First, lets put it in an overall context:

German Bundesliga = 42,599 *Europe’s best
EPL = 35,582
MLB = 30,045
Sounders FC (est.) = 29,984*
Spanish Primera División = 28,491
Italian Serie A = 25,324
Scottish Premier League = 15,537
MLS = 15,434

So taking a more detailed approach Sounders would be:

…12th in Bundesliga, not bad considering German teams account for 9 of the top 20 best attendance records in Europe

…12th in the EPL, not bad

…8th in La Liga

…6th in Serie A

…3rd in the Scottish Premiere League

Well, that is all well and good, but soccer is not as popular as other sports in the USA, right? Soccer could never surpass our national pastime, baseball, could it? Well, check this out, the Sounders would be 13th in Major League Baseball with over 2,000 more fans per game than the resurgent Mariners.

Seattle attendance is not just respectable, it is downright impressive, so kudos to the Sounders fans who have been going and look like they will continue to go. There is no reason to think we will see a drop off in the following season.

On Saturday, we will see QWest’s beauty as a soccer stadium to its full extent: with a sell out crowd of 67,000 to see Chelsea. The question is, can Seattle find a way to one day fill out the 67,000 seat stadium against the likes of say… the San Jose Earthquakes.

If they can, the Sounders fan base and attendance can go from solid, to downright elite. I hope we see that day.

All European league figures are unofficial statistics from ESPNSoccernet.com
Sounders average attendance figures provided by MLS Daily
MLB attendance figures courtesy of MLB.COM

That’s right! There’s a strong possibility we’ll be adding another Freddy (or Freddie) to the already growing Sounders squad. At this time it looks like the Spanish Club Sevilla holds the other 35% of his contract.

If it’s true that Sounders FC hold a majority of the head-banded wonder’s contract then we have two ways of benefiting from this.

1. We get a great striker/attacking midfielder to pound in the crisp crosses from Ljungberg.

2. We’ll receive a pretty penny from Sevilla to obtain the rest of his contract rights. Then we take this new cash into the transfer market at some point.

Personally… I’m hoping for the first. Let’s hope he can come to the MLS and make a name for himself. (the picture seems a bit reminiscent of a North American CR7…)

This is the first of many posts coming your way! We’ve had a change in writers for the Sounders FC Offside. I’d love to hear your feedback… let me know how we’re doing.

The next Sounders FC player signing will be announced on Thursday, August 14th at 2:00PM at Qwest field.

If the team is calling together the fans, it may be a big deal.

The most likely candidate is Kasey Keller, who has been linked to the squad for some time.

A couple international stars looking for work are Freddy Ljundberg and Hernan Crespo.

What do you think?? Who will the new Sounders player be, Keller or a big-time DP???
Why such a secret? Why all the hooplah?

Here is the email from the Seattle Sounders FC website:

SOUNDERS FC PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT!

You’re invited to join Seattle Sounders FC in a special player announcement on Thursday, August 14th at Qwest Field. Gates will open at 2:00 PM.

You won’t want to miss this historic event as the Sounders FC adds another to their 2009 roster.

Fans attending can park in the north lot of Qwest Field, and enter the stadium through the NW VIP gate where they will be directed to the field.

Attention youth players – you’re encouraged to wear your team uniform! There will be an informal clinic led by members of the Sounders FC staff.

Join Sounders FC at Qwest Field on August 14th for this event – it is one that will certainly be remembered.

Since the first season of MLS in 1996, only one non-MLS team has won the US Open Cup. In 1999, the then A-League Rochester Raging Rhinos defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0. Since then, no non-MLS team has even returned to the finals.

In 2007, the Seattle Sounders defeated the lowly and insignificant Portland Timbers before upsetting Chivas USA (3:1) and the Colorado Rapids (5:0) to reach the semi-finals. The team was finally outclassed by FC Dallas, 2:1.

Could the Sounder’s take the next step in 2008 and somehow make it to the Open Cup final? If the European Championships taught us anything, it is that football can be a marvelous place for miracles. Turkey was only a few ugly German’s away from unbelievably making it to the finals on a slew of dumb luck and flabbergasting, bamboozling, tear-producing, heart-pounding, gut-punching, last minute comebacks.

So, say the Sounders accomplish the nearly impossible and win themselves a spot in the Champions League. What will league officials do with the Sounder’s berth once the team dissolves? If a team wins both the Supporter’s Shield and the Open Cup, the spot normally goes to the Open Cup’s runner up. This is one possibility.

The other option, and my personal preference, is that the Seattle Sounders FC take the Sounders spot in the Champions League. It would be great to generate fan interest, but would a first year team embarrass itself against the relatively high level of competition?

Your thoughts?

French striker Henry spent this past weekend with his good friend and compatriot, NBA star Tony Parker, cruising the Big Apple and playing in the Steve Nash charity soccer game. Naturally, his presence in NYC was hard to ignore for both MLS fans and the press.

So, is the MLS in his future? Henry has made no secret of his affinity for American culture and has even stated his interest in playing in the MLS in the future. When questioned about a move to America and playing football, the all-time Arsenal scorer responded, “Why not? I love America. I love it here. And, whenever I come here, I feel free. Hopefully, one day.”

The question is, when will the move happen? How soon can we expect Henry to bring his pedigree and starpower stateside to rival Beckham? He currently has three years left on his Barcelona contract. When Beckham left Real Madrid, his contract had expired and therefore, Becks came to the MLS on a free transfer. The price was right ($0) for MLS, which currently handles teams’ financial transactions involving designated players.

If Henry comes to the MLS in 2009, as many predict, the MLS would have to pay the transfer fee for the player, estimated at over $25mn. However, can you put a price tag on the value of not only an elite player, but a marketing symbol to boot (ask the LA Galaxy and the people who calculate the attendance)? Even at the age of 31 and on the downside of his career physically, the price tag is no issue.

Much like with Beckham, it is not a question of if, but when. “You never know what’s going to happen. But, at the moment, I’m still over there,” Henry said.

So where will Henry land in the MLS? it appears that Henry already has chosen the apple of his eye, NYC. “I’m here on vacation, enjoying the town,” he told The Associated press. “It’s an amazing town. I love New York. It’s not the first time I say it. Sometimes I do get recognized, but I feel free when I’m here, so that’s the most important thing. I love it.”

According to Dave, plenty of people in NY recognized him this weekend at the park. Don’t despair Seattle fans, maybe he wants to go to a smaller city. Maybe he would feel more like he was in England again in the beautiful Seattle weather.

The Seattle ownership had already made it plainly obvious that the money is on the table. Let’s just hope that Red Bulls have already filled their DP slot with Riquelme by that time.

There is nothing I would like to see better than Henry in off-puke green in Summer 2009 However, it looks more likely that Red Bulls fans will soon have their Altidore-broken heart mended by the soft-spoken and smooth playing Frenchman.

The Seattle Sounders FC has come out with an exclusive site that resembles matchmaking or social networking sites such as Match.com, Harmony.com or Facebook. Such a site was originally a demand made by Drew Carey to secure his participation in the establishment of the team.

The new site will match season ticket buyers to seats that match their own personal preferences. The main idea behind the site is to provide fans the best sporting experience possible. Whether fans prefer standing or sitting; cheering or silence; the site will the match the users’ preferences with simliar fans to find the ideal seat.

For a franchise that has yet to take the field, the team has generated wild popularity in the Seattle area with 11,000 of the 15,000 early season-ticket deposits already leading to the purchase of season tickets.

Read more on this story here.

Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 155
Birthplace: Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
DOB: 1/10/1984

Career USL stats (includes all competitions):

History:

On May 8, 2008 (though some reports were leaked as early as March), Le Toux became the first and, so far, only player in Seattle Sounders FC’s history. He is one of between six to ten players from the current Seattle Sounders who are expected to be signed to contracts with MLS’s Seattle Sounders FC.

The tall and lanky forward and midfielder hails from France where he began his professional footballing career at the age of 17 as a defender at Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. After failing to break into the first team and spending most of his 3 year stint with the reserves, Le Toux left on a free transfer to Ligue 2 side, FC Lorient. He spent 2004-2006 with the club where he made 15 appearances on defense, recording a single goal, before his release.

With his arrival to the USA, the lad’s luck began to change for the better. Le Toux went on trial with FC Dallas, but could not agree on contract terms with the club ($20K/year developmental contracts anyone???). Club officials refered him to the Sounders, who had previously scouted the Frenchman. Le Toux signed with the Seattle Sounders, who brought him in to shore up the defense. However, in his first season he ended up playing at outside midfield and forward. Le Toux notched 10 regular season goals and 22 points to establish himself as the MVP of the USL first division.

After his successful 2007 campaign, Le Toux received a trial offer from English 3rd division club Cambridge United. However, with impending news of Seattle’s MLS expansion, it became clear that the Sounders’ star player would take his chances in the MLS.

On May 8, that rumor became official. Some reports indicate that Le Toux signed with Seattle Sounders FC for as many as 5 years. According to reports, MLS is paying the strikers salary for 2008, a cool $84,000.

So far he is earning his pay. Le Toux is 3rd in the USL’s first division in both points (11) and goals (5) through 11 games. In his most recent match, a 3-1 victory against the Minnesota Thunder, Le Toux was downright dominant. He had a hand in all 3 of the Sounders’ goals.

The first goal came on a rebound from a 12-yard strike by Le Toux. 20 minutes later, Le Toux was taken down hard on the left side of the box, resulting in a penalty. The third, Le Toux put away himself when a corner kick landed at his feet near the far post.

Le Toux’s continued improvement and good form has helped the Sounders to overcome a slow start and a rash of injuries. The squad is currently tied for 3rd place in the USL first division with a 4-2-5 record and 17 points, just 5 out from the league leading Vancouver Whitecaps, with 22.

Scouting Report:

Sounders FC GM and minority owner Adrian Hanauer has nothing but praise for the young man. “Sébastien is an outstanding young soccer player with loads of upside. He has tremendous physical capacity, he is very good technically and tactically, and has the potential to be a very effective MLS player,” said Hanauer. “Sebastien is also a great individual, and has the kind of character that our fans will be proud of.”

Other qualities that attract scouts and coaches alike to Le Toux are his tireless running and his versatility. Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer originally installed Le Toux in the central defense, but moved him to midfield to take advantage of his high work-rate. According to the coach, at the MLS level, Le Toux has the ability to play either as an outside midfield or withdrawn striker in both the 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formations.

In addition, according to an October 4 article on ESPN by Andrew Winner, Le Toux is one of the latest attacking prospects whose careers were sparked by Schmetzer. Other quality attacking players who have passed through Seattle and moved on to greener pastures include Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Maykel Galindo (Chivas USA) and Cam Weaver (FK Haugesund).

Schmetzer’s ability to develop talented young players into quality attacking options may pay dividends for Seattle’s MLS side in the long run, both on the field and financially. There is no word on his long-term career plans, but many successful American players, Beasley, Dempsey, and most recently Altidore, just to name a few, have used the MLS as a launching pad to a career in Europe.

However, not many foreign players have done the same in the MLS. Le Toux is a very interesting case considering he has gained the majority of his success after changing positions. Perhaps with his rising star, he could serve as an example to other foreign players that the MLS may be a decent place to build a reputation worthy of European club football. Such a trend would be an invaluable benefit for the league.

“My first idea was that you don’t come to America to [earn] a lot of money playing soccer, so I know that. I came to prove to people that I can play at the highest level in the USA,” Le Toux said. Perhaps a couple of spectacular years at the USA’s top level can earn Le Toux a ticket back to Ligue 1 in France and a fat transfer fee for a young Seattle Sounders Football Club.

Despite all the hype and goal scoring, Le Toux seems to be a humble character with his head in the right place. None of his teammates seem to be miffed by his (relatively) large contract or his inclusion on the new MLS team. In addition, his great motor, soccer instincts, versatility and nose for goal are great attributes for any club. I am just glad he did not end up in Dallas. I am sure he is too.

Best of luck to you Sébastien! We look forward to seeing who you will be teaming up with for 2009.

Some highlights and interviews:

Greeting his fans back home:

He knows how to celebrate:

Le Toux takes out the trash (Minute 2:33 of video)

Interview with Le Toux (Apparently he prefers Seattle to Dallas. Who the hell wouldn’t?):

As a dawn of a new era draws closer and closer for the Seattle franchise, developing a crop of star studded talent gets even more important. Until the 09′ season officially starts, the team will be underway scouting the globe for the right pieces and parts for the perfect roster and should consider the thought, “Is bigger better?”

I pondered this question if a big boy would have a positive or adverse affect on the overall level of play on the pitch. Let’s take a look at the biggest boys in MLS, in their respective positions and look at their affects on their team: a detriment (Belly Fat) or a plus (Muscle Mass).

Forwards
Danny Dichio (Toronto FC – 209 lbs): As the biggest forward the league, Danny has truly been pulling his weight this season by guiding his team to a strong start this season. Toronto FC held an unbeaten streak of 7 of 8 games this season, a superior achievement in contrast to last season’s efforts. Danny offers a pedigree ranging from 6 of England’s top clubs and even a stint in Serie A for Sampdoria. Danny offers a young Toronto FC the necessary spark to turn last seasons disappointment into this years playoff reality. Verdict: Muscle Mass.

Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas – 207 lbs): FCD had to order a special jersey for Kenny because even the XXXL version couldn’t fit over his massive biceps. Kenny is truly beauty and beast on the pitch. His potential could lead the Hoops, who’ve never missed a playoff appearance in their existence, to a possible championship berth in a weak Western division. Kenny’s explosive style and creative pace on the ball is the spark that an inconsistent offensive unit needs. Verdict: Muscle Mass

Kenny Deuchar (Real Salt Lake – 200 lbs): RSL has struggled to find the performance needed to succeed in the league. After excelling in the lower divisions of Scottish Football, Kenny is currently struggling with his love of medicine (part of his reason for leaving Europe) and balancing his career on the pitch. His balancing act may be a key part of his struggle to find form on the pitch this season. Verdict: Belly Fat

Midfielders
Andre Rocha (FC Dallas – 190 lbs): Out of Sao Paolo, the Brazilian on loan from Clube Atlético Paranaense was brought in to fill the vacancy at right back left by Denilson. His ball control, short passes, and fast-paced, physical style have allowed him to have a great start to the season (5 assists-team leader, 2nd most in the league). If FC Dallas is going to make a deep run, Rocha must be a key component for their success. Verdict: Muscle Mass

Khano Smith (New England – 190 lbs): One of the most famous football players in Bermudian history, Khano has 20 national team caps and 7 goals for country. For club, Khano has mustered 7 goals as well, a figure that is much more medicore considering his 73 appearances for the Revs. While it might be a product of the system, Khano has not truly been productive, and has seen his time on the pitch limited. It is time for the Revs to ditch the lad for a better foreign prospect. Verdict: Belly Fat

Aaron Pitchkolan (FC Dallas – 185 lbs): Appearances have been limited, and playing time more so, but the Native Coloradan still maintains his spot on the Hoops lineup since his signing in 2005. While brilliant at West Virginia, his great form at the University has not translated to the MLS. His development in the league has been a test of patience. If Dallas continues to struggle, expect to see Aaron hit the trading block at some point this season. Verdict: Belly Fat

Defenders
Gonzalo Peralta (DC United – 201 lbs): Our Torres look-a-like has struggled slightly as has DC United as a whole. However, much like last season, the team has picked up the pace and Peralta has been a key part of it. His experience and leadership gained in the Argentine 2nd Division as captain at Club Almirante Brown will prove as a key factor for a another top place place finish in the East and a late post season run for DC United. Verdict: Muscle Mass

Andy Iro (Columbus – 205 lbs): Born and raised in Liverpool, the Englishman was selected as the 6th pick in the MLS Supplemental Draft by the Columbus Crew. His success at the University of California Santa Barbara and the fact that the defender towers at a height of 6’5” will serve Columbus well if Iro maintains his development. Verdict: Muscle Mass

David Horst (Real Salt Lake – 200 lbs): The 6’4” defender from Old Dominion was selected with the last pick in the first round by Real Salt Lake to fill the center back slot. The Pine Grove, Pennsylvania native may make a great addition in the future, but with a roster of only 5 individuals with 4 years or more experience, the necessary mixture of experience and youth is not helped by Horst’s addition. Verdict: Belly Fat

Jim Curtin (Chivas USA – 205 lbs): Curtin served as the iron curtain that helped the Fire to a runner up finish in the MLS Cup (2003), MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2003, and two US Open Cups (2003, 2006). Defender of the year in 2004, Curtin once played 70 straight matches. Plagued by injuries down the strech last year, his return to health can play a major factor in getting Chivas back to best in the West. Verdict: Muscle Mass

Goalkeeper
Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake – 237 lbs): As the biggest mofo in the league, Seitz is possibly the only saving grace at Real Salt Lake. While he has only played as many games as there are fingers on my hand, he has been used as a vital piece for the U-23 and U-20 teams. His potential truly poses a threat to the playing time of the aging Rimando. Verdict: Muscle Mass

Substitutes
Goalkeeper: Zach Thornton (New York – 230 lbs) – Belly Fat
Defenders: Tyrone Marshall (Toronto FC – 195 lbs) – Muscle Mass
Forwards: Justin Braun (Chivas USA – 195 lbs) – Belly Fat

Coach
Schmid (Columbus – ??? lbs): He needs at the very least a playoff appearance, after Columbus’ three straight absences (two under Schmid), to keep his job, and so far he’s pushed the right buttons. Verdict: Muscle Mass

To quote the article:

A distinctive mullet that soon would light up MLS matches identified Juan Carlos Toja to FC Dallas players during their 2007 preseason trip to Brazil, yet soon enough they realized in this case, whatever impressions that image might suggest didn’t fit the man.

“A lot of players in South America wear their hair that way,” says FC Dallas coach Steve Morrow, who himself keeps very short what little he has left, of his Colombian midfielder. “You’d think he’d be like a rock star, but he’s not that way at all, just the opposite in fact.”

Toja, in fact, is perplexed and somewhat embarrassed by all the attention lavished on his mane, which just months after his first MLS match prompted club management to stage “Juan Toja Wig Night,” an honor previously bestowed upon a fellow countryman, former superstar Carlos Valderrama. Aside from their distinctive ‘dos and shared heritage, they’re as different as attacking midfielders can be.

If you had not noticed, the site purposely declined to give a publishing date in order to quiet speculation on the illegal “borrowing” of intellectual property. Their lawyers can expect to hear from me soon.

BITERS!!!!!

In other news, according to sources at GoalSeattle.com, the second best site for Seattle Sounders FC coverage, Sounders FC gear is now available from WinCraft, Inc.

Adrian Hanauer would like us to believe that he and fellow Seattle Sounder FC owners, Roth and Allen, are assembling a world-class squad with talent from around the globe. He has been scouting in Africa and South America, looking for players that will propel the squad into the so-called “major” international cups and competitions that MLS teams play in within the first three years of expansion.

In sports, it is always fun to root for the underdog or the Cinderella squad. We love to see a minnow like Cardiff make its way to the FA Cup Final, or a lower seeded March Madness team show-up a nationally respected program. In soccer leagues around the world, we tune in to newly promoted sides to see if they can stick around in their countries top flight. In the MLS, where there is no promotion/relegation system, expansion is the closest thing we have to the epic struggle to stay afloat.

At the end of the 2009 campaign, will the Sounders FC be popping champagne or cooling off in the cellar? Here is a brief look at the history of expansion in the MLS and how Seattle may stack up against past expansion squads.

A Look Back

MLS expansion began in 1998, when the league went from 10 to 12 teams, adding the Chicago Fire and the Miami Fusion. Miami ended the 98’ season in relative mediocrity with a 15-17 record including 5 shootout wins. In 1998, the MLS did not have ties (gag), but did have the playoffs (double gag), which the Fusion entered as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Chicago Fire, on the other hand, faired much better. The team ended up with a 20-12 record and eventually toppled DC United 2-0 in the team’s first ever MLS cup. They also completed the unlikely double by beating the Columbus Crew to claim the U.S. Open Cup title.

Still struggling to gain a foothold on American soil in 2001, MLS had to retract two of the twelve teams. The Miami Fusion and the Tampa Bay Mutiny were eliminated from the league. However, expansion began anew in 2005 with the franchises Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA. Real Salt Lake ended up 5-5-22 (yay, ties!) while Chivas ended up 4-6-22 and dead last in the Western Conference. It was not a pretty sight for expansion teams that year.

In 2006, the San Jose Earthquakes brought out the moving trucks and became the Houston Dynamo. Since their relocation, the Dynamo, though not necessarily a true “expansion team” has enjoyed a stellar 26-16-20 record and 2 MLS Cup championships.

As the MLS continued to grow, 2007 saw the league cross the border into Toronto. Despite a raucous and sometimes riotous fan base, Toronto FC had the worst record in the MLS in 2007, going 6-7-17.

The MLS returned to San Jose this year, where the current squad is currently 1-1-3 thus far in 2008.

Here is a look at the performance of current MLS expansion teams through 2007
Team – Overall Record (W, T, L) – Years in the League, # MLS Cups
Miami, 56-10-56 .500, 4 years, 0 MLS Cup
Chicago Fire, 143-54-108 .557, 10 years, 1 MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake, 21-23-50 .346, 3 years, 0 MLS Cup
Chivas USA, 29-27-38 .452, 3 years, 0 MLS Cup
Houston Dynamo, 26-20-16 .581, 2 MLS Cups
Toronto FC, 6-7-17 .316, 0 MLS Cup

Ice the Bubbly?

So out of five genuine expansion teams, Houston not included, only Chicago has enjoyed first season success by winning it all their first year. How was Chicago able to pull off the seemingly impossible? Simple, they put a talented squad on the field.

Under head coach Bob Bradley (ring any bells?) Chicago featured some quality international players like Poles Peter Nowak, Jerzy Podbrozny and Roman Kosecki, Mexican Jorge Campos, and Czech Lubos Kubik. In addition, the side featured a few quality homegrown products like Josh Wolff, Ante Razov, and Chris Armas. With the right combination of talent, and just maybe because no one saw them coming, the Fire took the championship in their first year as a franchise.

Can the Seattle Sounders FC follow in the footsteps of Chicago, or are they more likely to suffer a tough first season like most expansion franchises in most sports leagues?

Well, in a league like the MLS, where no one team is light years ahead of another, anything can happen. If the Seattle owners turn out their pockets and shell out big bucks for a quality roster, I have little doubt that the side will be competitive.

It is highly unlikely that they can win the championship their first year. It is possible we will never see another MLS expansion team win it all in their inaugural season (congratulations Fire fans). However, with the right draft picks and signings leading up to the kick-off season, the Seattle Sounders FC will have more cause to toast champagne than chill out in the cellar at the end of the 2009 campaign.