What's happening this week

Sorry for the extreme lack of posts last week, I was vacation and forgot my computer charger. Fail. Won't happen again. Nonetheless, here's this week's happenings.

(Note: All Mariners games spring training games.)

Monday: Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics at 12:05 PM. No T.V. or radio. BUT Felix is pitching, so it's worth paying attention to.


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Tuesday: Mariners vs. San Francisco Giants at 12:05 PM. No T.V. or radio.

Wednesday: 1. Sounders wrap up their preseason with a game against the Colorado rapids at 7:00 at Quest Field. It will be broadcast on KONG, and all benefits will go to charity.

2. Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at 12:05 PM. Broadcast on MLB Network. No radio.

Thursday: 1. Washington squares off against Washington State in the quarterfinals of the PAC-10 basketball tournament. The game will be broadcast on FSN at 8:30. If WSU were to win, it would their third win against the Dawgs, completing the season sweep.

2. Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels at 12:05 PM. No T.V. or radio.

Friday: 1. With the NFL CBA being renewed last week, the new deadline for a new deal between the NFL owners and players is 5:00 PM Friday. Don't count out another 7-day extension though.

2. PAC-10 Tournament Semifinals. If UW were to win on Thursday, they would face either UCLA, Oregon, or Arizona State depending on how earlier games go. Broadcast on FSN at 8:30.

3. Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians at 12:05 PM. Radio 710 ESPN Seattle. No T.V.

Saturday: 1. PAC-10 Championship on CBS at 3:00 PM.

2. Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics at 12:05 PM. Radio 710 ESPN Seattle. No. T.V.

Sunday: Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels at 1:05 PM. Radio 710 ESPN Seattle. No T.V.

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SOUNDERS FC: Weekend recap

Friday: Timbers: 2 Sounders: 0

The good news for the Sounders is that there were many positives during the match. The Sounders controlled the ball for much of the time, however gave up two goals on counter attacks.

The play defensively seemed a bit out of sync at times, which proved costly on the two Timbers goals. The midfield was solid enough to get the ball forward to create chances, but was slow getting back on defense, which led to an advantage for Portland. The play up front was very lackluster. There were limited opportunities, and the ones that were available were squandered.

To Continue...The theme of the match seemed to be the lack of finishing which has been absent throughout the preseason. In nine pre-season matches the group labeled “The Big Four,” Blaise Nkufo, Fredy Montero, Steve Zakuani, and Alvaro Fernandez have scored zero in match goals. Montero only scoring on two penalty kicks.

The lack of finishing seemed to be a problem in many matches last year, and is already surfacing as an issue for the upcoming season. While it is a concern for head coach Sigi Schmid, he is not panicking yet.

“They want to get goals, we want them to get goals, so it's not a situation of people not wanting it to happen. I think we're around it, we're close to it, but that front four hasn't scored yet,” head coach Sigi Schmid said.

Sunday: Whitecaps: 3 Sounders: 2

The match featured Sounders reserves, which for most was their first crack at the starting 11. It was good to see some of the new players get some time, and for the most part they impressed. Recently signed Swedish midfielder Erik Friberg was very impressive in the center. Michael Tetteh, who was given the start at left-mid, showed great touch and was able to create space between him and his defender.

Just as in Friday’s match, the Sounders seemed to be the ones in control of the game, but mental lapses led to two early goals for Vancouver. Roger Levesque managed to put one in just before half to cut the deficit to one.

After giving up a goal just as the second half began, Miguel Montano scored on a cross that again cut the margin to one. Though the Sounders had some great chances at an equalizer, the score stood, giving the Whitecaps the win.

The Sounders will host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday in the final tune-up before the regular season gets underway. Match time is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.


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SOUNDERS FC: I-5 Rivalry continues

The rivalry between the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers has been one of the best for years. The hatred between the Sounders group (Emerald City Supporters) and the Timbers (Timbers Army) has stemmed back to the USL days. Up until now, the support groups have mostly bashed one another through blogs and internet sites, but this Friday will bring them face to face.

The Sounders and Timbers will square off Friday at Starfire Complex in Tukwilla, Wa. Match time is slated for 7:30 and tickets are sold out.

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In many aspects the Timbers are like the little brother of the Sounders. Much like siblings, these brothers will stop at nothing to be better than the other, hoping to gain the approval of dad. Or, as in this case, the Pacific Northwest. Some might refer to this sibling rivalry as brotherly love, but it seems the only love these two teams share is their love for the game.

Similar to brothers intentionally pressing buttons in hopes of irritating one another, the Timbers recently pressed a monster-sized button that enraged Sounders fans and has added fuel to this already heated rivalry. The Timbers put up a billboard promoting Portland soccer in Seattle. This is the ultimate slap in the face. The billboard is less than a mile away from Qwest and it can be seen when parking on the south side of the stadium. Just looking at the billboard for Sounders fans is sickening. It screams disrespect. A disrespect that the Sounders look to take into their own hands this Friday.

No matter the outcome of Fridays match, I believe the Sounders still play the role of the older brother when it comes to this rivalry. Not only are they more experienced, but also I believe the Sounders roster is much deeper. The Timbers have stocked their back line with talented defenders that will more than likely give the Sounders forwards a run for their money, but the real question is for how long? If the Timbers do in fact manage to keep a clean slate through the first chunk of the match, they will most certainly be tested. What happens when the already tired and worn Timbers defense faces a fresh substitution such as Mike Fucito, Nate Jaqua, or perhaps even O’brian White? The Timbers don’t have the depth to bring in a sub that would effectively counter the Sounders substitution.

Though I believe the Sounders currently have the upper hand in this rivalry, it doesn’t mean it will last. My dad always told me that my younger brother would eventually catch up with me if I weren’t careful. I never paid too much attention to this until the day it happened, but by then it was too late. The Timbers have passed the drivers test and their maturation has put them on the same road as the Sounders, the MLS. It is now up to the Sounders to make sure they are the ones in the drivers seat while little brother rides passenger, or heck, put him in the backseat.


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SEAHAWKS: Leon Washington re-signs with 'Hawks

Running back and special teams star Leon Washington has reportedly agreed to re-sign with the Seahawks.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it's believed the deal is structured to pay $12.5 million over a four year period with an additional $3.5 million in incentives that could be earned based on Washington's performance as a running back.

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The Seahawks acquired Washington in a trade with the Jets during the 2010 NFL draft, with the Hawks exchanging a 5th round pick for a Jets 7th rounder and Washington. Leon was coming off a broken leg at that point, which is one of the reasons the Seahawks had to give up so little to acquire the former Pro Bowler.

Washington, 28, was one of the Seahawks' most successful additions. He returned 3 kickoffs for touchdowns this year, including two against the San Diego Chargers, and almost returned a punt for a TD against Carolina.

With the NFL experiencing a possible lockout, it was important for the Seahawks to lock up Washington to make sure he didn’t go anywhere in the possible work stoppage.

The 3.5 million in incentives suggest the Seahawks have a plan for Washington to be more involved in the offense, rather than just be a pure special teamer.

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