The atmosphere was electric around the stadium. Drew Carey led the Sound Wave marching band, the only one in the MLS, down the street to Qwest Field, calling the fans to join in the parade. The weather stopped the rain coming down. The only thing that could have ruined the day was a loss by the home team.
Pregame announcers talked about trying to take the crowd out of the game. That is a pipe dream. Any NFL team will tell you that. Seattle fans may be fickle band wagon jumpers at times but the one thing you can count on is them being as vocal as humanly possible. The city has waited a long time for big league soccer to return.
There was no way this crowd was going to allow itself to become silent. Seattle came out and immediately played the attacking soccer that Sigi Schmid had promised. They controlled the midfield, forcing the New York mid line to play in their own half. And the results showed up in the Sounders 3-0 win over New York Red Bull.
In the 11th minute, Fast Fredy Montero was wide open on his run to the right corner of the penalty when his marker lost him. He screamed for the ball, received the pass and calmly slotted the ball past the New York keeper Danny Cepero into the corner of the net for the first goal in franchise history. Just like that, the crowd erupted, the confetti exploded with the fireworks and the Sounders were off and running.
The nerves were gone and the team played furiously. Thanks to the unrelenting pressure and drive, Brad Evans was able to score on a pass from Montero through Cepero’s legs hole 13 minutes later. By halftime, Seattle was firmly in the driver’s seat.
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
Oh yeah, baby!!!! The Sounders FC were the first MLS team where I could actually make it thru the game. For once we saw attractive soccer played in the MLS.
In the past I could only stand to watch a few minutes of MLS then had to switch to Premier League to see something attractive.
I love that 'total soccer'. No matter where the ball was on the field, Sounders FC had control both offense and defense. Gotta love it!
OK, this is soccer USA up here in the NW (very smart of the MLS to add Portland and Van BC to the list). In 1965 I moved out here and was immediately put into highly organized soccer leagues. I didn't know what the game was. But I learned since everyone else played.
Geez, I am a whitebred American with 43 years of league, college, some pro experience. By the time I was in 6th grade I had over 1000 hours of field and game time (and international play) under my belt. Just like tens of thousands of kids from here. The soccer culture is deep.
King and Snohomish Counties here have highest per capita youth soccer participation of the whole USA. Of all USA players playing pro somewhere on this planet, a disproportionate amount come from this neck of the woods.
Anyway, which makes me totally pissed at Sounder management. They have taken this elitist, exclusive approach to marketing. Capping seating at 30,000 in a 67,000 seat stadium that us taxpayers are paying for, designed soccer specific (and USA football also) to attract MLS. We get MLS and now the Sounders are not letting us in!!! Pretty much sold out to season tickets!!!! Sold out? There are 40,000 seats still to fill. And they could, easily. With slack marketing, they should average 45,000 a game.
Pathological business says they are 'creating demand" Actually they have created discent. Hardcore soccer enthusiests willing to follow this great team at a distance. People who would be in the stands otherwise.
Back in 1975, Pele was quoted saying "these people really know their soccer". So many people that I don't even know be it at the bus stop or making my pizza at Papa Murphy's, etc. are really bent at the Sounders organization.
As you said in another article 'the casual fan is the lifeblood of ticket sales'. The casual fan in this case are the tens of thousands unwilling to bend over and jump thru hoops and buy a season ticket. So actually not casual fans, but hardcore...
Anyway, the team is awesome (we gotta keep Fredy Montero). The management is doing some screwball stuff that could cost them in the long run.
best,
DM
2 - Dr Dreadful
Doug,
Great start for the Sounders, and I'm glad to hear they're declining to play the sort of instant-insomnia-cure football that seems to characterize the MLS (and the national team).
(They won't be able to keep Montero, BTW. The plus for them is that the European season is almost over, so he should be able to play most or all of the MLS season before being whisked away across the pond.)
Portland as a possible MLS franchise is good news, especially since I'm trying to persuade my wife that we should move there! Vancouver too. Will the Whitecaps make the step back up from the USL, do you think? If so, that would further underscore the PNW's long footie tradition.
3 - Douglas Mays
Dread, thanx man! Yeah, Montero... I say the Sounders FC should play futbol big time. The savey is here to hang on to him and actually develope him to the level of player he can be.
If the SoundersFC are willing to play the game.
Move to Portland? Great town. You will be able to participate in the closest thing to
'European feel' futbol the USA has.
Portland to Van BC is about 300 miles (expect a wait at the border) with Seattle 180 miles north of P-land and 120 miles south of Van.
Oh, back in the days of NASL, the road trips to those towns to create mania at the stadiums... Fans would battle in a fun way, then go drink high-test (BC slang for beer) together.
Overall, a smart move by the MLS. I have been having luck getting thru to Sounders FC and presenting them with a business plan to fill that stadium. In this town, 32,000 ain't that great for a hometown team of top level. The MLS thinks it is great, but I am a 'make that potential happen' type guy...
My gripe is that they have to let more people in instead of capping attendance at less than half of what the stadium can hold. I cannot even get a ticket! sure, every game is on TV with a Sunday evening half hour wrap up show...But we know for the hardcore (like us), there is nothing like being at the stadium.
Ugh, on and on. But, we might see you at a match one of these days or years.
best,
DM
4 - Douglas Mays
Dread, I just thought of something that might be an inspiration to play the game world class level (the game i am refering to is soccer business and politics).
OK, who had an extended amount of playing experience with the Sounders (of NASL) which created a high profile future with the Premier League?
Harry Redknapp.
They have done it before. Time to do it again.
Also, our hometown boy, goalkeeper Casey Keller, is providing experience and leadership that is guiding the team.
All is good, just fill up those seats and make a real soccer feel....
5 - Douglas Mays
Instant insomnia cure... don't you know it...
I don't know whether it was intentional or if it just occured that way, but the SoundersFC play reminds me of the Dutch of the 70s (Johann Kruph, etc.). You know, I always thought that was the style most adaptable to USA soccer mentality.
Mix in British style, I just love that ability to create space Brits can do. Not much of that the other night, but some...
Oh, the field was littered like an Argentine soccer match. I like that...
I'll shut up. You know how soccer can get into the blood and mind...
GGGOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!
DM
6 - Dr Dreadful
It's odd... why would you take deliberate steps to prevent your stadium from being full when you know an audience is out there?
Are the Seahawks perhaps afraid of competition?
7 - Douglas Mays
It is odd. Even in today's Seattle Times, the league commisioner was wondering the same thing. they were impressed with the scene the other night, but they did not take it to the level it should be.
the Sounders FC are trying to blackmail the fanbase into only buying season tickets. As Russ said in another article about the Seattle Mariners "the casual fan is the lifeblood of ticket sales"
What is happening is that discent, not demand is being created. People who would be in the stands are now only willing to follow at a distance.
If you are a kid, you would have to mow lawns for 3 years to get a season ticket.
8 - Douglas Mays
Oh gosh, even worse...This morning I drag my carcass down to Qwest Field and got a ticket to Saturday's game (there are a few single tix left). I got the last $39 ticket. Which is my limit for any sport or concert anyway.
I figure I will throw myself into some more investigation since I am railing on this serious problem created. With immediate fan base and community as a whole.
Dread, you know the deal. soccer, I want the real deal, not something that becomes some 'exclusive only' pose. Real pastimes are for all, of all economic status. That is why they become such.
I remember as a kid (this would have been 1967, remember 16mm film projectors?) seeing films at Jr. Soccer meetings of Pele using a grapefruit to jugle in the streets of Brasil because it wasn't like his family could afford to buy him a 32 panel Mitre or something.
I remember in my youth some of the not quite as advantaged kids who would use cut outs from cardboard boxes as shin gaurds.
Pathological business excuses might say "it is not like that now". Bullshit. You know, it is more like that than ever. Kids!! Smash up a 7up can and juggle it! If economic status is keeping you out of some social loops, soccer can take you where you need to go...
Get the picture? too bad big business has no clue...
DM
9 - Dr Dreadful
It just sounds like somebody doesn't want top-level footie to succeed in Seattle. The town has already lost the Supersonics - as I said, perhaps the walletly-endowed are afraid that the Sounders might end up being more popular than the Seahawks and the Mariners, and of course that Wouldn't Be The American Way.
So screw 'em. Keep up the good fight, Douglas.
10 - Douglas Mays
Well, top level (for USA) we have. The team on the field is impressive. There is plenty of room for Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders FC. Not really a competition.
It is just very strange that Sounders FC is playing this weird game pathologically.
You know, maybe it all comes down to some weird business way behind the scenes. That might be the explanation. hhhmmm...
Regardless, thanks for the support. footie is the game. I'll throw a Guiness bottle in your honor! Oh, hold it, the hooligans have not formed yet, hehe....
DM
11 - Dr Dreadful
Wait for it... the Puget Posse.
[sigh...]
12 - Douglas Mays
Love it, the Puget Posse!
Actually, regarding drunken behaviour at matches, let us flash back to 1976. The Sounders vs. NY Cosmos in preseason exhibition. 64,000 in attendance at the new Kingdome facility.
I was sitting in the top section (the 300 level nosebleeds). the match was good, evenly played. Harry Redknapp on our side, Pele on the Cosmos. I cannot remember the final score. someolne won. A close match.
ANYWAY, this older man sitting in front of me(Scottish, i think) who was well dressed was ripping himself up thru the match with this large flask underneath his jacket. A bad play or bad call sent him over the top. With flask in hand he was winding up to throw that thing, which would have landed a hundred feet below on some fan's head.
I immediately grabbed his arm as a few fans joined in to subdue the guy. In a drunken state with about 5 of us fans settling him down, he figured out his error. He was a load of fun after that.
Ah geez, am I getting old? Sitting around and telling the kids about classic footie matches...
Anyway, I did weasle a ticket for tonight's match vs. Salt Lake City. One. I'll fill you in...
best,
DM
13 - Douglas Mays
Dread, Sounders FC 2, Real Salt Lake 0. Clean sheet for Casey Keller again.
Not all that attractive of a match, but not to be expected. the temp was 38 degrees! nobody could really get a flow going. Keller was good. Fredy had a nice insurance goal at about the 70th minute. He was about 25 yards out and caught the keeper off his line and sends a driving chip shot into the goal.
Fredy was closely marked and roughed up a bit. Yellow cards galor against SLC Real.
The guy I was sitting next to out of nowhere started railing on the Sounders regarding the same stuff I am bitching about. I speak for many.
14 - Dr Dreadful
Go Sounders!
What a dream start to their first MLS season. Although I do note that both the opening games have been at home - it sounds as if the crowd, artificially limited in size though it currently is, is definitely a 12th (and 13th!) man for the Sounders. It remains to be seen whether they can maintain their good form away from Seattle.
Kasey Keller is an excellent keeper. Used to watch him a bit when he played for Millwall, which was one of my local teams when I lived in South London. The Sounders are lucky to have someone with his experience between the sticks.
38 degrees in Seattle... It topped 80 here yesterday, only a couple of states down but a totally different climate. Continents, eh?
If I ever get there during the MLS season I'll certainly make an effort to get tickets. (I was hoping to come up in May: my brother is flying in from London to go on an Alaskan cruise and I wanted to meet up with him, but he won't be in town on a weekend and I can't get off work - dammit!) The Sounders seem to be playing some worthwhile football, which is great for the game here. I've always found soccer at the top level in the US (when that level has actually existed) to be as dull as ditchwater: the one notable exception being the '94 World Cup team - the 12th man effect again!
The problem seems to be that American men's footie tends to combine the tactical naïveté of the Africans with a lack of flair players (which Africa has in abundance!). I'm talking about those guys whose input can light a spark to a game and turn things around for their team. The women's game has plenty of them - I wonder why there are so few American male players like that. Any thoughts?
15 - Douglas Mays
Dread, exactly what I have been thinking, clear across the board.
First, how will they do away from home? I think they will hang in there. They still need time to gel. They have to catch up with the teams who have had say, 5 or 6 players who have been together for a few years.
OH MAN!!! Freddie Ljungberg made his debut last night! Recovering from hip surgery, he did get 30 minutes in. Oh yeah, you could see the brilliance.
Keller in back, Freddie in the middle and Fredy (Montero) up front, hhhmmm... a well selected team. Top college draft pick, Steve Zakuani is looking good so far. He set up the first goal, getting an assist on a ball he pushed in from the side, threading to open man in front of the net. Clinical beauty.
Briefly, Fredy Montero did show some youth in some honing of skills (vision, passing, you know...) needed. But is always a threat and is getting more awesome day by day. He needs to get used to getting beat up and covered closely...
Regarding issues of 'USA flair', hhmm... Landon Donavan or who ever really doesn't have it, like you say. I see some occasional nice skill work in the MLS, but it is rare and doesn't last too long.
WOW, Freddie Lj, it was obvious whenever he even got near the ball. He knows his stuff...
I remember this one local player when Seattle had some semi-pro action filling the void between the NASL and USL/MLS action in the 90s. I think his name was Peter Hatrup. Just a local cat having attended local high-school with play in local men's leagues, etc. But when he got the ball it was one of the most electric things I have seen out of anyone. Talk about a show of footwork! But one of those things, like the dude down the street who can play guitar better than Jimmy Page, but just does other things in life...
BUT let's see, I will put in a vote for Casey Keller. Nothing fancy, but he is solid and dependable. His presence is the flair. Weird, but it does stand out. It is just there, if you know what I mean.
OH, I was thinking about something you said a long time ago in one of our extended soccer commentings. It had to do with local CK (oh, the owner of my soccer shop up the street played vs. Keller in jr. soccer) and recent stand out Marcus Hanamann. Both keepers of local breedings. I think it was you that said we (NW USA)sure come up with the keepers.
I figured it out! OK, I was a keeper back in my day (1967 did the entire season with clean sheets! Well, I had good defenders infront of me). Since the weather is much like the UK, it is not uncommon to encounter dirt fields. Artificial surfaces were not invented at the time.
Dirt fields are not condusive to acrobatic goalkeeping skills. Around here you learn goalkeeping by geometry. Notice how Keller does not dive around that much? He just puts himself in the right position. He played his youth soccer in a town about an hour south of Seattle that is off the south shore of Puget Sound. The suckiest weather you have ever seen. The Olympic mountains on the west, Cascade mountains to the east that just channel this cold miserable rain down the Sound. If you look at a map and find Lacey (near Olympia at the bottom of the Sound) you might understand how it could rain for 6 months straight with channeled weather patterns. Oh, Lacey is Keller's home town.
I played as a youth in a suburb east of Seattle. but dirt fields. It is raining and I ain't diving. But same deal, I find that most the time I don't have to. You get really good at reading the ball movement and anticipating.
Then when you get to leagues that are all grass or Pro-Turf or whatever, acrobatics are no problem. Being adept at positioning, the little necessary dive can put you over the top.
OK, just a long winded theory. Geez, I'll shut up and enjoy the freezing weather. It is clear and sunny at least.
Best,
DM
16 - Douglas Mays
Oh god, one quick comment. I am looking at the standings in the paper. Seattle 2-0-0 GF 5 GA 0
Then you look at Eastern Division leaders, Chicago 1-0-1 GF 4 GA 2.
those clean sheets are so nice looking!
17 - Dr Dreadful
Notice how Keller does not dive around that much? He just puts himself in the right position.
The sign of a great keeper. Keller knows how to read the game in front of him, so that he can anticipate when and from what direction the ball is going to come at his goal. It seems counterintuitive, but the best goalkeepers are the ones who don't have to dive around all the time. A keeper can consider his job well done if he walks off the field at the end of the game without having had to make a save.
Everybody remembers Gordon Banks's 'impossible' save against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup - but set against that are the hundreds of games where he didn't even have to get his knees dirty. Part of that is having a good defence in front of you - but as the keeper, you're the boss and it's your job to tell the defenders where you want them - and when to get out of the damn way!
18 - Douglas Mays
Exactly!
One keeper that was my fave as a youth was, hhhmmm...Peter Bonetti? Played for Chelsea in the late 60s-early 70s. then came to the NASL for the hell of it if I remember correctly.
Did I get the name right? I remember his ability to be an acrobat, but seemed to just always 'be there'.
But that is the deal. Put yourself in the right position where nobody can even try to get a shot on goal. Sometimes you have to hit the ground should someone try scooting a low shot past you out of a crowd or something.
then it is fun to challenge someone to take a shot, just for sake of getting your hands on the ball so you can punt the thing way down field and just get everyone out of the box...
thank god you are around for sake of having intelligent footie conversation. I would imagine they would have to kick us out of the pub trying to close because we were there since morning analysing every player and match ever played...
19 - Dr Dreadful
Peter 'The Cat' Bonetti. I think we've chatted about him before. One of the all-time greats... who had the misfortune to be a contemporary of the aforementioned Mr Banks, or he would otherwise have won more than the handful of England caps he ended up with.
As it is, the undeserved 'highlight' of his international career was that he happened to be in between the sticks at that infamous 1970 World Cup quarter-final, when England contrived to throw away a two-goal lead against West Germany and lost 3-2 - an implosion for which Bonetti bore a large measure of responsibility. He never played for his country again but he's rightly remembered as one of Chelsea's all-time greats.
Until recently at least, England has always had a surfeit of world-class keepers. From the generation after Banks and Bonetti there was Manchester City's Joe Corrigan, who was unlucky enough to be around at the same time as Ray Clemence and then, after he retired, the evergreen Peter Shilton. As a result, I think he only ever played for England once.
And behind Corrigan, there were guys like Phil Parkes of Queen's Park Rangers, Alex Stepney of Manchester United and Mark Wallington of Leicester City - all of whom would have been automatic first choices for their country had their country not happened to be England - which at that time could have fielded a whole team of world-class goalies!
Now, however, we have David 'Rubber Fingers' James and his understudy Ben Foster, who's apparently a decent keeper but can't get into the Man U first team! Times sure do change...
20 - Douglas Mays
Right, we have talked about 'the cat' before.
One keeper I liked, maybe not that well known was a guy named Barry Watling from Hartlepool (sp?). Lower division and all. But he came to the original Sounders back in '74. Besides playing good ball, he had a magnificent style about him. Later, Sounders picked up on a guy from Canada named Tony Chursky. Quite good.
His son in recent past years was a known player on the nationally ranked Seattle University team. I think he played field, not the goal.
Across town is Seattle Pacific University, home of Marcus Hanemann.
If I don't check in for a few days I am just unplugging the computer to avoid that wicked virus being launched. Scary...