Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 6:40pm

Match review: Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 0 D.C. United

by John Zielonka, Special to 710Sports.com

Match highlights

Mike Fucito scored his second goal of the year in the 35th minute. The stocky forward outran United defender Brandon McDonald. Fucito hit a right footer that evaded D.C. 'keeper Joe Willis and inside the left post to give Seattle the 1-0 lead. Mauro Rosales and Brad Evans each received an assist on the tally.

Seattle' Mike Fucito battles Perry Kitchen for the ball (Photo courtesy of Troy Zielonka)

In the second minute of added time in the first half, Alvaro Fernandez tallied his sixth MLS goal of the year on a highlight reel assist from Mauro Rosales. The Argentinean midfielder placed a perfect through pass to a streaking Fernandez on his left. The skinny forward shot the ball past Willis and into the net to double the Sounders' advantage to 2-0. Rosales recorded his 12th assist of the season on Fernandez' goal.

D.C. United's Charlie Davies chasing Alvaro Fernandez (Photo courtesy of Troy Zielonka)

Rosales tallied his third assist of the game on Fernandez' second goal in the 59th minute. The diminutive and crafty midfielder ran along the touchline near the right corner flag. Rosales then lofted a high cross to the far post. Forward Fredy Montero volleyed the ball towards the D.C. United goal that hit Willis' legs. Fernandez was perfectly positioned to redirect the rebound into the nets that increased Seattle's lead to 3-0.

Rosales and D.C. United defender Daniel Woolard tangled in the 89th minute of play. The duo's knees tangled and Rosales went down in a heap holding his right knee. He was escorted off the pitch and sat out the remainder of the match on the bench.

Video: Head coaches Sigi Schmid and Ben Olsen reactions Sounders FC's Sigi Schmid lashed out at referee Kevin Stott and called D.C. United players thugs for their treatment of Mauro Rosales. Ben Olsen, United's head coach, discussed his team's injuries and issued a "no commnent" to Schmid's accusations. Watch the video below to view their reactions to the match.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 11:36am

Video: Hope Solo interview

by John Zielonka,710Sports.com

Hope Solo, the U.S. Women's National Team 'keeper and one of the stars in the Women's Professional Soccer league, is also one of the featured amateur dancers in the upcoming Dancing with the Stars competition.

In the video below, she discussed her shoulder injury, Dancing with the Stars and the future of women's soccer.

www.associatedcontent.com/video/916963/hope_solo_interview_in_seattle.html?cat=14

Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 4:19pm

Match review and video/audio reactions: Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 2 Real Salt Lake

by John Zielonka, 710 ESPN Seattle

The Sounders entered the Real Salt Lake match riding a six-game unbeaten streak. It was a tough 2-1 defeat that featured another missed penalty kick for the home side, Kasey Keller's own-goal howler and defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado's ejection for a hard foul six minutes before the first half break.

Real Salt Lake's Tony Beltran received two yellow cards in the span of 35 minutes. Hurtado's red card followed shortly thereafter, and the two teams played a man down the rest of the match.

The lone highlight for Seattle was Fredy Montero's goal three minutes into the first half added time. He tallied his seventh strike of the year, while Rosales hit the double digit mark (10) in assists on the goal.

Alvaro Saborio notched the game-winner in the 56th minute. The Sounders held the edge in total shots (19-10), but failed to turn the shot advantage to their benefit in the second half.

Video

Head coach Sigi Schmid reviewed the circumstances that allowed Real Salt Lake to walk away with an away victory in his post-game press conference. View the video for Schmid's comments on the loss.

Penalty kick woes

Mauro Rosales penalty kick went wide left and was the Sounders' third missed shot out of eight opportunities this year. In their three-year history, Seattle has found the back of the net only six times out of 12 chances from the penalty spot.

The Sounders were awarded the penalty on Robbie Russell's takedown of Mike Fucito in the 17th minute of play.

"I don't think it was embellishment. I just think it was a hard tackle. There was some contact after the ball was away. I agree with Sigi Schmid, and I would go further and say I don't think Seattle's red card was warranted. I don't think their player elbowed Alvaro Saborio on purpose. I just think the referee made some bad decisions and was trying to work his way back into the game. Overall it just wasn't good enough."--Jason Kreis, RSL head coach

Keller's own goal

Kasey Keller has had an outstanding season this year. He accepted full responsibility for the own goal. Keller appeared to reach out for the ball to send it wide of the right post. Instead, he redirected it inside the right post to give Real Salt Lake the early 1-0 lead.

Listen to the audio below as the veteran goalie talks about the own goal.

file://C:\Users\zielojo\Desktop\Keller.mp3

"It was a strange goal. At first I thought it went towards the side of the goal. I really don't know what happened. Saborio was trying to cross it but it just ended up in the back of the net."--Jason Kreis

They said it

"Their crowd is excellent and their team is a good team in this league. We wanted to come in here and prove a point that we are good team even though we lost of couple of games."--Nick Rimando, RSL goalie

"We had a couple signs of rust but I don't think we played poorly. It just came down to a couple crucial plays where we need to do better, but for the majority of the game I thought we were the better team, and I didn't think we were that rusty."--Tyson Wahl, Sounders defender

"I think it was a little bit of a strange game. I think we controlled the ball, we played good soccer, we just couldn't score more goals."--Mauro Rosales, Sounders FC midfielder

Monday, August 29, 2011 @ 4:53pm

Sounders MF Lamar Neagle is MLS Player of the Week

710Sports.com staff

Sounders FC midfielder Lamar Neagle was voted the MLS Player of the Week after his hat trick helped Seattle beat Columbus 6-2 on Saturday.

Neagle becomes the fourth Sounder to win the award this season, joining teammates Mauro Rosales, Fredy Montero and Jeff Parke.

The 24-year-old Federal Way native has five goals in 17 MLS matches this season. His hat trick was the second in club history.

Saturday, August 27, 2011 @ 5:29pm

Match review: Seattle Sounders FC 6 - 2 Columbus Crew

by John Zielonka, 710 ESPN Seattle

Seattle handed the Eastern Conference leaders a resounding beating by a score of 6-2. Midfielder Lamar Neagle scored a hat trick in a record setting performance for Seattle. The six goals set a franchise record.

The Crew's Jeff Cunningham converted the penalty kick in the 59th minute to tally 134 goals that made him the MLS' career leader. He passed Jaime Moreno's previous total of 133.

The other offensive leader for Seattle was midfielder Mauro Rosales. He scored on a penalty and was credited with two assists.

Mike Fucito notched the other goal for the Sounders and his first MLS goal of the 2011 campaign. Columbus' Josh Gardner not only scored but also received the dubious honor of putting a cross into his own net to round out the scoring for the Sounders.

Man of the match: Lamar Neagle

Photo courtesy of Jane Gershovich

The local hero from Federal Way endeared himself to supporters with three goals that gave him five for the year. He's found his scoring touch after a previous stint with the Sounders in 2009. Neagle continued to gain experience and confidence while playing with the USL Charleston Battery in 2010 and also in Finland with IFK Mariehamn (2010-2011).

"Since it's so early I've kind of worked my way up with the Sounders. The level was kind of just a little bit too fast for me in 2009 and going down really helped me out in Charleston."--Lamar Neagle, Sounders FC midfielder

"He feels he can go back to Federal Way and they'll actually treat him well and treat him with respect."--Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach

"It's something he's working on every day and every training [session], trying to get his chances. Today, three goals and I'm very happy for him." Mauro Rosales, Sounders FC midfielder

Record setter: Jeff Cunningham

The Jamaican native started his MLS career with Columbus in 1998 and returned this year for his second stint with the Crew. In between he tallied 133 goals and today's strike placed at the top of MLS career goals.

"As the penalty got called, I was sort of surprised because I saw some of their players grab the ball ahead of Jeff [Cunningham], and I'm like going 'I can't believe they're not going to give them the goal here today or give the try.'...Jeff's had a great career in this league and he's scored a lot of goals. It's great to see him get that behind him."Sigi Schmid

"That is probably the only positive thing to come from the game today. For him to get a goal and his record is a good thing."--Robert Warzycha, Columbus Crew head coach

Video reactions: Lamar Neagle and Jeff Cunningham

Unsung hero (again!!!): Mauro Rosales

Rosales consistency does not waver from match-to-match. His three points and energetic play in midfield throughout the season makes him, in words of the old Yankees Reggie Jackson, "the straw that stirs the drink" for the streaking Sounders. Today's win equaled last year's point total of 48. Seattle still has two months remaining in the MLS regular season.

The Argentine native now has five goals and ten assists in all competitions. His 15 points are only one behind Fredy Montero.

"I think we were over-concentrated about this game because we knew they were a tough team. I think we did our jobs. We played very focused. We love playing at home and nobody can take the points from our home."--Mauro Rosales

They said it:

"It was good. I think it's been a long time coming for me. I've been close a lot of times so to finally break the ice was great and there will be more to come."--Mike Fucito

"They put us under pressure to start. I haven't seen the replays of the penalty but I was sure I saved the first one, but I have to do better on that one. From there it was just downhill."--William Hesmer, Columbus Crew goalie

"The goals we gave up today are not the best ones. We made a lot of mistakes and they punished us. I think it was fortunate for Seattle that they scored easy goals today."--Robert Warzycha

"I know Hesmer's a quality goalkeeper; those aren't the kind of goals you expect to get against him. Then we were able to parlay that and score more goals after that. I thought, offensively, our combinations, our cohesion were very good at times."--Sigi Schmid

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 @ 7:44am

Match review: Seattle Sounders FC 1 at CF Monterrey (Mexico) 0

by John Zielonka, 710ESPN Seattle

The Sounders became the second MLS side to win a match in Mexico. Fernandez's goal and 'keeper Terry Boss' shutout were enough to put Seattle at the top of Group D.

Man of the match: Midfielder Alvaro Fernandez

Photo by John Zielonka, 710ESPN Seattle

In the 38th minute, the crafty and speedy Fernandez received an perfect pass from Pat Noonan. Fernandez outmaneuvered two Monterrey defenders in the box and used a single touch to put the ball in the upper corner of the net.

"I just kind of saw Flaco making a through run and I thought maybe if I can squeeze this through we get a chance on goal. We hadn't had many chances on goal and it worked out for us. He finished it very well and it put us in a position to win the game, which we did."--Pat Noonan, Sounders FC midfielder

Unsung hero: Goalie Terry Boss

The young goalie faced a barrage of shots in earning the clean sheet. Monterrey had 17 total shots with four on goal. Boss made the save of the match on Aldo De Nigri's shot in the 58th minute. He needed to extend his foot to prevent the game-tying goal.

"We wanted to make sure we didn't give him too much space...We were happy with that defensively and we wanted to try some counterattacks."--Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach

Significance of win in Mexico:

Seattle's win is impressive given the lack of success by any U.S. based team. MLS and the U.S. Men's National team have struggled when playing in Mexico. MLS sides have managed two wins (2-21-3), including the Sounders' victory, while the internationals are winless (0-23-1). The loss snapped Monterrey's 13-game CCL unbeaten streak.



"It's one that will go in the history for our club. We are now the second team to win in Mexico so for us it's special. Our locker room is happy. That will be the best team we play all year, easily. Heads above everybody else we play so I'm just happy."--Brad Evans, Sounders FC midfielder

"It means an awful lot for us because last after two games we had zero points. This year after two games we have six points. To come into Monterrey and win gives our team confidence as we go into games in the future."--Sigi Schmid

They said it:

"Our goal going into the tournament this year was that we wanted to get into the next stage. We wanted to finish either first or second in the group and right now with six points we are much closer to our goals than we were last year at any point. We felt last year was a learning experience and we didn't do show our best and we wanted to make up for that."--Sigi Schmid

"Their (Monterrey's) spirits were never broken. They want to win no matter what. They don't want to disappoint these fans, that's the first and foremost thing. Maybe it opened up a little bit but we were so gassed we didn't get any chances to capitalize other than maybe one or two. For us if we can win in these situations that's great."--Brad Evans

Saturday, August 13, 2011 @ 6:15pm

Match review: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Chivas USA

by John Zielonka, mynorthwest.com

The Sounders kicked off a grueling fixture schedule by facing a pesky Chivas USA squad that managed to hold the Rave Green to a scoreless draw.

Seattle missed a penalty kick, failed to take advantage of their scoring chances, and were thwarted on two occasions in what appeared to be Chivas USA fouls inside the box.

Pat Noonan's frustration after his miss (Photo courtesy of Jane Gershovich-710 ESPN Seattle)

With Alvaro Fernandez streaking into the box in the 18th minute, he shot the ball towards the net. Chivas defender Michael Umana watched in horror as the ball hit his extended left hand. Referee Kevin Stott immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Fernandez stepped up and shot it to the right of of 'keeper Dan Kennedy. The ball hit the left post as Kennedy celebrated the miss.

Kennedy came up big in the second half to keep Seattle off the scoreboard. In the 50th minute he stopped Pat Noonan's deflection from a volley by Erik Friberg. The Chivas 'keeper extended his left hand while diving and pushed the ball wide of the net.

Fernandez was victimized again with 13 minutes left in the match. On a cross from James Riley to the back post, Fernandez's close shot ended up hitting Kennedy's knee near the left post.

Seattle will play in six matches between today's matchup against Chivas and the ending of August. The schedule calls over the next couple of weeks includes two MLS, one US Open Cup and two CONCACAF games.

In six MLS matchups, Chivas holds the edge against Seattle with two wins, one loss and three draws. Seattle has managed to notch only two goals in all those games.

Chivas now has lost just once in their last eight (3-1-4). Seattle extended its own hot hand with six wins in their last nine encounters.

The game ended in controversy. Referee Stott failed to call a penalty on Chivas' David Lopes on Lamar Neagle's run towards the endline. He was tripped by the feet of Lopes. Stott immediately indicated there was no foul. Friberg received a yellow card for his complaints.

Below is the video I captured after the match with Schmid's, Fraser's and Kennedy's thoughts on the scoreless draw.

Sunday, August 7, 2011 @ 9:44am

Match review: Sporting KC 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC

by John Zielonka, mynorthwest.com

The Sounders returned to their winning ways in MLS competitions by winning 2-1 with last minute heroics for the second time this year against Sporting KC. The home side had not lost since moving into their new home, Livestrong Sporting Park. KC's loss snapped a 14-game unbeaten streak.

Mauro Rosales notched the tying goal in the 90th minute. Two minutes later, he was the spark in setting up Lamar Neagle's second goal and game-winner of the year.

Kansas City's Kai Kamara scored the lone goal in the 20th minute. The home side played a man down when Omar Bravo was ejected in the 59th minute for a hard tackle on Pat Noonan.

Man of the match: Mauro Rosales

The diminutive midfielder has been the difference maker in many of Seattle's matches. Rosales has that special ability to make things happen. He played a role in both the game tying and winning efforts.

"This is three points for us and that is very important because we cannot be far behind LA and Dallas and we are very happy about that."--Mauro Rosales

"There was a deflection off one of our players, a very lucky goal. Running through three people, shooting, having a deflection. It's disappointing."--Jimmy Nielsen, Sporting KC goalie

Stoppage time jinx

In their May 21 encounter in Seattle, Jeff Parke scored in the 93rd minute to give the Sounders a 1-0 win over Kansas City. This matchup saw Sporting KC fold in similar fashion. They've allowed Seattle no goals in regulation but three in added time.

"There were some decisions that we made that weren't good decisions and it ended up biting us and those goals that were scored were a bit unlucky with balls going through guys legs and deflecting, but that's no excuse. It's a heartbreaker to not get any points."--Michael Harrington, Sporting KC defender

"We're ten men and everything at that point is going against us and believe me, it's not something that we take pride in giving up two goals. But at the same time when everything is being pushed against you and we're trying, Luke [Sassano] went down and that didn't help us with his knee. So we were nine guys, that was a difficulty."--Peter Vermes, Sporting KC manager

"At the end of the game we're still striving to get that win no matter what the score is even though we're down one or whatever it is, we still come back. We've gone down a goal many times, but we always seen to fight back and win the game, and that's what happened."--Lamar Neagle, Sounders FC forward

Beating the heat

Seattle played 120 minutes on Wednesday in their CONCACAF win over San Francisco FC. They traveled to Kansas City and played in 93 degree weather. Seattle managed to overcome the heat, humidity and fatigue to earn three important away points. The victory was head coach Sigi Schmid's 150th MLS win of his career.

"I feel like we're getting used to it. Panama, Houston, and now here, but we'll have some time at home now so we'll get a break. They have to deal with it too, they may be more used to it but at the end of the day it's going to be hot and we're both going to have to deal with it."--Lamar Neagle

"We also played on Wednesday for 120 minutes, so we are without legs and without power, but in the mind we were very focused and in the last part of the game we won."--Mauro Rosales

They said it

"They're a good team and there's a reason why they haven't been beat in fourteen games...Obviously difficult for them with Bravo getting sent off with thirty minutes left and even then they still had a couple chances, but credit to our guys they didn't give up and we got the three points."--Kasey Keller, Sounders FC goalie

"I was close to that but I completely forgot 150 certainly in the euphoria of the game. It just means that I fortunately have gotten to coach a lot of players in this league."--Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach