Ask Adrian: Sounders GM gives hints about 2010 season

I just finished exchanging emails with Seattle Sounders FC GM Adrian Hanauer. Occasionally I will send Hanauer a few questions that fans are wondering about over on the GOALSeattle.com forums. This time around I asked about offseason roster moves, Field Turf, international friendlies, and more...

Seattle Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer looks out across Qwest Field as 66,000 fans await the kick off with Barcelona last August. (Jenni Conner)

What personnel moves or training adjustments are Sounders FC considering to address the lack of goals in the second half of 2009?

Hanauer: "We want to score more goals next season.  Part of that may be accomplished by players who have a season of MLS under their belts, some may come from better training and preparation, and some may be the result of personnel changes. Getting better in the off-season is a priority.  Period.  We are not going to speak about specific positions or players." 

Fans are talking about 2010 uniforms. Will there be a alternate 3rd kit? One rumor says it might be yellow? Can you confirm or deny?

"There may be an alternate 3rd kit at some point next year.   I love surprises… don’t you?"

Give fans a general sense about the 2010 Superdraft. A deep year? A lean year?

"It should be a decent SuperDraft.  Perhaps not as deep as last year, but still quite strong.  We are not going to mention specific players for obvious reasons."

Will you be going abroad to scout this offseason? Where?

"Yes.  South America, Africa, Europe."

The surface at Qwest Field: How would you say it played in year one? Is permanent grass eventually a possibility?

"Our players liked the surface.  Would they prefer perfect grass?  Yes.  But as you saw this season… there were very few perfect pitches in MLS this year… especially in stadiums that have multiple uses.    (I know it seems) We almost certainly will always have FieldTurf in Qwest Field.  Never say never, however, and as technology for growing and maintaining grass evolves… there is always a chance."

After season one, are Sounders FC behind, on track or ahead of your three to five year plan? How so?

"Our 5 Year Plan is to establish ourselves internationally, both on and off the field.   I believe that we are well on our way, in both respects.   Off the field, we need to continue to sell out games, add quality sponsors, improve tv ratings, sell merchandise, and expand the reach of our brand.   On the field, we have Champions League in 2010/11 as opportunity to compete in CONCACAF, and hopefully, qualify to play at the World Club Championships."

Will our 2010 Champions League play-in home match be at Qwest or Starfire?

"Undecided.   Part of the decision may depend on the draw.  There are also discussions on-going on ways to increase capacity at Starfire."

For 2010 international friendlies at Qwest, can you give fans a hint at possible leagues or parts of the world you are looking at?

"Europe and South America.   The added challenge this year is that teams will lose players for the World Cup.  We want to deliver quality friendlies, so we will be taking that into account."

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