Season 2 Getting Underway

Freddie Ljungberg reported to camp today. To me that means we can finally start talking about the 2010 MLS season.

Expectations 

Making the playoffs. That's what I feel I can EXPECT from this team. However, based on last year's performance, I think it's reasonable to believe that the Sounders can win a playoff series and maybe even advance to a conference final.

Additions and Subtractions 

Count me as one of the few Seattle fans that is happy to see Le Toux go. I don't think he really added anything to the table beyond hustle. Dogs hustle. Soccer players should be smarter than just chasing a ball around a park. Unfortunately, this is MLS, and it's hard to find serviceable replacements. David Estrada and some of the other draft picks may step in and contribute as much if not more than Le Toux did. But as of right now, the biggest improvement this team is going to see in 2010 will come from continuity and the increased familiarity that comes with it.

Off-Season Disappointments

To date, Seattle hasn't picked up any players of significance. I saw a rumor months ago that Seattle had signed a Moroccan player, but that hasn't come to pass. If I'm being an impatient fan, I want to see Seattle sign a central midfielder with some serious talent. Somebody who can play 360 degrees, hold and distribute the ball, and also be a strong tackler. That may be a lot to ask, but I think we can find somebody abroad that can be a playmaker. Somebody with the technical and tactical ability to make a big impact on the offense. That we haven't picked up anybody like this, or for that matter, anybody at all, is disappointing.

The pre-season lasts for a long time, nearly 7 weeks, so we still have a long way to go before the season starts. In that time, Seattle could easily sign one or two foreign players.