RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Seattle Sounders: What Happened In 2009?
With a U.S. Open Cup trophy and a trip to the post-season to their credit, Goal.com's John Zielonka reviews Seattle’s inaugural MLS season and what’s in store for the future.
Nov 16, 2009 11:32:03 AM
By John Zielonka
Seattle Sounders FC owners, coaches and players set a high bar early in the season by predicting a playoff spot at the end of the regular season. Seattle went beyond that goal by beating D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup final.
Despite this success, the disappointing first round exit against the Houston Dynamo showcased where the squad needed to improve. The Sounders were solid on both sides of the ball, but lacked a finisher to take them past their first ever playoff opponent.
Seattle’s aspirations in 2010 will be even higher. If they are to move to the next level, minor adjustments on offense can make the Rave Green a viable contender in next year’s MLS Cup.
The caveat will be if they can hang on to their veterans and young players with the current salary cap, Europeans poachers and the outcome of negotiations between the league and its players. The new collective bargaining agreement is anticipated to emphasize player rights, including free agency.
What Went Wrong?
Not much. Statistics bear out where the team can improve. As the league’s most fouled team (369) and 2nd in corner kicks (167), Seattle scored seven goals from corner kicks and none from other set pieces.
At times during the regular season and in their lone post-season appearance, goals were hard to manufacture. Starting with the July 25th match until August 8, Seattle failed to score in three matches. They rebounded with a 2-0 win against the Galaxy on August 15, but returned to form with one lone goal against their next three opponents. In the two playoff games against the Dynamo, Seattle had numerous scoring opportunities during the two games. They failed to score in a 1-0 loss after 210 minutes of play.
Ljungberg’s free kicks were well placed, but no one stepped up consistently to create the space necessary to turn dead ball chances into goals. The Sounders want to sign a physical forward or offensive midfielder before the start of pre-season training.
What Went Right?
The Sounders became the second team in league history to make the playoffs, have a winning season and earn a U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural year. The first year 1998 Chicago Fire exceeded Seattle’s accomplishments by winning the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup.
Forwards Fredy Montero and Nate Jaqua, combined to score 21 goals and 14 assists. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg led the Sounders with nine assists, five of which were game winners, making him the league leader in that category.
During the regular season, Seattle’s defense tied for the league lead in allowing the fewest goals, and ‘keeper Kasey Keller finished second in goals-against-average (0.92) and shutouts (10).
Montero won the Newcomer of the Year. The award is given to a player with previous professional experience but in his first MLS season. The 22-year-old Colombian netted 12 regular season goals. This led the Sounders and was good enough for third overall.
Other Seattle finalists for MLS awards were Keller (Newcomer of the Year, Fair Play and Goalkeeper of the Year), Ljungberg (Newcomer of the Year), defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Defender of the Year), and coach Sigi Schmid (Coach of the Year).
Despite holes in his game, midfielder Steve Zakuani should have received stronger consideration as the Rookie of the Year. He led all rookies in scoring with four goals and assists during the regular season, but failed to make it as a finalist in that category.
Off the field, the Sounders set the league attendance record by averaging 30,943 per game. The team twice expanded the soccer configuration at Qwest Field to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
What Should The Team Do Differently?
Coach Sigi Schmid in his post-season comments noted that visiting teams went into a defensive shell that yielded few scoring opportunities for the home side. To address this, Seattle will need to adapt to a slower and more patient style of play that emphasizes possession of the ball with quicker and shorter passes.
Some of the team’s scoring drought can be attributed to a squad that was still learning to play together. Ljungberg, the former Arsenal star, didn’t suppress his frustration during matches at passes that never reached him or with teammates that weren’t properly anticipating his distributions or free kicks. The coaching staff will need to emphasize set pieces and develop more cohesion offensively.
Under-utilized forward Roger Levesque should see more time on the pitch next year based on his ability to score in key situations. He scored important goals in the U.S. Open Cup and his lone tally against the Columbus Crew late in the season helped Seattle get into the playoffs. The former Stanford player appeared in 21games, mostly as a late game substitute. He scored five goals in 638 minutes. Levesque could add another offensive weapon beyond the Montero and Jaqua scoring tandem.
What Changes Will Be Made?
This team has a cohesive nucleus that has a mixture of experienced veterans, youngsters and critical role players. Expect few changes in the roster over the winter.
On offense, Nate Jaqua’s size is impressive, but expectations were that he should have scored more. Depending on off-season moves by the Sounders, and he could be odd man out if another forward or offensive midfielder is acquired.
In the middle, veteran Pete Vagenas saw little playing time early in the season due to a knee injury and was used sparingly after becoming healthy. He could return to the LA Galaxy as a coach.
On defense, the group is solid. Expect a long look at Patrick Ianni, a Goal of the Year finalist, to push for a starting position in 2010.
In the nets, Keller remains one of the ‘keepers in the MLS. His backup can sit and learn from one of the best.
What Will Happen Next Season?
Seattle remains confident that they have the foundation for long-term success with their current roster of players. However, the restrictive salary cap and upcoming negotiations with the MLS players union will determine whether the team can hang on to the likes of Montero, Steve Zakuani, midfielder Osvaldo Alonso and defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado beyond their current contracts.
Ljungberg, the team’s Designated Player, expressed his desire to stay in Seattle for a second year. He remained non-committal if the right opportunity in Europe came along. The Sounders will miss him dearly if he does decide to bolt across the pond.
Seattle could be in the market for a second designated player to fill the need for a physical presence around the net and/or if Ljungberg does decide to leave for greener pastures.
On defense, the Sounders should continue to be a force with their strong core of defenders and Keller in the nets. The veteran ‘keeper wants to stay in the league beyond 2010 to play in the Northwest derbies involving 2011 expansion teams in Portland and Vancouver.
2010 Prediction: The Sounders have all the elements, with minor tweaking, to be a force next year. They finish near the top of their conference and make it to the 2010 MLS Cup final.
John Zielonka is the Seattle correspondent for Goal.com.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
Seattle Sounders FC owners, coaches and players set a high bar early in the season by predicting a playoff spot at the end of the regular season. Seattle went beyond that goal by beating D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup final.
Despite this success, the disappointing first round exit against the Houston Dynamo showcased where the squad needed to improve. The Sounders were solid on both sides of the ball, but lacked a finisher to take them past their first ever playoff opponent.
Seattle’s aspirations in 2010 will be even higher. If they are to move to the next level, minor adjustments on offense can make the Rave Green a viable contender in next year’s MLS Cup.
The caveat will be if they can hang on to their veterans and young players with the current salary cap, Europeans poachers and the outcome of negotiations between the league and its players. The new collective bargaining agreement is anticipated to emphasize player rights, including free agency.
What Went Wrong?
Not much. Statistics bear out where the team can improve. As the league’s most fouled team (369) and 2nd in corner kicks (167), Seattle scored seven goals from corner kicks and none from other set pieces.
At times during the regular season and in their lone post-season appearance, goals were hard to manufacture. Starting with the July 25th match until August 8, Seattle failed to score in three matches. They rebounded with a 2-0 win against the Galaxy on August 15, but returned to form with one lone goal against their next three opponents. In the two playoff games against the Dynamo, Seattle had numerous scoring opportunities during the two games. They failed to score in a 1-0 loss after 210 minutes of play.
Ljungberg’s free kicks were well placed, but no one stepped up consistently to create the space necessary to turn dead ball chances into goals. The Sounders want to sign a physical forward or offensive midfielder before the start of pre-season training.
What Went Right?
The Sounders became the second team in league history to make the playoffs, have a winning season and earn a U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural year. The first year 1998 Chicago Fire exceeded Seattle’s accomplishments by winning the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup.
Forwards Fredy Montero and Nate Jaqua, combined to score 21 goals and 14 assists. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg led the Sounders with nine assists, five of which were game winners, making him the league leader in that category.
During the regular season, Seattle’s defense tied for the league lead in allowing the fewest goals, and ‘keeper Kasey Keller finished second in goals-against-average (0.92) and shutouts (10).
Montero won the Newcomer of the Year. The award is given to a player with previous professional experience but in his first MLS season. The 22-year-old Colombian netted 12 regular season goals. This led the Sounders and was good enough for third overall.
Other Seattle finalists for MLS awards were Keller (Newcomer of the Year, Fair Play and Goalkeeper of the Year), Ljungberg (Newcomer of the Year), defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Defender of the Year), and coach Sigi Schmid (Coach of the Year).
Despite holes in his game, midfielder Steve Zakuani should have received stronger consideration as the Rookie of the Year. He led all rookies in scoring with four goals and assists during the regular season, but failed to make it as a finalist in that category.
Off the field, the Sounders set the league attendance record by averaging 30,943 per game. The team twice expanded the soccer configuration at Qwest Field to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
What Should The Team Do Differently?
Coach Sigi Schmid in his post-season comments noted that visiting teams went into a defensive shell that yielded few scoring opportunities for the home side. To address this, Seattle will need to adapt to a slower and more patient style of play that emphasizes possession of the ball with quicker and shorter passes.
Some of the team’s scoring drought can be attributed to a squad that was still learning to play together. Ljungberg, the former Arsenal star, didn’t suppress his frustration during matches at passes that never reached him or with teammates that weren’t properly anticipating his distributions or free kicks. The coaching staff will need to emphasize set pieces and develop more cohesion offensively.
Under-utilized forward Roger Levesque should see more time on the pitch next year based on his ability to score in key situations. He scored important goals in the U.S. Open Cup and his lone tally against the Columbus Crew late in the season helped Seattle get into the playoffs. The former Stanford player appeared in 21games, mostly as a late game substitute. He scored five goals in 638 minutes. Levesque could add another offensive weapon beyond the Montero and Jaqua scoring tandem.
What Changes Will Be Made?
This team has a cohesive nucleus that has a mixture of experienced veterans, youngsters and critical role players. Expect few changes in the roster over the winter.
On offense, Nate Jaqua’s size is impressive, but expectations were that he should have scored more. Depending on off-season moves by the Sounders, and he could be odd man out if another forward or offensive midfielder is acquired.
In the middle, veteran Pete Vagenas saw little playing time early in the season due to a knee injury and was used sparingly after becoming healthy. He could return to the LA Galaxy as a coach.
On defense, the group is solid. Expect a long look at Patrick Ianni, a Goal of the Year finalist, to push for a starting position in 2010.
In the nets, Keller remains one of the ‘keepers in the MLS. His backup can sit and learn from one of the best.
What Will Happen Next Season?
Seattle remains confident that they have the foundation for long-term success with their current roster of players. However, the restrictive salary cap and upcoming negotiations with the MLS players union will determine whether the team can hang on to the likes of Montero, Steve Zakuani, midfielder Osvaldo Alonso and defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado beyond their current contracts.
Ljungberg, the team’s Designated Player, expressed his desire to stay in Seattle for a second year. He remained non-committal if the right opportunity in Europe came along. The Sounders will miss him dearly if he does decide to bolt across the pond.
Seattle could be in the market for a second designated player to fill the need for a physical presence around the net and/or if Ljungberg does decide to leave for greener pastures.
On defense, the Sounders should continue to be a force with their strong core of defenders and Keller in the nets. The veteran ‘keeper wants to stay in the league beyond 2010 to play in the Northwest derbies involving 2011 expansion teams in Portland and Vancouver.
2010 Prediction: The Sounders have all the elements, with minor tweaking, to be a force next year. They finish near the top of their conference and make it to the 2010 MLS Cup final.
John Zielonka is the Seattle correspondent for Goal.com.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
8 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction
With high-profile players like Nicolas Anelka and Luca Toni rejecting MLS for other developing leagues, is the league falling behind its competition?
-
ROSANO: Mexican soccer needs to address referee treatment
Nick Rosano argues that Mexico's continued officiating problems may have less to do with referees themselves and more to do with how they are treated by the federation.
-
VERTELNEY: MLS owners take to Twitter to spread their team's word
"Any time you tweet, it's a mini press conference," says Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.
-
ISOLA: Roma's De Rossi smart to remain with one club for career
De Rossi has a chance to build a lasting legacy at Roma similar to NBA veterans Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, who have never switched teams.
-
RANKINGS: Torres breaks into the top 10 as Altidore drops out
The Pachuca midfielder is back on form, and with many of the USA's top players struggling, he breaks into the top 10.
Advertisement
Advertisement