The 2012 season for Seattle was one of high expectations, but no result. The Sounders did manage to win their first ever playoff series, but ultimately crashed out due to lady luck gazing upon the opposition.
Seattle came so very close to hardware last season, but managed to miss out on each and every occasion. Earlier on in 2012, the Sounders handily reached the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, where luck shone upon Santos Laguna, who just so happened to be in the middle of a run of brilliant form. They then went on to lose the U.S. Open Cup Final, the one trophy that Seattle has been known to claim in recent years, to Sporting Kansas City in penalty kicks. From there, they lost in the Western Conference Finals against the soon-to-be MLS Cup champions, Los Angeles Galaxy. Beyond these losses though, the Sounders stated that they were strong contenders for whatever competition they entered.
The Desert Diamond Cup win with what was essentially their reserve squad over a full strength Real Salt Lake team does speak volumes as to the depth within this energetic squad. However, this season may be a bit tougher of a go for the Rave Green-clad team from the Pacific Northwest.
2012 MLS Record: 15-8-11, +18 Goal Differential, 56 pts. (3rd in West, advanced to Western Finals)
Major Transfers In: Djimi Traore, Shalrie Joseph, Lamar Neagle, DeAndre Yedlin
Major Transfers Out: Fredy Montero, Jeff Parke, Mike Seamon, O’Brian White
The Year of Transition
This year will be the first year that Seattle will be going through a major roster-based transition since their move into MLS in 2007. The major move of the off-season was the loss of Fredy Montero on loan to Columbian side, Millonarios. Montero was the all-rounder up front, able to stretch defenses to provide space for his attacking counterparts and was able to drop deep and create from the middle of the park. It will be a very difficult to replace someone who has become so synonymous with the Sounders brand of play, such as Montero, but it isn’t impossible.
Jeff Parke leaves a defense that looks surprisingly vulnerable this season. This is due in large part to his departure as a mainstay in the center and the freak injury to Patrick Ianni, an injury that happened during a simple jump test. This puts a lot of pressure on Jhon Henry Hurtado to perform at his highest, while avoiding injury like the plague. This does open a few doors to those looking for a breakthrough into the senior squad, specifically the Generatino Adidas newcomer, Eriq Zavaleta.
Sigi Schmid seems to have opted to play the mercurial goalscorer in his secondary role in preseason play, as he is just as good in his defensive role as he is attacking the goal. The former Hoosier could play a big role over the course of the season for the Sounders, if not immediately, if he can step up into the role, providing a big defensive relief for a Seattle squad looking rather thin at the back.
Who to Watch For
Eddie Johnson steps into the side with the chance to make a big name for himself. With Montero gone for the time being and Zaquani back into a very strong midfield, Johnson could lead a potential goalscoring machine. This becomes even more evident when word comes out that former Wolfsburg and Newcastle striker, Obafemi Martins is set to join Seattle soon, solidifying an already mouth-watering attacking side.
Speaking of Martins, the Nigerian international could hold the keys to success for the Sounders this season. Though the side is in transition, the blistering pace and devastating finishing ability of the 28-year-old forward could really liven up a side in need of an all-around forward to support Johnson in the attack.
Finally, on the defensive side of things, Michael Gspurning looks to be the main man between the pipes for the Sounders this season. Gspurning’s tenure in goal will not go unchallenged though, as Marcus Hahnemann returns to the place where his professional career began. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers ‘keeper was dubbed the “Best Goalkeeper in the World” in 2009, helping Wolves out of the relegation zone in the Premier League thanks to a streak of stellar performances. Expect this battle for that starting spot in the back to only lead to good things for Seattle.
Projected Lineup
Sigi Schmid will look to continue his current 4-4-2 formation for the beginning of the season. Come March 2nd, the lineup should roughly look like this:
GK: Gspurning
DEF: Gonzalez, Traore, Hurtado, Johannson
MID: Zakuani, Evans, Alonso, Martinez
FOR: Johnson, Rosales
Expect Shalrie Joseph in on heavy rotation within the center of the park throughout the early part of the season, as Schmid looks to find who gels the best with whom. Yedlin and Zavaleta could see playing time in early cup competitions, but it may be a while before they get a start in the league. Ianni will also be thrown into the mix in the back once he regains full fitness, so expect him, Hurtado, and Traore all to be tried out together early on.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
