Seattle Sounders 2016 season thread

[Sgt. Largent]

Here's TransgenderHawk's answer as to what Euro's think of the MLS

http://deadspin.com/italian-national-te ... socialflow

Is he wrong?

His disregard for the league may be harsh, but in terms of quality and style, he's not far off. For example, you don't see many internationals being called up from the 2nd tier of English/German/Spanish leagues.

I do think he's wrong to totally disregard Giovinco ONLY because he plays in the MLS, like he's punishing him for not playing in a better league.

If Gio was playing fairly well, good, but nothing spectacular? Then yes, you discount the league he's in vs other players on similar form in better leagues. But Gio's hands down this year, and last year the best player in MLS and is on tremendous form right now. There's no reason for Italy to not bring him in when he's on this kind of form, other than the Italy manager is trying to punish him.

As far as your 2nd tier Euro call up comment, Gio could play for many lower level 1st division Euro clubs, but they're not going to pay him 7M a year.

 

[Uncle Si]

I think its fair by the head coach of one of the best international squads in the world to suggest that he won't add a player from a league of lower quality and style of play. If Gio was playing for first division Euro clubs he would be involved in leagues that play to the style he wants his italians teams to play in. His spectacular form may be directly attributed to the lack of quality against him. That, again, seems a fair argument and clearly stated by the coach.

Balotelli has been outrageous in the French 1 league and was also snubbed.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

I think its fair by the head coach of one of the best international squads in the world to suggest that he won't add a player from a league of lower quality and style of play. If Gio was playing for first division Euro clubs he would be involved in leagues that play to the style he wants his italians teams to play in. His spectacular form may be directly attributed to the lack of quality against him. That, again, seems a fair argument and clearly stated by the coach.

Balotelli has been outrageous in the French 1 league and was also snubbed.

I just don't agree with the Italian manager, Gio is one of their best forwards, period. Italy is not deep at forward, Zaza has no goals yet this year for West Ham, Pelle also took the cash and ran off to China, why isn't he being punished?

Balotelli brings all sorts of other problems with him when he's called up, so it's not just his form you have to take into consideration.

 

[Uncle Si]

I think its fair by the head coach of one of the best international squads in the world to suggest that he won't add a player from a league of lower quality and style of play. If Gio was playing for first division Euro clubs he would be involved in leagues that play to the style he wants his italians teams to play in. His spectacular form may be directly attributed to the lack of quality against him. That, again, seems a fair argument and clearly stated by the coach.

Balotelli has been outrageous in the French 1 league and was also snubbed.

I just don't agree with the Italian manager, Gio is one of their best forwards, period. Italy is not deep at forward, Zaza has no goals yet this year for West Ham, Pelle also took the cash and ran off to China, why isn't he being punished?

Balotelli brings all sorts of other problems with him when he's called up, so it's not just his form you have to take into consideration.

On Balo, he rarely brings those problems to the Italian side. And why would the Italian manager be "punishing" Gio? What does he have to gain from it? Also, feel like you've missed a few Italian striker names who might still be in the mix there. (like... alot)

The Italian manager is taking a similar line to the MLS that Klinsmann tried. If he's doing anything, he's motivating his player to move to a more competitive environment and improve himself ahead of the World Cup in two years time.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

The Italian manager is taking a similar line to the MLS that Klinsmann tried. If he's doing anything, he's motivating his player to move to a more competitive environment and improve himself ahead of the World Cup in two years time.

And like I said about Klinsmann, that tactic IMO is damaging and shortsighted.

To criticize your players for going to the best fit for their personal situation and where they can make the most money isn't the way to build a successful team. Just as Klinsmann will need the full support of ALL his players, the Italian manager might need Gio, and I hope Gio tells him to go jump in a lake.

I like the Pete Carroll approach to managing and coaching, be positive, be diplomatic, not negative and derogatory towards your players. Just a philosophical thing with me.

 

[Uncle Si]

The Italian manager is taking a similar line to the MLS that Klinsmann tried. If he's doing anything, he's motivating his player to move to a more competitive environment and improve himself ahead of the World Cup in two years time.

And like I said about Klinsmann, that tactic IMO is damaging and shortsighted.

To criticize your players for going to the best fit for their personal situation and where they can make the most money isn't the way to build a successful team. Just as Klinsmann will need the full support of ALL his players, the Italian manager might need Gio, and I hope Gio tells him to go jump in a lake.

I like the Pete Carroll approach to managing and coaching, be positive, be diplomatic, not negative and derogatory towards your players. Just a philosophical thing with me.

I'm not sure these are comparable. Coaching international cup teams is so much different than club teams, and nowhere near an NFL team. International coaches have to pick from a pool of available players, mesh them together into something competitive over a short period of time and try and win on a major stage.

These coaches have to establish parameters, expectations and objectives far in advance of selection. Players need to know what Italy, Germany, Spain, etc. expect from their pool far in advance of camp. The MLS, right now, is not a suitable league for players with international ambitions to play in. It is about whether that player is putting himself in a position where by the time he gets to camp he is ready for the level they are expected to play at. You cannot fault a coach for assuming that the MLS does not prepare his players for that level. Especially when you already have 5/6 guys playing at the top level in the nation you are coaching.

And while it may not be vocalized, I'd suggest the majority of top international managers have a similar expectation. Playing in the Championship, for example, will not get you to camp very often.

Gio can say whatever he wants. But at this juncture, if he wants to play for Italy, he needs to reconsider his choice of leagues.

Now, for players vying for spots on the American, Mexican or CONCACAF teams its a perfect league. And it will get better once it abandons the playoff

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Now, for players vying for spots on the American, Mexican or CONCACAF teams its a perfect league. And it will get better once it abandons the playoff

 

[SeatownJay]

Jordan Morris's strained hamstring will keep him out of the USMNT squad for the two upcoming Hex matches. He's being replaced by Alan Gordon.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11 ... dan-morris

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Jordan Morris's strained hamstring will keep him out of the USMNT squad for the two upcoming Hex matches. He's being replaced by Alan Gordon.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11 ... dan-morris

Sounders just listed Morris for the Colorado series as "day to day."

Which in Sounder's injury speak, could mean anything. But I wouldn't count on him for this series.......but hamstrings are right up there with the worst soccer injuries.

 

[TransGenderHawkFan]

Now, for players vying for spots on the American, Mexican or CONCACAF teams its a perfect league. And it will get better once it abandons the playoff

I like it

 

[Uncle Si]

Jordan Morris's strained hamstring will keep him out of the USMNT squad for the two upcoming Hex matches. He's being replaced by Alan Gordon.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11 ... dan-morris

Sounders just listed Morris for the Colorado series as "day to day."

Which in Sounder's injury speak, could mean anything. But I wouldn't count on him for this series.......but hamstrings are right up there with the worst soccer injuries.

is first leg home or away?

If you go away to start it might be best for them to sit in deeper anyways, try to hit on the counter and set pieces. It's my understanding Colorado are not a prolific scoring team anyways, no?

Anyways, that would give Morris more time to rest that hamstring before the return leg, where a goal might be needed.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Jordan Morris's strained hamstring will keep him out of the USMNT squad for the two upcoming Hex matches. He's being replaced by Alan Gordon.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11 ... dan-morris

Sounders just listed Morris for the Colorado series as "day to day."

Which in Sounder's injury speak, could mean anything. But I wouldn't count on him for this series.......but hamstrings are right up there with the worst soccer injuries.

is first leg home or away?

If you go away to start it might be best for them to sit in deeper anyways, try to hit on the counter and set pieces. It's my understanding Colorado are not a prolific scoring team anyways, no?

Anyways, that would give Morris more time to rest that hamstring before the return leg, where a goal might be needed.

We're the lower seed, so first leg should be here.

And yes Colorado is right at the bottom in goals this year, but they have a solid backline and obviously Howard in goal.

IMO this is a good matchup for the Sounders, but gonna be tough if we don't have Morris out wide stretching and putting pressure on that backline.

 

[Uncle Si]

Its a big break until the 1st leg for Morris. He may have time to heal. Hamstrings are difficult for soccer players though.

 

[JSeahawks]

Well Tim Howard just left the US v Mexico match with an apparent groin injury. That would certainly be big for Seattle.

 

[TransGenderHawkFan]

Well Tim Howard just left the US v Mexico match with an apparent groin injury. That would certainly be big for Seattle.

Saw that. Wondering how serious it has to be for a GK to leave with a groin injury? He has 11 days to heal.

 

[SeatownJay]

Well Tim Howard just left the US v Mexico match with an apparent groin injury. That would certainly be big for Seattle.

Saw that. Wondering how serious it has to be for a GK to leave with a groin injury? He has 11 days to heal.

Howard is out 4 months.

 

[Glasgow Seahawk]

Unlucky goal to lose. Not sure if 2-1 is enough but I have confidence we can score in colorado as long as it doesnt snow.

If you gave me a tie right now i'd take it. I love lodeiro. What a signing.

Would also like montreal to win so we can host the final.

 

[Uncle Si]

It was a pretty well worked goal by Rapids. Sure the deflection killed it, but credit to that passing that led to it. Same can be said for Seattle's first. Well worked goal, then a bit of a break on the post (and some rather poor goal keeping).

Interesting game. Both teams looked far superior than the other in stretches. Colorado just failed to finish that one last chance (how open was that guy in the middle of the field? Get your head up kid).

I liked the energy in the game. One of the more entertaining MLS games I've watched this year.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

My wife is seriously worried about my unhealthy man crush on Lodeiro.

Good luck marking him, here's his track map from last night. Dude's unbelievable.

 

[Glasgow Seahawk]

Hope we grab an early goal on Sunday and park the bus. I think that goal could ice the tie, similar to what we did in Dallas. If it snows though, it's a lottery and probably favors the Rapids.

Colorado will be going out to get a 1-0 I think. They don't score a ton of goals and defend well. I wonder if Burch will be suspended after the incident, not that he's a good player but it may mean they have to dig into their depth.