Columbus Crew
5th place, Eastern Conference
2-6-2 Overall, 0-3-2 Away
Away Goals Scored: 5
Away Goals Conceded: 9

Form: D D W D W

Old Friends

Last year Sigi Schmid won the MLS Supporters shield, MLS Cup and MLS Coach of the Year in his third season with the Columbus Crew. He was also the second coach to win 100 games in the league. After the season, Sigi up and bolted to Seattle. Having been to Columbus, Ohio, I do not blame him one bit.

“It was hard because it had taken us three years to put the team together,” Schmid said about his departure from Columbus. “You can see, despite the record, that it’s still a quality team and a quality group. Winning a championship always puts you in a special place. The way things happened, it is what it is. I’m here now and so you move forward.”

It gets interesting as Scmid will face off against ex-assistant coach Robert “The Polish Rifle” Warzycha. How much the two know each others style is unclear, but it could have a big impact on the match.

“I always have a saying that you always want to win when you play friends,” Schmid said. “If you’re playing somebody you don’t know you only hear about it that day. If you’re playing friends you hear about it for a long time. So you always want to get the win when you’re playing friends because it gives you bragging rights for a little bit of time.”

“El Mellizo”
MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto strikes fear into the heart of MLS defenders, and he should. He scored 62 goals in 192 matches for Boca Juniors to go along with a handful of titles and a near diety-status in his hometown of La Plata, Argentina.

Schelotto came to the MLS in 2007 in search for more playing time. In 2008, he recorded 7 goals and 19 assists and put on one of the more impressive MLS cup performances in league history when he recorded 3 assists in a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bull.

Much like Blanco, there is not much the Seattle defense can do to slow the Argentine ace down. He already has 6 goals this year, good for a tie for the scoring title. The best Seattle can hope for is to keep his back to the goal and make other players try and beat them instead.

Veterans- Good News, Bad News
The Bad News First: Besides Schelotto, Frankie Hejduk, Emmanuel Ekpo, Brian Carroll, Robbie Rogers, Chad Marshall, and Eddie Gaven all have years of experience playing in the MLS (not to mention Pat Noonan, who is struggling with back problems). They are a talented group, built by Sigi, but it was not just Sigi and Schelotto that led this bunch to a championship last year.

The Good News: Hejduk and Carrol are both out, leaving the Crew minus two of their top defenders and their team Capitan.

Somethings Gotta Give
The Crew are unbeaten in their last 6, but have yet to win on the road. The Sounders are unbeaten in their last 5, but with four draws and one win. 10 of the Sounders 16 points this year have come from home. Will one of these teams walk away with a victory, or is ANOTHER draw in order?

Crew Quotable:

We’ve been really unlucky with injuries. To lose BC in the middle of the field, he’s kind of like the heart and soul of this team. We have guys ready to step up. Everyone else on the field is going to have to step up as well but we can do it.

-Robbie Rogers

Injury Report
OUT: MF Adam Moffat (Lhamstring strain); DF Andy Iro (Lquad strain); GK William Hesmer (lumbar back strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Frankie Hejduik (Lgroin strain)

Seattle Sounders FC
2nd place, Western Conference
4-2-4 Overall, 3-1-1 Home
Home Goals Scored: 8
Home Goals Conceded: 2

Form: W D D D D

Tie One On
Anybody else sick of watching the Sounders tie games? No doubt last weeks 2-2 draw against a dangerous Colorado team can be seen as a positive, especially considering the patchwork midfield, but if the Sounders want to get it done in the regular season, it will not be 1 point at a time.

Considering Seattle’s expansion status, the team’s performance to date has been incredible, but we have all seen the way this team can play when it all comes together with great build up and POISE AND COMPOSURE in front of the goal. Fredy Montero has it, so does Freddy Ljunberg and Brad Evans, but Sebastien Le Toux’s pass first mentality, Steve Zakuani’s panic attacks (or just plan bad luck) and Nate Jaqua’s “rapist touch” (Copyright Drake Townes-Witzel 2009) have cost us a lion’s share of goals this year, and with it a fair share of points.

The Midfield
A week removed from losing central defensive middy Osvaldo Alonso, the group should be bolstered by the return of Freddy Ljunberg and possibly Brad Evans. The disparity between Ljunberg/Alonso v. Vagenas/King was very evident last week, as the defense struggled mightily and the midfield failed to have much impact on offense for the Sounders.

Alonso is key to the success of the defense because of the way he makes opposing midfielder’s lives complete hell. However, at least with Freddy and Brad back, the passing out of the center of the pitch should improve.

Sounders Quotable:

They had a lot of guys that can win the game for them. They are the type of team that if you focus too much on what they do, that’s too much to focus on. So you just have to know you’re back home in front of 30,000 fans – just focus on what you can do and come away with the three points.

-Steve Zakuani

Injury Report
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC – OUT: GK Chris Eylander (Lmedial knee bone bruise); DF Zach Scott (lower abdominal pain); DF Taylor Graham (R mid-foot); DOUBTFUL: MF Osvaldo Alonso (R quad strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Brad Evans (Lankle sprain/Ltibial bone bruise); FW Jarrod Smith (L
hamstring strain); PROBABLE: MF Freddie Ljungberg (migraine recovery)

Prediction
At full strength, the match up is a push talent-wise. However, with two of the Crew’s most important players (Hejduk, Carroll) on the sideline, Seattle is at a major advantage. Mental errors, poor finishing, defensive miscues and Guillermo Barrios Schelotto are the only thing capable of stopping the Sounders. This is not a must-win situation for Seattle, but it is a game they can and should win.

Sounders: 3-1

Seattle cruises into halftime with a 2-0 lead and hold on for the 3-1 victory despite Schelotto’s antics.
Montero with a brace.

FC Dallas
8th place, Western Conference
1-6-1 Overall, 1-2-0 Home
Home Goals Scored: 4
Home Goals Conceded: 7

Form: T W L L L

Nobody Loves You When You’re Down
Dallas is in the midst of a 3-game losing streak, their second of the season. They have been outscored by a 2-to-1 margin both at home and on the road. Their last victory was a 3-2 home win against Toronto on April 29, a game only 6,813 fans showed up to watch.

Besides dismal form, record and attendance, Dallas has been horrible on defense. They have yet to record a shut out and have given up two or more goals in 6 of 8 contests. To make matters worse, starting goalkeeper Argentine Dario Sala, will miss 4-6 weeks after an MRI revealed bone bruising on the left knee he had operated on in March. Ray Burse will bring his 1.79 GAA (goals against per 90 minutes) and .600 AVG (saves per shot) to start between the pipes. To get an idea of just how soft the Dallas defense really is, compare that to Kasey Keller’s .32 GAA and .875 AVG.

Wide Shoulders
National team prospect and runner-up in the Budweiser Golden Boot last year, Kenny Cooper may only be biding his time in Dallas while he awaits the call from a European club. However, he is doing so in style with 4 of the side’s 7 total goals. He leads the MLS in shots (31) and shots on goal (19). The rest of his team has a combined 3 goals, 5 assists and 22 shots on goal.

Beyond Cooper, the midfield pair of Dutch national David van der Bergh and Brazilian Andre Rocha have shown some signs of life on offense. van der Bergh leads the team with 2 assists. Rocha has started at RM since April 2, and recently recorded his first goal of the season against DC United on May 2.

Seeing the gargantuan Cooper bang it out with Hurtado and Marshall should be fun to watch.

Local Boys
Rookie defender George John was born in Shoreline, WA and was a four year member of the University of Washington soccer team.

Seattle Sounders FC
2nd place, Western Conference
4-2-2 Overall, 1-1-1 Away
Away Goals Scored: 3
Away Goals Conceded: 3

Form: L L W T T

Discipline
Seattle has had 3 players ejected this season, all in the last five games. However, the club is only 12th (80) in fouls committed. Those two numbers do not add up. The fans must love the intensity players show on the field, but I would expect Sigi Schmid to run a tighter ship.

James Riley’s ejection for “violence” was warranted on Sunday, and definitely cost the Sounders points in a game that was there to win. I would expect Seattle players to be on their very best behavior on Saturday, lest they start to get a bad boy reputation with referees around the league.

Defensive Discipline
Seattle is tied for second in the MLS for goals allowed (5). Two of the five goals were scored while shorthanded. The CB duo of Tyrone Marshall and Jhon Hurtado has exceeded all expectations, aided by my MVP candidate Osvaldo Alonso and workhorse Brad Evans from the midfield. The man running the show, Kasey Keller has been playing like he was 30 years old again.

Spreading it Around
Seven players have combined to score Seattle’s 11 goals this season. Three players are tied for the team lead with three assists each (Alonso, Jaqua and Zakuani). Seattle’s leading scorer, Freddy Montero (3) will be back from suspension this week.

Finding his Form
Anyone watching the LA-Seattle game on Sunday might have noticed a bald 30-something-year-old running around the field, jump-starting attacks and controlling the tempo. That would be designated player Freddy Ljunberg finding his form.

Watching him play was a joy on Sunday, and it looks like he may have found a good chunk of his match fitness and pace that made him the 11th ranked player on Arsenal all-time top 50 list. If he builds on that performance he could end up making a major impact on the MLS in his first year.

Heating Up
Sebasiten Le Toux is on a tear in the last three games. On top of a two goal, two assist performance against RSL in the US Open Cup, he came off the bench against a tough Chicago side and played a key role in bringing the 10-man Sounders back for the tie. On Sunday, Le Toux scored his first MLS regular season goal by burying a dime of a pass from Jaqua into a wide open net.

He should get the start at the LM spot this week and cause plenty of problems for the Dallas defense.

Sigi Versus Schellas
Sigi Schmid saw Schellas Hyndman in the NCAA six times, going 4-1-1 against the head coach of SMU, including two NCAA Championship wins in 1985 and 1990.

Prediction
FC Dallas has given up an MLS-worst 15 goals this season, on pace for 56.25 goals for the year. That is one goal every 48 minutes. Things don’t look good as they welcome the high-flying Sounders to town, who score a goal every 65 minutes of play. Unless they catch some big breaks, this may be a very, very long day for the Hoops.

Seattle wins in impressive fashion, 3-0.

Projected Lineup

The King County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Seattle Sounders’ Fredy Montero.

That’s all I have for now. More when I find it.

Wonder how the PI will cover this one.

UPDATE: Time article covering the whole case is here.

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.

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?):

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.