Dave's random mumblings…

Seattle had what was best called a functional performance in the 2-1 win over Western conference side Colorado. This continued the run of good results over the last couple of weeks and is threatening to turn into an actual run up the table. Seven points from the last 9 on offer, and a semi-final place in the Open cup and there are reasons for this emerging confidence from what’s been a poor year up to now.

New signing Blaise Nkufo warming up

Seattle played a solid game on Sunday against Colorado. The defence was faced with a very physical attack led by Conner Casey, Pat Iaani and Jeff Parke responded in kind and with the exception of the goal did a good job at the back.

The Colorado was well taken; Casey sent Parke the wrong way and finished with a shot that gave Keller no chance. During the second half Seattle soaked up a lot of pressure and a couple of great saves from Keller preserved the win for Seattle. This was another step in the correct direction, Seattle has been in this position before, defending a late lead, and given the game away in the last few minutes of the game.

Another big night under the lights

It’s difficult to say Seattle is a better team with out Ljungberg in the line up, especially on the form he showed last season, but they seem somehow to be a more complete team.

There are a few positive signs and the team seems to be heading into the correct direction.

Sounders 2, Rapids 1

Wednesday night and it’s time for the first CONCACAF Champions League game. The sounders have been pushing the Wednesday night game with the slogan “There are times for friendlies, this is not one of them”. Most football fans know of the European Champions League, the best clubs in Europe battle it out for glory (a considerable pot of money) and a place in the World Club Championship.

This is north and Central America’s version, the winner goes to the World Club Championship for a go at the ultimate club title.

Seattle plays it’s first leg against Metapan, the El Salvadorian champions, the winner of this tie goes into the group stage for another 6 games against Central American sides.

It will be a chance to have a look at a different style of football, in places like El Salvador the passion for the game runs deep, but the money to develop and compete is scarce.

Metapan are no easy win, especially as Seattle has to travel to El Salvador next week for the second leg of the tie. They have won the local league four times in the last 7 years, have a number of players with international experience in the squad and have played on this stage before.

Last year they made it to the group stages of the champion’s league and posted a win over Houston during the competition. I don’t think this is a team the Sounders can take lightly. The big player is midfielder Paolo Suarez. The name may be familiar as he’s the elder brother of Luis Suarez, who stopped a certain goal with his hand during the Uruguay – Ghana game at the World Cup Finals.

Ultimately I think Seattle should be able to use their speed, fitness (Metapan are about to start their season) and tactical discipline to move into the knock out stages where some big games await. This is when the real fun should begin.

Liverpool are not having a good year and tonight they were knocked out of the Champions League. It’s the first time since Benitez arrived in 2004 that the team has failed to make the knock out stages.

Liverpool were in a position where they needed other teams results to start going their way. They had to win and Fiorentina needed to drop points to Lyon. Liverpool beat Debrecen 1-0 in Budapest, however the Italian club beat Lyon by the same score.

The board has given him a vote of confidence and like the players, publicly state are fully behind the manager.

Saturday they play away at Everton in the first of the Liverpool derbys this year, while it’s not a must win game, they are 13 points behind the leaders and 6 points away from a place in the Champions League next year.

They need to start winning, clearly the Premier League is beyond them once again. I find it staggering that it’s been almost 20 years since the mighty reds last won the title. They were the team to beat in the 70’s and 80’s and at their height under Bob Paisley were possibly the best club side Europe has ever seen.

Real Madrid with Puskas or Liverpool with Dalglesh, two teams that were technically superior to anyone else. It would have been something to see.

As with every other failure in European Football there are significant financial implications. Making it into the first round of the knock out phase was worth maybe $4 Million, going al the way to the final was worth an estimated $70-80 to Barcelona last year. Again the sums money being thrown around is just staggering.