Seattle Sounders 2015 Season Thread

[Uncle Si]

Infusion of fresh blood....

Perfectly said...and whole league could use it.

Let's all move on

Why do I always get the sense you're frustrated with me.... :/

No sir...well not this time.

It took 5 of my long winded rants and sorted it in one sentence.

 

[SeatownJay]

While we're speaking about infusions of youthful talent, am I the only one disappointed in Thomas? He was supposed to be the innovative playmaker in the midfield, opening space for and distributing to Oba & Dempsey. So far he hasn't done anything other than make some pretty, dribbling runs that end in a turnover or a wild shot somewhere in the general vicinity of goal, usually from long distance.

 

[Smurf]

While we're speaking about infusions of youthful talent, am I the only one disappointed in Thomas? He was supposed to be the innovative playmaker in the midfield, opening space for and distributing to Oba & Dempsey. So far he hasn't done anything other than make some pretty, dribbling runs that end in a turnover or a wild shot somewhere in the general vicinity of goal, usually from long distance.

He's actually exactly what I expected him to be. a 1v1 Specialist. He's not a distributor. He beats players 1v1. He's a pretty selfish player...just watch how many overlapping runs he ignores....err uses to wrong the defender...

I will say...Kovar is right on his heels for playing time after Wednesday.

 

[knownone]

I feel that once Thomas get's settled and has more time with Dempsey and Martins he will show better. He's got flair and 1v1 ability it just seems like no one is making the correct runs for him and he's forced into making errors.

 

[Smurf]

Rumors floating that the Sounders have made a trade with DCU. NOt sure what we gave up, but we get an international Roster slot and some of their TAM.

 

[razgriz737]

Oh boy. According to Twitter we're announcing a new DP tomorrow morning. I hope Valdez isn't the DP...

Also rumor has it we may sign Roman Torres (Panamanian international). Wonder if he's the DP. He's a 29 year old center back and he was the best defender in the Gold Cup.

 

[knownone]

Read the last few posts and got a little bored at work...
Average age of LA Galaxy best XI(most starts) in 2014 29.90. Average age of the Sounders projected XI with new signings 29.36. Oddly enough every galaxy team of the last 4 years was between 28.5 and 30 with the exception being this year.

Dating back to 2010 every Supporters Shield winner has an average XI age over 27.5 which ranks among the oldest in the League...

Valid point...and as I said (and Glasgow reiterated) relying on these older players will only take the league so far. This is an MLS problem. Don't be fixated on average age but what at whst age the quality exists.

Given Galaxy's trophies however we can assert they are buying better older players, which was my argument in regards to the two new boys. Either go in for the higher end DP or try something different. I don't think Seattle can win a trophy with the current roster.

Given Seattle's been the assumed face of the MLS for so long, don't they need one soon?

If you think the two new signings get it done then that's good.

I guess I just don't see the issue. To my knowledge the Sounders are signing 2 veterans near the prime of their careers to what is being reported as below DP level contracts (although Valdez may be a DP). In other words the Sounders could add Chicharito (insert young superstar here) and Jordan Morris in the winter window on top of Valdez and Ivanschitz.

One of the reasons Seattle is a face of MLS is because of Dempsey and Martins, these two are fairly polarizing figures in world soccer, adding Morris only builds to that given his recent success in the national team and his unique story. In my opinion adding Ivanschitz who is the former Austrian National Team Captain and Valdez who is one of the most popular figures in Paraguayan football is great for MLS. I don't think it helps USMNT player development but for the competitiveness and growth of the league it's huge. I have friends who live in Europe who've never watched MLS that started watching because of Pirlo, Kaka, Villa... I met a guy who started watching the Timbers because he liked Liam Ridgewell ffs.

I honestly believe in this stage of MLS development adding bigger names who are 28-32 adds validity to the league and let's younger players know that the league is a serious destination. In 5 years there may be a young DP level Paraguayan who signs here because of Valdez and his status in that countries national team.

I don't think Seattle is concerned about adding a young DP who helps build their brand. They want to win trophies before this core of players is to old to do so. They believe winning MLS cup will validate them as the face of MLS and quite honestly they need to win it to be there.

I believe in the next 18 months Seattle will win at least one major trophy

 

[Uncle Si]

These are not two signings near the prime of their careers. These are two 30+ year old players who were out of contract (not playing) for anyone. Drastic difference. The league is not adding 28-32 year olds to add validity. It is adding 32-25 year olds. If that is your target, then you have to compare it to your competition, who are signing Gerrard, Dos Santos, Pirlo, etc. The Sounders signed Valdez and Ivanschitz.. You say this is great for the MLS, but admit you had barely heard of either of them? Surely you can see the difference. This was my concern. Either go for the bigger DP player, or look for the younger talent that can help both the short and long term. Chicago did that (as my example). Seattle did not.

Seattle is not the face of the MLS anymore (was it ever, really?). That's probably LA, and in my estimation will soon be NYFC. More people are interested in Keane and Gerrard than Dempsey and Martins (these two are polarizing figures in world soccer? Dear me.)

A young DP does not build the brand, and that's not the point of signing one. The brand itself is going to continue to slide from the top if they don't win a trophy soon. You can have all the pomp and ceremony of a military graduation at your games, but unless you win, people will stop being mesmerized by it. That's how you become a serious destination. Young attacking players (like Morris or Ibarra, for example) would help more towards winning a trophy than the two bought. Time will tell I suppose. As Smurf said far more succinctly than I, the team (league) could use some fresh blood. Does it really have to wait another 5 years. Chicago didn't.

The MLS is getting there. Will the Sounders keep up? They were gifted Dempsey and it hasn't lifted the team to anything new. You say they can do this or do that. Until they do, I'll remain skeptical.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Rumors floating that the Sounders have made a trade with DCU. NOt sure what we gave up, but we get an international Roster slot and some of their TAM.

This would make sense if the Roman Torres transfer was imminent, as the Sounders would have to open up a roster spot........which could only happen through a trade.

Unfortunately this just hit 20 minutes ago.

http://www.sounderatheart.com/2015/8/7/ ... ls-through

Talk about petty, good God. This is the price you pay when you have to deal with quasi 3rd world country clubs holding wealthier teams hostage.

 

[Uncle Si]

Rumors floating that the Sounders have made a trade with DCU. NOt sure what we gave up, but we get an international Roster slot and some of their TAM.

This would make sense if the Roman Torres transfer was imminent, as the Sounders would have to open up a roster spot........which could only happen through a trade.

Unfortunately this just hit 20 minutes ago.

http://www.sounderatheart.com/2015/8/7/ ... ls-through

Talk about petty, good God. This is the price you pay when you have to deal with quasi 3rd world country clubs holding wealthier teams hostage.

Pretty common practice actually. If Yedlin ever came good and was sold I'd imagine the Sounders would request a percentage

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Rumors floating that the Sounders have made a trade with DCU. NOt sure what we gave up, but we get an international Roster slot and some of their TAM.

This would make sense if the Roman Torres transfer was imminent, as the Sounders would have to open up a roster spot........which could only happen through a trade.

Unfortunately this just hit 20 minutes ago.

http://www.sounderatheart.com/2015/8/7/ ... ls-through

Talk about petty, good God. This is the price you pay when you have to deal with quasi 3rd world country clubs holding wealthier teams hostage.

Pretty common practice actually. If Yedlin ever came good and was sold I'd imagine the Sounders would request a percentage

It's not the dollar amount I'm calling petty, it's the team from almost 7 years ago coming out of the woodwork at the last minute with their hand out.

Unless this is a screw up on Lagerwey and the Sounder's FO for not vetting this process before the transfer window closed. Then it's on them for not asking if there were other clubs involved in the "free" transfer of Torres.

 

[razgriz737]

Valdez has now officially been announced as the new DP. I know I should wait and see how he is but I'm pretty disappointed to be honest.

 

[Uncle Si]

Rumors floating that the Sounders have made a trade with DCU. NOt sure what we gave up, but we get an international Roster slot and some of their TAM.

This would make sense if the Roman Torres transfer was imminent, as the Sounders would have to open up a roster spot........which could only happen through a trade.

Unfortunately this just hit 20 minutes ago.

http://www.sounderatheart.com/2015/8/7/ ... ls-through

Talk about petty, good God. This is the price you pay when you have to deal with quasi 3rd world country clubs holding wealthier teams hostage.

Pretty common practice actually. If Yedlin ever came good and was sold I'd imagine the Sounders would request a percentage

It's not the dollar amount I'm calling petty, it's the team from almost 7 years ago coming out of the woodwork at the last minute with their hand out.

Unless this is a screw up on Lagerwey and the Sounder's FO for not vetting this process before the transfer window closed. Then it's on them for not asking if there were other clubs involved in the "free" transfer of Torres.

I don't disagree that it's petty. It's just not uncommon.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Watch Valdez reunite with his bestie Oba and stretch in super slow motion.

http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2015/08/ ... oplay=true

I have no idea how good he is, but my wife will be happy when she sees him.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

This is crazy, now the Torres deal might be back on

https://twitter.com/JoseMiguelDomi/stat ... 9937988609

Talk about soccer soap opera.

 

[Uncle Si]

This is crazy, now the Torres deal might be back on

https://twitter.com/JoseMiguelDomi/stat ... 9937988609

Talk about soccer soap opera.

Spanish soap opera?

 

[Smurf]

I am hopeful that Valdez is the kind of player we need right now. Time will tell.

 

[Uncle Si]

I am hopeful that Valdez is the kind of player we need right now. Time will tell.

If he is a DP, and Ibarra would've been a DP, why would the Sounders go this direction and not the other? Part of me does not understand the DP... the other is MLS teams unwillingness to pay transfer fees... of any kind. Is it just that?

 

[Smurf]

I am hopeful that Valdez is the kind of player we need right now. Time will tell.

If he is a DP, and Ibarra would've been a DP, why would the Sounders go this direction and not the other? Part of me does not understand the DP... the other is MLS teams unwillingness to pay transfer fees... of any kind. Is it just that?

Perhaps MinUtd were unwilling to sell to a soon to be rival. I would assume that they will try to bring Ibarra back once they hit MLS....


Or perhaps the Sounders were looking for a different type of player. Many potential reasons why, not all of them good, not all bad.


The way that the roster rules work in MLS means that paying any sort of transfer fee of note puts them into a DP slot....which I think scares clubs away from signing the better fringe talent. This guy is good, and I want him...but is he worth 1 of 3 slots on the team?


For the Sounders, they think Valdez is that player...


The fact that Valdez is a DP means that my expectations of him go up. He MUST perform.

 

[SeatownJay]

Dempsey out with a hamstring injury. Looks like today will be another goalless loss.

Edit: so I was wrong about the goalless part, but FFS, Barrett pulls his hamstring celebrating the goal.