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.

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.

I spent last week packing because I could no longer tolerate my landlords new dog constantly pissing and crapping on the floor, eating my socks and still being so adorably cute at the same time.

I moved on Saturday and have not had a chance to get the internet up and running.

I hope that despite the delay you will continue to come back and check for new content.

Anyways, as many of you know I successfully called BS on the Jones Soda thing. Xbox 360 is a great sponsor and the money figure is even better.

Now that I have seen the entire jersey, they do look decent besides the colors. I feel like the FC from the Emerald City might look a little better in emerald green than seafoam green. Oh well, I will still be proud to rock that $20mn jersey.

If anyone was at the game at QWest on the 31st and would like to share their observations and experiences about the vibe at the pitch, feel free to send me your observations at stever4204@gmail.com.

Happy Monday!

The official email says:

Please join us for the unveiling of your
Seattle Sounders FC Jersey
Date: Wednesday, May 28th
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: South Endzone at Qwest Field

In other news, despite his appearance on the front page of the Seattle P-I (slow news day?), French striker Thierry Henry is unlikely to make the jump to the MLS for the 2009 season.

Henry wants to play out at least one more year of his contract, “I don’t want to leave, I still have three years of my contract left and I will continue here next year.”

Honestly, who can blame him? Hopefully we will see Barca use him in his proper role as a center striker. If not, maybe he will be available in 2010… you never know. I think it all comes down to his international career prospects. MLS is not exactly the place to prove yourself ready for the 2010 World Cup. (Unless you are from the US or Canada).

On the other hand, everyone has their price. The Seattle P-I reported that the Sounders are ready to offer US$10.2mn a season to the striker. GM Adrian Hanauer was unable to comment on the report because of tampering rules since Henry is currently under contract.

$10.2mn a year would make Henry the highest-paid player on this list, but would knock him down a few rungs on this one. His salary would be bigger than FOUR MLS salary caps put together.

The other question is just how much would the MLS have to pay for a player of his caliber? All in all, it is none-to-likely (Sorry Laurie!!). I will give it a 1.3% chance of happening on the Even-Steven Transfer Rumor Probablity/Credibility Scale, (ESTRPCS for short).

Also, the June edition of “Seattle” magazine has a feature on Sounders FC GM Adrian Hanauer.

Ronaldo (not Cristiano) attempted to pay the two gentlemen and leave, but one of the ladies decided to try and extort Ronaldo, asking for $30,000 US dollars to keep the story quiet. Luckily for our chubby friend and his trademark smile, prostitution is not illegal in Brasil.

“He admitted to everything, he wanted to have fun, but he committed no crime at all, it was immoral at best,” said Brasilian police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira.

Ronaldo is currently in Brasil after having surgery on his left knee. He should be able to play in 6th months as long as rehabilitation goes as planned. AC Milan officials have refused to comment thus far on whether or not legal sex with legal hookers is part of Ronaldo’s rehab process.

Ronaldo has been linked to rumors as a possible DP transfer target for the MLS. Unfortunately, there is currently no MLS club in a city where prostitution is legal.

One day I was sitting in my parents living room playing some FIFA 07 on my dads big screen TV. He came home from work, saw I was downstairs and came down to say hello. All of the sudden he was fixed on the screen. He sat down next to me.

“Who is playing?” he asked me.

Well, my suspicion was confirmed that he hadn’t suddenly taken interest in video games, which he hates. On a big screen, Hi-def TV, it is easy to confuse FIFA for XBOX with live soccer. But, I digress. Was it possible? After years of attending my middle school and high school soccer games because he had to, had my father suddenly taken interest in the world’s game?

It was. My dad had been hooked on soccer. For a couple months, my pops would take a seat with me on Saturdays and Sundays while I watched hours of matches on FSC.

It all began August 2006, when I convinced him to take me to QWest field in Seattle, to see my favorite club Real Madrid face off against DC United. The place was sold out and absolutely rocking. The atmosphere was great and the match was surprisingly competitive, ending in a 1-1 draw. One could feel a buzz in the air both entering and leaving the stadium. It was the type of enthusiasm, though lacking the hometown pride and alcoholism, that I have seen at Seahawks games.

The effect of seeing a quality on-field product in a passionate environment converted my dad, at least temporarily, into a soccer fan. Can a MLS team in Seattle make converts of other average Seattle sports fans? Is “Big Lo” going to show up to the games with home-made signs and dried mustard on the corner of his mouth? Does the MLS expect Seattle, a city renowned for being an insignificant and oft-forgotten backwater in the world of sports (NFL, MLB, NBA), to be so crucial to the development of the league?

The answer to the latter seems to be a resounding yes. From the beginning, it seems league executives from the MLS are placing high hopes in the success of the Seattle franchise and making exceptions to make sure it happens. It was league executives who advised team owners to avoid the Sounders name, fearing it wouldn’t translate well in Japan. It was also MLS executives who granted the Seattle Sounders FC exclusive rights to singing players of the original Seattle Sounders.

This MAJOR exception is the only thing even remotely similar to a farm system in all of the MLS. Not only that, but already having several players on the roster before the expansion draft gives the Seattle team a decided advantage. No other expansion team has enjoyed such a privilege.

Fast forward to April 2008, and it is Dan Courtemanche, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the MLS, asking for that favor to be returned. After observing a 50,000 + crowd attend the Mexico v. China game, Courtemanche dropped some suggestive comments for the Seattle franchise, “It (the game) showcases the opportunity that exists for the Sounders when they come into Major League Soccer, depending on the personnel they put on the field.” He went on to say, “When you put a quality product on the field, the opportunity exists to have a large fan following. We’ve seen it already with what the Sounders have done with 14,000 season-ticket deposits, and that’s a tremendous start. But this takes the brand to the next level when you see this tonight.”

Translate, “depending on the personnel they put on the field,” and I come up with, “you guys better sign a big name player that is gonna sell some more tickets.” Signing a soccer superstar would clearly fill the seats at QWest field. I have no doubt that a guy like Henry or Nakamura would sell out the first Sounders FC game and beyond. A quality on-field product could attract current fans and new converts alike. We know that there will be a gaping and painful hole left by the stolen Sonics, and MLS in Seattle may be just the remedy to help mend the broken hearts of Seattle sports fans.

It is interesting to me that the MLS has put such great expectations for a team from Seattle. In a country rife with East-coast sports bias (the NFC East is the best division in the NFL my ass), and huge entertainment markets (LA, NYC, Houston), I am flattered that the MLS expects so much of our little city. I only hope, both as a league supporter and a Sounders fan, that it works out for the both of us. Well, that and my dad buys a couple of season tickets.

Here are 5 players, not including Henry or Riquelme, I think the franchise should consider.

5. Marcus Hahnemann, GK, Reading

A Seattle native, the 35-year old stopper leads the Premiere League in saves (225) and was named the Most Improved Player in 2006/2007. His contract with Reading will automatically renew for next season, but Hahnemann is unhappy with the deal and wants a long-term contract. Could that lead to him jumping ship and heading on home? He has certainly thought about it:

I could commute from my cabin. We (his family) have always thought eventually when we’re done that we would go back, but you never know when that will be. We always talked about if a team did start up in Seattle then we’d want to go back at some stage.

Now considered 3rd on the USMNT depth chart, Hahnemann is huge, agile and can be downright dominant between the poles. He would be a welcome edition to any team, let alone his native Seattle squad. I get the feeling he won’t make the trip across the pond just yet. If he wants a spot on the 2010 World Cup squad, he is better served by staying in Europe.

However, if he is ready to start driving on the right side (no pun intended) of the road again, he could be a potential rock for the Sounders FC’s defense. Using the designated player slot on a goalie seems almost unthinkable, but the appeal of having a local boy on the squad might be too much for management to ignore. Other European-based Washington State natives have expressed interest in playing for the squad, including Preston Zimmerman and Kasey Keller.

4. Brian McBride, F, Fulham FC

I know some of you are probably scratching your heads right now. What good is a 35-year old target forward with a beautiful golden mane of hair and detachable knee caps? Please, I implore. Hear me out.

He is the arguably the USA’s most accomplished player on the club level. McBride started his career in the MLS with Columbus Crew, scoring 62 goals and notching 45 assists in 161 games. He also put in 12 goals in the 2006/2007 campaign in Fulham. Last year, while watching a Fulham game, I was truly amazed to hear the fans chanting, “USA, USA, USA,” after he scored a goal at home.

He is also arguably our most accomplished international player. He scored 30 goals for the USMNT in 95 caps. He is the only US player to score in more than one World cup. In 2002, both of his goals were game-winners (against Mexico and Portugal). In the 2006 World Cup, he took a dirty, vicious elbow to the face from Daniele de Rossi. The image of his confused, bloodied face will forever be etched into the minds of US soccer fans.

He is essentially the Capitan America of soccer. He is the closest thing we have to an American soccer icon, a player who has truly made his mark both at home and abroad. His return to the MLS would be a welcome affair. He would easily become a fan favorite in Seattle, a city that knows and appreciates soccer.

The best part of it all? McBride’s contract with Fulham ends this season. With Fulham being relegated (95% likely at this point), it is unlikely they will make an attempt to resign him. Therefore, McBride could return to the MLS on a free transfer. The $1.5 Million Fulham paid the MLS for his services in 2004? Pure profit. Although he might not be the most talented or flashy player on the list, his addition to the Seattle Sounders FC would make perfect sense.

3. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, F, Cardiff

Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink won the EPL’s Golden Boot award in 2001/2002 with Chelsea. He was the Premiership’s leading scorer in 1998/1999 with Leeds United and again with Chelsea in 2001/2002. Despite his impressive list of accomplishments and a catchy name, his contribution to world football seems lost on the average American soccer fan.

Perhaps his lack of international accomplishments play a factor in his relative anonymity. Competing for a spot at striker with Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Pierre van Hooijdonk and Roy Makaay made it tough for Jimmy to crack the starting line up for the “Orange” of the Netherlands. His biggest international accomplishment was a start for the national side in the 1998 World Cup. The fact he was selected to start with that much talent at striker is a testament to just how dangerous the Dutch national truly is.

Hasselbaink is old at 36, but still very fit. In 43 matches for Cardiff this season, he has started 35 matches and come on late in four. Besides a blood clot in his leg that nearly cost him his life, he has been very lucky, avoiding other major injuries. Despite his health, it is hard to deny that he is over the hill. His game revolves around his excellent pace, which always fades with age. However, his greatest traits are the cannons he has for feet, his power on the ball and his competitive fire.

Even at this age, he would score goals by the bunches in the MLS. (PS: Check out the 19-minute hat-trick) I have no doubt he could contribute, at least short-term, to the competitiveness of the team, despite his age.

Much like Hahnemann, spending the designated player spot on a lesser-know 36 year old striker might be a rash move. At least he won’t command Beckham bucks. He would probably be paid Donavon dollars. He wouldn’t be my first option, but if a few other potential deals fall through, his talent, passion, and history in the EPL would be a great addition to the Sounders.

2. Andriy Shevchenko, F, Chelsea

My second choice for a great DP would be Shevchenko. Why you may ask? Well he follows a trend of most Designated Players: Over 30, recognized by the average fan, and currently struggling to find time on the field with his first team. In fact, Schevchenko barely has a spot on the Chelsea bench. Lately he has been spending most of his time on the reserve team alongside the likes of Rhys Taylor (18 years old) and Carl Magnay (19 years old).

Once a gifted and feared scoring-machine, the real Andriy Shevchenko seems to have disappeared after the 2006 World Cup and subsequent £30 million transfer to the Blues. The ex-AC Milan stud scored 127 times in 208 matches for Milan. However, since his transfer to Chelsea has notched only eight through 43 matches.

Shevchenko has been linked with rumors of a return to the Italian side, AC Milan, but if the club is able to lure Ronalndiho, how much space will be left for Shevchenko on the pitch. Does he want to spend his last years of footballing in obscurity? Highly unlikely.

And that is where the MLS steps in with a multi-million dollar offer Shevy can’t refuse. Not only would he be guaranteed playing time, but part-owner/Hollywood producer Joe Roth could put Andriy and his extremely hot AMERICAN wife in a couple of movies.

Although he would still like to prove his doubters wrong, Schevchenko’s best days are clearly behind him. However, he would still be a force to be reckoned with on the field in the MLS. It would be a chance for a fresh start for the Ukrainian hit man and would also offer him and his family (2 children) a simpler life in our soccer-depraved nation.

He is marketable, well-known, good looking and married to a gorgeous women. He is like Beckham Junior. Say what you will about Beckham, but that is a good thing. Number 60 in the World Soccer Magazine’s Greatest Players Of The 20th Century would be a great fit for the MLS and the Seattle Sounders FC.

1. Shunsuke Nakamura, M, Celtic

There is only one player in the MLB who has his first name on the back of his jersey. His name is Ichiro and he is the primary reason Seattle Mariner baseball games get better TV ratings in Japan than in the USA. Shunsuke Nakamura hails from Yokohama, Japan and is the reigning SFWA (Scottish Football Writers Association) Footballer of the year.

Some speculation surrounding the Seattle team name focused on MLS executives fearing that the name Sounders wouldn’t translate well in Japan. I can only assume they are looking to the M’s Japanese fan base as an example of great international marketing. Garnering a more international fan base would be a huge accomplishment for the MLS. Nobody is more perfect for the job than Nakamura.

Nakamura would not only be a huge a marketing boon to both Seattle and the MLS as a whole, but at age 29, he still has some years left in him. He possesses incredible touch and vision that make him a creator on the field. Furthermore, he is capable of scoring himself. Best of all, he is a free-kick specialist. Much like Beckham, he would provide the ten second ESPN sports clips we seem to love here in the USA.

The footballing world is rife with talent. Only a small portion of that talent is realistically available to the MLS. These players tend to be European stars closer to a nursing home than prolific bouts of goal scoring. While I have no problem with pre-geriatric superstars ending up in the MLS, what we really need is a coup. We need to sign a major player close to, if not in, his prime.

The Seattle Sounders FC may be capable of pulling off such a coup, due to the depth of the ownership’s pockets and the designated player rule. Signing a player like Nakamura is not as big of a stretch as say, signing a player like Henry. Not only is Nakamura a talented player, but because of his origin, provides a marketing tool for the Seattle Sounders FC and the MLS that truly only Henry himself could rival. Because of his talent and international appeal, Nakamura is my top choice for the Seattle Sounder FC’s designated player.