Monday, April 11, 2011

SOUNDERS FC: News & Notes

O'Brian White
If you haven’t already heard, the Sounders picked up their first win of the year on Saturday! Two first half goals proved to be enough to secure a much needed three points.

The first goal came from O’brian White, who was able to get his head on a ball directing it near post. The lead didn’t last long though, less than a minute later Diego Chaves scored for the Fire, knotting the score at 1-1.

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In the 25th minute Zakuani took a pass from White and headed to goal. He managed to beat his defender to slide home the eventual game-winning goal.

Kasey Keller’s remarkable goal keeping in the second half helped the Sounders keep the Fire from tying the score.

Things I took away from the match…

1) It seems O’brian White has secured his spot as the target forward. With goals in the last two games, he has looked like the player the coaches raved about during the pre-season.

2) Mauro Rosales again played well. He had the assist on the first goal. The question that comes to mind is, what will happen to Rosales when Montero returns?

Rosales has been filling in at forward in the absence of Montero, and his play has been superb. It would be a shame for Rosales to not be in the starting 11, and I think he has earned the right to do so.

Sigi has been content the last few games with starting Erik Friberg on the outside, however let’s remember Rosales is more accustomed to playing a midfield position. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sigi put Rosales in the place of Friberg. Rosales is not yet fit enough to go a full 90, which might mean Friberg would then come on as an early substitution for him.

3) Yes, the Sounders did only concede one goal on Saturday, but man did the defense look shaky at times. It seemed as if they were not on the same page, which led to sloppy play. If it were any one else in goal for the Sounders, they would have been lucky to just earn a draw. Keller proved why he is one of the all time greats. He made some saves Saturday that 41-year-olds just don’t make, but he did.

The Sounders (1-2-2) will now head on the road to face the Philadelphia Union (3-1-0), who beat the Red Bulls 1-0 last weekend.

Match time is at 1 p.m. and will be televised on KONG television. Check back later in the week for a match preview.

Reach Ryan Kinney at rkinney20@gmail.com