Kasey Keller dives in the first half at Houston as Dynamo player Dominic Oduro 's shot hits the post. (SoundersFC.com photo)
The inaugural season of Seattle Sounders FC has come to an end after a 1:0 overtime defeat at the Houston Dynamo. Gonzaga graduate and former Sounder (2002) Brian Ching scored early in overtime to carry the Orange.
Update: LA edges Chivas USA, Western Conference will pit Dynamo v. Galaxy.
It was a match the Sounders never really played well in, never found any rhythm in, never found their feet on offense in. It is clear that after the goodbyes of the season that job number one will be for Hanauer and company to find attacking players who can both create and finish. The 2009 Sounders were built to score goals and entertain and yet ended up having a solid defense with a lack of production up front. You would think a roster with Ljungberg, Montero, Zakuani and Jaqua would be a potent one, but after league defenses learned how to mess the Seattle attack up, Seattle never came up with an answer. Is the eventual answer to remain patient and hope a second season brings better team work? Or, have the Sounders brass seen enough zeros on the scoreboard to bring in more talent?
The second leg against Houston was a plodding affair with unattractive play on both sides and precious few chances created. It harkened back to the way Seattle played during its string of goalless matches at Qwest Field between July and October. It ended a very nice debut season with just a bit of a sour taste.
The Sounders accomplished so much in establishing their club and franchise in 2009. They led the league in attendance, had high TV ratings numbers, won the United States Open Cup, and qualified for the Major League Soccer playoffs. All of this despite the drought of goals from July onwards.
Now Sounders FC fans can look forward to hosting MLS Cup and seeing the next MLS Champion crowned in person at Qwest Field, even though that winner will not be wearing Rave Green.
It was a fun debut season. If not for the lack of goals and paltry overall offensive display in the final months, it could have been even better. As first run-outs go, though, It was a winner.
Here's to much more to come.
This entry will be updated as links and video become available.
Seattle P-I: Sounders' season over after 1:0 loss
Goal.com: Houston & Seattle player ratings
Goal.com: Houston ousts Seattle with extra time Ching volley
Seattle Times: Season ends under dark skies
SoundersFC.com: Match play-by-play
MLSnet.com: 5th time's a charm for Dynamo
Freddie Ljungberg and the Sounders offense just couldn't get any cohesion during the shutout loss in Houston. (SoundersFC.com photo)
Comments
Great first half of 2009, brutal second half. Nice Open Cup win. Poor playoff showing. Room for much improvement in 2010.
Which Sounders should I remember? The goal-scoring whizzes of April, May and June, or the inept dolts on offense of August through November?
Houston was better in the series. Ljungberg didn't come through.
I'd be fine not bringing most of the attackers back.
Thanks for a great first season, Sounders FC! :)
Sigh. When is the 2010 home opener? :)
Along with establishing a lot of positive 'traits' in 2009, I am afraid we have also established ourselves as a club that chokes around the goal. Only new personnel can fix that.
My name is hamza mohamud i am from kenya and i always dream to become professional soccer player and i always dream to become fc sounder player and i am working hard to become fc sounder player
if you are 15 years old can you play with fc sounder team?
i want to play in fc sounder team
my email is mohamudmohamed45@yahoo.com
Hamza Mohamud, you need to contact the Sounders at SoundersFC.com.
Keep the faith. After only one season, we have all the reason in the world for optimism.
With a stout defense, young attacking talent, and Freddie Ljungberg, we are one creative center mid and one more experienced true finisher away from the MLS Cup.
I've got no reason to believe the FO won't improve our attacking options next season, and if the rest holds, we have a good shot at improving our overall performance.
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