I hope RSL does give something back to the Sounders either in the way of cash, better game or player loan. Maybe they could send back a player on loan for a year? Perhaps someone like Besagno or Watson who won't be playing on the senior squad? IMO it would be much better for him to play in Seattle for a year than play a handful of games for the reserve team. Besides, isn't he from the Seattle area?
If you throw in a player loan along with the exhibition match, that's fair. I hope Adrian is working out a good deal for the Sounders.
No way Ellinger lets his golden boy go anywhere. Watch for Besagno to get some RSL first team playing time in the summer.
A player loaned would have to be someone who is bound for the RSL reserve team. Seattle is in need of a set-up type forward (to nick the ball over to Welton) and also another midfielder. So, if RSL have anyone like that who might be reserve-bound, I guess I could see the logic for both sides wanting it to happen. As for Besagno, other than the publicity his playing in Seattle would bring...why would the Sounders want a 16-year-old? He was drafted by RSL/Ellinger to secure his rights for the future, *not* to play first-team ball in 2005, right?
I doubt Watson either. One less forward on the team is not a good thing. I would look for him to get some playing time with Mathis absent a bit.
am excited to hear O'Brien looks like he will be on the team. am interested to see how he will make the jump to MLS, how he will make the jump. he may not be the second coming of Mardona, but I think he can be a solid contributer who will provide some scoring punch at some key times when you most need it. we'll see.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2002216623_regr23.html O'Brien signs one-year deal with RSL. Trust me, Seattle are getting more than just a friendly in return. As our owner stated to me personally..."Don't believe everything you hear on the street or see in the papers."
RSL just profiled O'Brien on their site. Pretty good read for those of us most unfamiliar with him. http://real.saltlake.mlsnet.com/MLS...ent_id=24727&vkey=news_rsl&fext=.jsp&team=rsl
RSL to visit Seattle May 11, Qwest Field, 7 PM http://www.seattlesounders.net/cgi-bin/pressrelease.cgi?ID=226
Here's a gallery from the Special Olympics fundraiser match Leighton sponsored in Seattle, January 2005. http://soundercentral.com/gallery/January-21,-2005-Charity-Match Chad Brown, Sounders middie, at left...Leighton O'Brien holding ball at right.