I win you, Please

Veteran's Day '08

On Formations and Fullbacks
Or: Why James Riley Was Left Unprotected You'll probably need some understanding of the formation aspect of soccer strategy before reading. Wikipedia is a good resource, and if you've watched many Sounders games you'll have picked up quite a lot of information as well. Sorry in advance for the English spelling. Four at the back, one or two at the front. While there exist a huge variety of midfield combinations a Major League Soccer team can run with, the formations are typically bracketed by these five or six players. I imagine at this point several of you are already readying th

Sounders Release List of Players Protected in the Upcoming Expansion Draft
Jose Romero ReportsList of players: Alonso, Osvaldo Evans, Brad Gonzalez, Leo Hurtado, Jhon Kennedy Ianni, Patrick Jaqua, Nate Keller, Kasey Ljungberg, Freddie Marshall, Tyrone Montero, Fredy Zakuani, Steve   Interesting that Riley was left off the list.There seems to be some disagreement among Sounders fans on how effective Riley has been as a defender. Perhaps the team thought he indeed had significant weaknesses. If the Union selects him, who replaces him

The Cost vs Quality Conumdrum
The 2009 MLS season is now in the books, and a final long on quantity (120 minutes plus penalties), but short on quality has crowned Real Salt Lake the champions. I'm sure the streets of Salt Lake City will be in full Rio Carnaval mode well into the middle of the day. Elsewhere, GMs around the league will roll into their offices and continue the process of building their teams so they can take RSL's place on the podium next year. The long term strategy of MLS has always had a strong emphasis on containing costs and anyone familiar with the history of soccer in the US knows why that is. Blockbuster transfers for international superstars will not be a featuring in MLS for a very long t

Refereeing and What To Do About It
Referees have once again made their way into the headlines and for once MLS has no apologies to make. In the second leg of a UEFA World Cup Qualification playoff, Thierry Henry made a vital assist, crossing across the face of goal to William Gallas' head to score the tying goal. The goal pulled France level in the match and ahead 2-1 on aggregate. There was a problem, though. See if you can spot it in this video. You might have noticed the clear handball Henry commits to control the ball before his cross. If you did, you're a step ahead of the match officials, who never saw the offense and therefore allowed the goal to stand. Apparently,

Out for Supporter Summit and Cup Final Activities
CarlosT will be posting a story or two here and Sunday morning I may be able to finish my write-up on Vagenas and Ianni.  I may not make my old deadline, but I will do what I can.  If you aren't going to the Supporters Summit you will be able to watch the Summit Proper at MLSNet.com (1PM EST/10AM PST) in its live stream tomorrow.  It should be a great show.  Tonight we will be at Fado starting our silent auction for Seattle Children's Hospital, so will the French Connection - Roger and Seba Steve Davis, www.DailySoccerFix.com has added tw