Carey Talley Fan Club

My notes going into this game started with, “a game when 0-0 will say a lot.” How does the proverbial non-statement final score swing that order? By providing some answers on the state of Seattle Sounders FC’s offense; by revealing something about the strategic approaches both clubs seem to have adopted in the end-run to the 2009 campaign; by saying something about both clubs’ standing-tall defenses: that’s a lot to put on a score, but it’s bearing the burden admirably. That’s the what, but one has to watch the game to get the how....

No, I don’t try like I used to in terms of keeping the score secret….at least it’s not posted in neon. And I won’t tax your patience besides – had to watch this while cooking a big ol’ Southern dinner for the family (ribs, greens, corn, etc.) – which is good seeing as I have a lot to do before bed.

If you’re looking for this game’s defining moment, consider Kyle Beckerman running into (I believe) Osvaldo Alonso. Not tackling, not even in the futbol Americano sense of the word; I mean, Beckerman literally just caused...

Not much to write about the result. Another draw. Yes, another. It wasn't such a bad game; it even opened up nicely at several points and had some interesting little diversions on top of featuring two lovely goals scored. Unfortunately, those came one for each side. And so we have a tie. Sigh...

I think the big question for me is why Fox Soccer Channel makes Todd Grisham man his station - e.g. sit at his on-field broadcast booth - throughout the game. Couldn't the guy sit somewhere where he can relax a little, maybe a...

Some games are physical. Dub this one bruising, especially for the first 45. The image at right captures the spirit of Chivas USA's approach to the game. And no player, um, expresses that so ably as...

Human Symbol of the Match: Atiba Harris
The most highly ironic moment of this game occurred when Seattle Sounders FC’s Zak Scott picked up a card for a foul on Atiba Harris. As much as I applaud Harris’ consistent effort, he’s a thug, perhaps even a goon, that...

It seems that what separates Toronto FC from Seattle – and I mean apart from the two goals Sounders FC scored that TFC didn’t – is balance. Max Bretos tells me Seattle “exudes” balance, which Toronto may only – I don’t know – “emit”? Then again, this is the same guy who spoke of Toronto and Seattle both being “in the thick of the playoff chase” in the third game of the season.

At any rate, glad to know it’s just balance because that saves me from having to type...

Welcome to this first preview of the 2009 season. Today’s topic will be the New Kids of the Block (pictured at right….youthful as me these days), Sounders FC, this year’s expansion team…which Major League Soccer (MLS) seems to be adding annually of late. Only one change from the post announcing this series: “Which Players I’m Pulling For” - which is, much like this site, vague and narcissistic – will now be titled and managed as “Key Players You Might Forget to Watch” because, honestly, we all know who to watch, so why not spend...