheery toast, to the best season yet boys!
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Four World Cups.
England, Spain, Germany, and now MLS.
He’s received Player of the Year awards at nearly every single club he’s every played at. Millwall, Leicester, Tottenham, Southampton, Borussia, the US National Team, World Cup, Gold Cup, UEFA Cup, Open Cup, U-20’s, U-23’s.
Started every single game for Rayo Vallecano. Captained Borussia Monchengladbach. Rescued Fulham from the brink, in a legendary finish that saw Brian McBride at his peak and Clint Dempsey’s breakout debut.
To say Kasey Keller has had a majestic career wouldn’t even capture all of it. As possibly one of the greatest goalkeepers this country has ever produced, Kasey Keller has been through it all. He’s been relegated, he’s suffered gaffs and criticism. But throughout it all, he’s been an absolutely incredible guy and has never lost his love for the game. Honestly, we here in Seattle should consider ourselves blessed to have even witnessed Keller in a Sounders shirt. Add to the fact that in his time here helping this club to grow, we’ve witnessed some of Keller’s best performances.
So, a tribute and a look back to one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever wear a Sounders shirt, the Red, White, and Blue, and to have played the game.
“Sunday evening drinking Stella
I dream that I am Casey Keller (sic)”
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This was very much a perfect win. Three goals and three points on a rainy Saturday night over DC United helped cement the playoff position of the Sounders.
Everyone on the team pulled their shift, and the Sounders were surgical in getting the job done. Mauro Rosales led the team with patience and some brilliant passing to cap two assists. Mike Fucito got the scoring started, and Alvaro Fernandez again was fantastic.
At the moment, tonight’s lineup would be the perfect starting lineup, with the exception of Zach Scott for Hurtado who was out serving a suspension.
Tactically, everything was picture perfect, down to the pixel on your TV screen. There were a few minor hiccups and mistakes, but because the team was so cohesive everyone was able to cover their errors. Kasey Keller came up with some huge saves, as always, to preserve the clean sheet.
I won’t even complain about Sigi’s substitutions. In fact, I actually liked that with a 3 goal lead, he still chose to attack and be aggressive, using the opportunity to feed his hungry players like Jaqua and Neagle who are competing for minutes. The entrance of Amadou Sanyang was even entertaining, and at least offered us a curious look at him.
I will say though, even though the team was encouraged to continue looking for that 4th goal, I would have rather seen what Sigi could do to play defensively. With the playoffs inching closer, we still have the known problem of the Sounders closing out closely contested games. Regardless, it would not have been entertaining but it would have been useful practice for the team to step off the gas and move smoothly into a defensive close out. Maybe pulling a forward off in exchange for an extra midfielder, just to invite the opportunity for the opposition to press.
I know I’m being pedantic, but just keeping the bigger picture here. The injury which forced Mauro Rosales off late in the closing minutes gave me a slight heart attack, so I would have nightmares if one of our key players were to miss the playoffs.
Also, Kevin Stott rhymes with Blind Spot. Whodathunk.
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I’d like to dedicate this spot to Erik Martin, or whom some of you may remember as Electron Boy.
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The Stanky Leg was born in Seattle, when Charlie Davies and a young US team played in the Gold Cup in what was then called Qwest Field.
It’s been over 2 years since that goal, and in that time Davies has been to hell and back. The kid singlehandedly brought the swagger to the USMNT when they shocked the world in the 2009 Confederations Cup, and the team lost it when he was tragically injured.
Emotional story aside, Seattle loves Davies. His injury felt like it happened to someone in the family and there was a connection between fans and the incident. Not surprisingly, he feels the same way about Seattle.
He has said that he respects the city so much, that if he scores he will refrain from celebrating.
And score he will try. CD9 unleashed a perfect hat-trick last week against Chivas. He has 8 goals this season, but he’s done wonders for a DC United attack that last year was uncreative and unproductive.
The kid I am going to be watching out for is Perry Kitchen. In my eyes, he is easily the best draft product of this season, strongly competing with the likes of Will Bruin, Zarek Valentin, Lamar Neagle, AJ Soares, and Jalil Anibaba.
Unfortunately, you won’t hear me moaning because Seattle never stood a chance at obtaining the 3rd overall draft pick. However, he is a vital part of the hustle and grind of the DC backbone. He has the second most minutes of any field player on the team.
I’d love to see Servando Carrasco out there tomorrow as a test of Rookie-ness. A Carrasco-Kitchen fight would be an excellent bill to witness.
Black-and-Red’s to Watch Out For: Dwayne DeRo is still a beast in this league. This will be his second visit to Seattle this season, and in his first visit he outshone Thierry Henry. Davies and DeRosario is a lethal combination, and one that should be in the national setup against other countries. Sadly, we get stuck with that.
Sounders to Step Up: I see Mauro Rosales using his experience tomorrow. Also, without Hurtado’s flailing arms, I’m really hoping Pat Ianni steps up and defends the house. Two veterans will have to be smart against an agile team.
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The team is in Costa Rica now in preparation for the CONCACAF Champions League to face Herediano, the old club of Leonardo Gonzalez.
Not much to tell you about them, other than they are typically very good at home. In their most recent match on Sunday, they thrashed the top ranked team Alajuelense in Costa Rica a whopping 4-0 at home. A kickfight also broke out.
So what else do we know about them, other than Mike Fucito would be in danger if the two teams came to confrontation? Well, they previously lost to Communicaciones 2-0, and before that were destroyed by champs Monterrey 5-0 in the opening round. Despite looking like the weakest team in the group, they may actually hold a surprise for the Sounders and Leo’s return.
CCL is a competition everyone loves to underestimate, so I’ll be conservative in saying the Sounders whip out a narrow victory. Best case scenario is that they win 4-0 with Josh Ford in the goal, Fucito scores two, and they accidentally forget Pat Noonan in the hotel after the flight back. But I can live with one goal margin of victory.
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Only in American soccer. Better yet, only in MLS.
No, screw it. I’m going big.
Only with the Seattle Sounders can you witness the single greatest performance ever presented and the single worst display of ineptitude in two back-to-back games.
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